filmwill

It's been asked before but that won't stop me from asking again. Currently we're booked at the Imperial for a 2 night stay at the beginning of our trip to India. I know that the Imperial is VERY centrally located and I do love the colonial style. That said, the Leela looks like a knockout. That, and it's a bit cheaper for a better room category. But Castle & King tells me it's a good 25 minutes drive from the city center.

Yes, we'll have a car and driver so maybe that doesn't matter?

Aesthetically speaking, the photos I've seen of the Leela seem much more "our style" -- but I do appreciate the fact that it seems like you could walk outside the Imperial and do things. Given, though, that we're barely in ND for 48hrs and have ample touring set up it may not matter.

Curious to know the thoughts of folks who have experience either.

Craig

The Leela is located in the diplomatic enclave about 12 minutes from the Imperial. Yes, it is less centrally located, but I don't think it matters that much for your purposes. If the Leela appeals to you more, I would go for it. The only thing that is really convenient to the Imperial is the Cottage Industries Emporium, which is literally across the street. If a quick shopping trip at fixed prices for virtually everything sold in northern India is a priority, I would stay at the Imperial.

rhkkmk

I don't think you will find yourselves going out from any indian hotel to explore.

Marija

We walked to the Jantar Mantar observatory and Connaught Place from the Imperial. We liked the hotel, despite its failure to honor our reservation.

lcuy

I always go walking around my hotels! There is a lot to do and see around the Imperial and their restaurants are very nice ; The Spice Route for dinner and breakfast at Cafe 1911 (or some other date!). The doormen (and women) were always wonderful, but the rest of the staff were rather full of themselves. I found the rooms sore of hit or miss. All were clean and decorated nicely, but like any old hotel the room configurations and the views of the grounds vary widely.

The last few times though, we stayed at the Oberoi or the Shangri-la, as the Imperial prices were ridiculous, especially as their long promised pool and spa were still under construction.

Cabs are so cheap though, I think I'd choose the actual hotel over the location next time. If you're feeling interested in the Leela, I'd recommend that!

Satvik123

Hi Dear Fodorites.

In a nutshell Leela Palace is bigger and better than the Imperial.
If the fight of opinion is between these 2 then Leela it is,Based in Diplomat Enclave,Chanakyapuri.(an uptown posh area indeed like its name).
Now if you are open to further options then I'd like to add 2 personal options 1-Taj Palace and the Next Neighbor to it ITC Maurya. Both these Hotels are like the Landmarks of new Delhi and are rich in culture and history which the Leela lacks as it was opened in 2010 only.

Everyone from the ranks of Clintons to George Bush have stayed at either of these 2 properties.From the Tony Blair to the David Cameroon and the list goes on and on.



Satvik