The Leela Palace New Delhi

"So, can you tell us a little about this place? An almighty monument in fine white marble and soaring ceilings in a city that’s already full of such stuff, and as grand as all get-out. If you ever needed an exclamation point to be thwacked down firmly following the very last word of the Raj in India, this should serve. This is Delhi’s modern-day palace. Everything is mirrored, tufted, plumped, embroidered, gilded—and there are flowers everywhere. We can already tell we're going to love it. Is there a story behind it? Part of smart Indian hotel group The Leela, this New Delhi flagship was a hundred-of-millions new-build in 2011, filled with huge Murano chandeliers from Venice, hand-woven carpets from Turkey, intricate Rajasthani miniature paintings, sandstone elephant statues carved in Qatar—like the incredibly grand home of a globetrotting modern-day maharajah. Talk about spare no expense! What can we expect from the bedrooms? The 260 rooms and suites are touted as being the biggest in the city, each more over-the-top-opulent than the last, with Travertine marble bathrooms with swimming pool-sized tubs, a pillow menu with a choice of 13 different types; the design is all classic damask wallpaper, heavy silks, and mahogany furniture. And everything is controlled from an iPod beside the ultra-plump bed. We're still stuck on the 13 types of pillows. How about the food and drink? The four restaurants jet between Franco-Italian Le Cirque (lots of truffles), Japanese Megu (where fish for sushi and sashimi come direct from Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish market), and super-smart Indian at Jamavar (try the incredibly rich black daal or lobster nerulli curry). There’s also all-day-spot Qube in its glass box (where the breakfast buffet runs from masala dosas to almond croissants, as well as a fresh made-to-order juice station) overlooking manicured lawns. Sounds like a nice variety. Anything stand out about the service? There's an army of staff are at every turn—where are they hiding?—to open doors, carry bags, and proffer fresh flower garlands. Perfect. What type of person stays here? Groomed international players and monied locals with high-gloss hair. Got it. What’s the surrounding area like? In the leafy Diplomatic Enclave, this is a step removed from the bustling, crazy-busy, all-hours assault-on-the-senses image you might have of Delhi (hence the hotel gets its fair share of heads of state, government ministers, and foreign ambassadors). Lovely. Anything we missed? When you arrive at the rooftop pool a picnic basket appears with icy water, fresh lemonade, magazines, and cold towels soaked in rose water. Down in the ESPA spa many of the treatments draw on Indian’s ancient Ayurvedic traditions. We'll have to try it out—thanks for the tip. And anything you’d change? Opulence can get a bit over the top if you’re more used to a hippie-chic shack on the beach. But that’s not what you’re here for, is it? True! So, is it worth it—and why? This is a fantastical modern palace in India’s capital. A gilded bubble of indulgence with all the trimmings." - Fiona Kerr