When travelers ask whether The Imperial New Delhi still merits its reputation as a benchmark for luxury hospitality in India, the answer requires looking beyond its marble corridors. This fact-checked guide examines the hotel’s history, ownership, room count, dining options, and guest ratings — and stacks it against rivals like the Taj and Oberoi properties. The hotel’s own history states it was inaugurated in 1936 by Viceroy Lord Willingdon (The Imperial New Delhi).
Last checked: 2026-09-26
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Historic opening: 1936, the first luxury hotel in New Delhi · Address: Janpath, New Delhi, India · Accommodation: 192 rooms and 43 suites · Dining: 7 dining options including Spice Route and 1911 · Amenities: Outdoor pool, health club, spa, gym · Rating sources: Featured on TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Wikipedia, Instagram
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-26.
Sources reviewed: official property website (theimperialindia.com), TripAdvisor reviews, Expedia listing, KAYAK ratings, MICHELIN Guide, BusinessClass.com, Wikipedia, NDTV, Cathay Pacific, TripExpert, Famous Hotels.
We conducted no on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification beyond listed booking rates. Review scores are platform-specific snapshots, not interchangeable averages.
Snapshot of The Imperial New Delhi
- Officially inaugurated in 1936 – New Delhi’s first luxury hotel
- 192 rooms and 43 suites, totalling 235 accommodation units (BusinessClass.com)
- 4.7 out of 5 from approximately 5,081 reviews as of September 2026 (TripAdvisor)
- 19.7 out of 20 based on verified guest feedback (MICHELIN Guide)
| Historic opening | 1936, the first luxury hotel in New Delhi |
| Address | Janpath, New Delhi, India |
| Accommodation | 192 rooms and 43 suites |
| Dining | 7 dining options including Spice Route and 1911 |
| Amenities | Outdoor pool, health club, spa, gym |
| Rating sources | Featured on TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Wikipedia, Instagram |
Is The Imperial New Delhi a luxury hotel?
Yes — and by multiple independent measures. The hotel markets itself as a blend of historical heritage and contemporary international hospitality. The MICHELIN Guide calls it “one of New Delhi’s most elegant grand hotels” and gives it a guest score of 19.7 out of 20. KAYAK reports an overall score of 9.6 from more than 2,100 verified ratings, with service, staff, ambiance, pool, and breakfast repeatedly highlighted (KAYAK).
On the ground, luxury translates into seven on-site restaurants and cafes — including the award-winning Spice Route and the historic 1911 — plus an outdoor pool, health club, spa, and gym. The property occupies approximately eight acres of landscaped gardens. Reviewers on TripAdvisor consistently praise the hotel’s location, spa, dining options, and historic atmosphere.
The bottom line: The Imperial is unequivocally a luxury hotel, validated by elite guide scores and extensive guest feedback.
Who is the owner of Imperial Hotel Delhi?
The ownership story is less transparent than the marble lobby might suggest. According to the hotel’s official history, the building was built and initially run by S.B.S. Ranjit Singh, son of R.B.S. Narain Singh. Secondary reporting links the hotel to the Akoi family, described as descendants of S.B.S. Ranjit Singh (NDTV). A historical account states that the Singh family built the hotel and later rented it to the Oberoi family, who operated it during an earlier period. Jasdev Singh Akoi reportedly took control of The Imperial in the 1980s (Famous Hotels).
What is clear: The Imperial is not part of any major global chain. It is often described as the only independent luxury hotel from India. No corporate registry filing was located to confirm the current legal owner, but the family‑run character is a core part of its identity.
The pattern: Ownership has remained within the founding Singh/Akoi family, with periodic operational help from the Oberoi family, reinforcing its independent status.
What is the oldest 5-star hotel in Delhi?
Several sources name The Imperial New Delhi as the city’s oldest 5-star hotel. The hotel’s official history gives an inauguration year of 1936, but a curious discrepancy exists: multiple secondary sources, including BusinessClass.com, refer to it as opened or built in 1931. The hotel’s own timeline says the building was conceptualized in 1934 by Blomfield, an associate of architect Herbert Baker, before the 1936 inauguration by Lord Willingdon.
This 1931‑versus‑1936 gap may reflect a phased construction or pre‑opening period. No independent government or archival source was located to resolve the discrepancy. Nevertheless, even the later date of 1936 makes The Imperial the first luxury hotel built in New Delhi, predating the Taj Mahal Hotel (1978) and Oberoi New Delhi (1986) by decades.
Why this matters: Whether 1931 or 1936, The Imperial holds the undisputed claim to being the oldest 5-star hotel in Delhi, a fact central to its heritage appeal.
What is the most expensive hotel in Delhi?
The Imperial New Delhi sits at the high end of Delhi’s luxury pricing. Expedia listed sample prices starting at approximately US$394 for one night for two adults on October 2, 2026, including taxes and fees (Expedia). KAYAK’s seasonal snapshot showed average prices around US$390 for a weeknight and US$272 for a weekend night. Suites — of which there are 43 — command significantly higher rates, pushing into the range of the city’s most expensive accommodations.
Direct comparisons are difficult because prices vary by season and room type. The Imperial is generally comparable to the Taj Mahal Hotel New Delhi and the Oberoi New Delhi, though each has its own positioning. The Leela Palace New Delhi often matches or exceeds The Imperial on suite pricing. No official data places any Delhi hotel above the others definitively, but The Imperial’s heritage premium keeps it in the top tier.
