The Imperial opened in 1936, inaugurated by Lord Willingdon, and its address tells its story: Janpath — the 'People's Path,' formerly Queensway — at the heart of Lutyens' New Delhi. Nehru, Jinnah and Mountbatten argued the shape of independent India over its tables; the hotel has been eavesdropping on history ever since.
Its corridors hold one of the largest private collections of colonial-era art in the country — around five thousand pieces, hung as casually as family photographs. The king palms of the drive, the Art Deco lines, the 1911 Bar's whispered old-Delhi clubbiness: this is the capital's memory, kept in working order.
Why We Place Guests Here
- It is our default first address in India — calm, central and deeply characterful after a long-haul arrival.
- The art collection rewards guests who ask: the hotel's own curated walk is one of Delhi's quiet treats.
- Afternoon tea in the Atrium and a first dinner at The Spice Route ease guests into India gently.
The Table
- The Spice Route — pan-Asian in a hand-painted, temple-like room built over seven years
- 1911 — bar and brasserie named for the year Delhi became capital
- San Gimignano — Italian in the garden
The Elevated India Signature
The curator-led art walk through the hotel's 5,000-piece colonial collection.
Questions, Answered
Why is The Imperial New Delhi famous?
Opened in 1936 in Lutyens' New Delhi, The Imperial hosted the leaders who negotiated India's independence and houses one of India's largest private collections of colonial art — around 5,000 works displayed through its corridors.
Where is The Imperial located in Delhi?
On Janpath, in the heart of Lutyens' New Delhi — minutes from Connaught Place and India Gate, and well placed for both Old and New Delhi sightseeing.
Journeys That Take You There
Heart of the Jungle: A 12-Day Central India Tiger Safari
12 Days / 11 Nights
Golden Triangle with Kathmandu
12 Days / 11 Nights
Explore the destination guide: Delhi, North India ↗