Nick Walton checks into Delhi’s newest hotspot, the Leela Palace, to discover the epitome of contemporary Indian hospitality.

As soon as you get to the Leela Palace New Delhi, the Indian capital’s newest and arguably most luxurious hotel, you know you’ve arrived somewhere special. Located at the very heart of the capital’s prestigious Diplomatic Enclave, this palatial house of slumber boasts regal interiors, an elegant vaulted lobby, world-class restaurants and the largest rooms in the city. Each of the hotel’s 259 lavish guest rooms and suites, which include three decked out with private plunge pools and a luxurious 400sqm presidential penthouse, is elegant yet practical, while the hotel’s staff are some of the best trained I’ve ever encountered.

I arrived at the hotel late in the evening and was greeted by flaming torches in the lobby, towering Sihk doormen and a simple ceremony of flower garlands and lit candles conducted by hotel staff. It’s a great way to feel welcomed and is presented to all new guests. I was quickly ushered to my room where my passport was scanned, my signature taken and room specifics explained.

The guest rooms at the Leela Palace are perfectly suited for business or leisure travellers. My entry level Grande Deluxe room measures 51sqm and features JBL iPod docking stations, iTouch digivalet systems, Sony LCD televisions, high speed internet and extreamly elegant interiors in cream, royal red and gold. The bathroom, with its over-sized shower, massive bathtub, double vanities and mirror television, is a pleasure after a long day exploring the capital, while the room also features plenty of storage space for suits and luggage. There is also a large work space and picture windows overlooking the leafy Diplomatic Enclave.

If you’re travelling to the Indian capital for business, you might choose to head for the Royal Club, the hotel’s executive level. Accommodation on the two Royal Club floors grants access to the Royal Club Lounge, an elegant and exclusive dining space with round-the-clock service, complimentary airport transfers and express check-in / check-out facilities.

Fitness facilities are becoming increasingly important to regular travellers and the Leela Palace’s gym is sizable and sophisticated for a relatively small hotel and equipped with the latest cardio machines, each of which comes with iPod and USB connectivity as well as cable television. What impressed me was the dedicated fitness staff, who did more than the usual towel and water bottle distributors. These personal instructors were always on hand to offer guidance and motivation and made getting down to the gym regularly all the more easy. Adjacent to the fitness centre is the usual sauna and steam facilities, a juice bar and a spa managed by global brand ESPA. Designed by Jeffrey Wilkes, the spa draws its inspiration from Indian heritage and offers a comprehensive Ayurvedic treatment menu alongside its regular menu.

Of course, dining is always an important component of any Indian five star hotel. Breakfasts in The Qube, a glass-encased restaurant overlooking a manicured lawn, are always sensational and bathed in sunshine from floor-to-ceiling windows, while the Library, an elegant space reminiscent of an English club, is the perfect spot for a post-work tipple. Jamavar, the hotel’s signature Indian restaurant, is coveted among locals, and is already making a name for itself with its hand-crafted authentic Northwest Frontier cuisine. The Leela has also recently opened a branch of Megu, the iconic Japanese restaurant from New York, and has partnered with Sirio Maccioni’s Le Cirque, offering fresh Mediterranean cuisine.

The Leela Palace
Chanakyapuri,
Diplomatic Enclave,
New Delhi, India,
Tel: +91 11 3933 1234
www.theleela.com

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