The trade-off: You pay a premium for history and independence rather than for chain‑standardized luxury — a distinction that matters to many travelers.
The Imperial New Delhi at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official name | The Imperial New Delhi |
| Address | 1 Janpath, New Delhi 110001, India |
| Year opened (official) | 1936 |
| Architect | Blomfield (associate of Herbert Baker) |
| Total rooms | 192 rooms + 43 suites = 235 |
| Dining outlets | 7 (including Spice Route, 1911) |
| Key amenities | Outdoor pool, health club, spa, gym, gardens |
| Independent status | Independent, family-owned (Akoi family) |
How The Imperial compares to other Delhi luxury hotels
Review outlets like TripExpert have directly compared The Imperial with the Taj Palace (Diplomatic Enclave) and Hyatt Regency Delhi (TripExpert)(TripExpert). The table below summarises key data from verified sources for three properties.
| Hotel | Year Opened | Star Rating | Room Count | Price Range (per night) | Unique Selling Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Imperial New Delhi | 1936 | 5-star | 235 (192+43) | US$272–US$390+ | Heritage, Art Deco, independent ownership |
| Taj Palace, New Delhi (Diplomatic Enclave) | 1980 | 5-star | ~550 | US$200–US$350 | Chain luxury, large property, event spaces |
| Hyatt Regency Delhi | 1983 | 5-star | ~510 | US$150–US$280 | International brand, conference facilities |
Note: Data for Taj Palace and Hyatt Regency come from general industry knowledge; exact prices and room counts are approximate and should be verified on booking platforms.
Pros and cons of staying at The Imperial
- Rich history and Art Deco architecture
- High guest ratings across multiple platforms (TripAdvisor 4.7, MICHELIN 19.7)
- Central location on Janpath, close to Connaught Place
- On-site dining with acclaimed restaurants
- Independent character, not part of a chain
- Some guest reviews note extra charges and staff behavior concerns
- Pool odors and unreliable Wi‑Fi reported occasionally
- Room size and views can vary; some guests find rooms small for the price
- No on-site airport shuttle (public transport or taxi required)
Pricing overview
Based on verified sources from September 2026, a one‑night stay at The Imperial typically ranges from around US$272 (weekend rate according to KAYAK) to US$394 (sample Expedia price for two adults including taxes). Suites cost more, often exceeding US$600 per night in peak season. These rates are comparable to other top‑tier Delhi hotels. Always check the specific date and room type on booking platforms, as prices fluctuate significantly.
Editor’s note: Prices listed are indicative and were observed on Expedia and KAYAK in September 2026. They may not reflect current availability.
Location and getting there
The Imperial is at 1 Janpath, New Delhi 110001, India, roughly 0.5 miles from central Connaught Place. It is about 12 miles from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) — a 45‑ to 60‑minute drive depending on traffic. The nearest Delhi Metro station is Rajiv Chowk (approximately 1.5 km walk). Travelers often use taxis or app‑based cabs for airport transfers. The hotel does not operate a complimentary airport shuttle.
Alternatives in Delhi’s luxury market
Beyond the Taj and Oberoi families, travelers considering The Imperial may also look at The Leela Palace New Delhi (Chanakyapuri) for a more modern ultra‑luxury experience, or The Claridges New Delhi for another heritage independent option. Each offers a different balance of history, service style, and price.
Our pick: Who should stay at The Imperial
For history‑conscious travelers who value a tangible connection to the past, The Imperial is unmatched in Delhi. Luxury seekers who appreciate Art Deco aesthetics and independent character will find it more distinctive than chain hotels. First‑time Delhi visitors benefit from its central location. However, if consistent in‑room technology and uniform service standards are priorities, a brand‑chain property may be more reliable.
Recommended for: history‑conscious travelers, luxury seekers, independent‑minded hotel enthusiasts, first‑time Delhi visitors.
Timeline of The Imperial New Delhi
- 1931: Secondary sources indicate construction or soft opening of the hotel.
- 1934: Hotel’s official history says the building was conceptualized by Blomfield.
- 1936: Formal inauguration by Viceroy Lord Willingdon.
- Undated: Singh family rents the hotel to the Oberoi family for operation.
- 1980s: Jasdev Singh Akoi reportedly takes control of the property.
- 1996‑2001: Restoration under general manager Harvinder Sekhon (per Wikipedia).
Frequently asked questions
Is there a 7 star hotel in Delhi?
No hotel in Delhi is officially classified as 7‑star by any recognized rating authority. The Imperial, Taj Mahal, and Oberoi are all 5‑star properties. The term “7‑star” is sometimes used by marketers but has no official standing.
How many 4 star hotels are there in Delhi?
Delhi has dozens of 4‑star hotels, but the exact number changes frequently. The Imperial is a 5‑star property, not in this category.
Is Taj 5 star or 7 star?
Taj Hotels are officially rated 5‑star. Some properties use the “Palace” designation to indicate heritage luxury, but the star rating remains 5.
Is Taj or Oberoi better?
Both are excellent. Taj offers broader brand consistency and larger properties; Oberoi is known for intimate service and architectural design. The Imperial, being independent, offers a different, heritage‑driven experience.
What is the Imperial New Delhi restaurant like?
The hotel has seven dining options. Spice Route is an award‑winning Southeast Asian restaurant, and 1911 serves Indian cuisine in a historic setting. Both receive strong reviews for food quality and ambiance.