Hi - I'm wondering which hotel people think is better is Dehli: the Taj on Mansingh road or the Imperial. I realize the Imperial has the old world charm but am wondering if the Taj is just a better, more modern, more luxurious hotel? I would really appreciate anyone's thoughts so i can get these hotel rooms locked in...

We will be in Delhi in February and staying at the Imperial. When I originally began to respond to this post, I thought you were referring to the Oberoi, which I think would give the Imperial a run for its money if it was not so poorly situated. My perception of the Taj properties is that they are a step below the Imperial and Oberoi in quality.

we had considered the oberoi but the general opinion i gathered was that it wasn't as good as the imperial. i am all for world class charm, but in the end of the day, a beautiful modern hotel is also appreciated. if the imperial is going to have a dingy feel to it....it would seriously detract from the charm...

confusion! not sure what to do...

Depends which Taj...there are 2...or atleast there used to be 2. If its the Taj Mansingh, its close to Connought place..Imperial is bang in the middle of Janpath which is a very busy part of town..upside is you're close to some Shopping venues etc...

I would also suggest trying the Intercontinental which is in Nehru Place in South Delhi and is closer to GK1, South Extension and GK 2 which are great shopping destinations as well...and are not that busy a location.

You can also try the Nikko which is in Connought Place as well, where all the emporiums are, but its in a side street so less of crazy traffic. Its a smaller hotel but a very nice one.

From what I understand the Imperial has been recently restored so I wouldn't worry about it having a "dingy" feel to it.

Had afternoon tea at the Imperial at the end of October and can confirm it is most definitely a beautiful hotel. If the rooms are anything like as splendid as the public parts it would be an ideal choice, given its location. It is full of atmosphere.
We stayed at the ITC Maurya Sheraton which, whilst a most comfortable and luxurious hotel, is a bit off the beaten track in the Diplomatic Enclave. I'm afraid I can't comment on either Taj hotel. Hope this helps.

Have no worries - the Imperial underwent an extensive modernisation and is now a charming colonial building with all conceivable modern facilites. The only down side I can imagine vs the Taj would be if you have to walk a bit from the elevator to your room as it is a low rise property - personalyl I do not think this is a downside. The Taj Mansingh is a great hotel and in the same league as the Imperial and Oberoi in Delhi but personal pref generally dictates. My fav busines shotel is the Oberoi tho I agree location is a tad out of the way. On leisure hands down I say stay at the Imperial!

No question- the Imperial.
Not at all dingy. Only negative is the pool area which is being renovated. You would miss out on an incredibly beautiful and atmospheric hotel if you did not stay at the Imperial.

thank you for everyone's thoughts. i just find it strange that our friends hands down said we should stay at the taj over the imperial and another couple i know going are staying in the taj. just seems inconsistent with the advice on this board.

can someone clarify exactly what renovations are occuring to the pool area at the imperial? i doubt i'll want to go swimming in december in india, but it would be sad if the whole area was a construction site...

thanks again.

Hey asykes1 - The Imperial would def win over the Taj, both in terms of location and ambience.

Check out their website to get a better idea :

http://www.theimperialindia.com/

The Imperial's pool renovation project is completely off to the side of the hotel, out of the way visually. I would request a room away from the construction just in case there is any noise, but there was nothing bothersome about the project when I was there in November. (The pool has remained open during renovations). I would highly recommend the Imperial.

Just returned from Delhi where I stayed at both the Taj Mahal on Mansingh road (2 nights) and the Imperial (3 nights).

For my money, the Imperial is leagues ahead. It's not just the history and grandeur of the place, but the rooms are better and bigger (Taj club rooms are very modest, albeit well-fitted). Plus, the central areas of the Imperial will take your breath away: It is so perfectly restored and the attention to detail is amazing.

The best thing about the Taj was the service, which was impeccable and exceeded expectations. However, the overiding impression was of a pretty normal and rather unexciting smart hotel, which wouldn't cause much of a stir elsewhere. Good but not great.

The Imperial, on the other hand can hold it's own against the world's greatest hotels. It is truly special.