Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(10/10)
In this blog, we will review the hotel, Taj Palace, situated in New Delhi, a 5-star property from the Taj Group of Hotels.
Introduction
Conveniently located in the diplomatic corridors of New Delhi, The Taj Palace, is a bustling hub for business and leisure travelers alike. Right from the driveway, the hotel oozes a sense of grandeur and opulence at every step. Nestled amidst six acres of lush greenery, it offers a luxurious stay, ideal for both business and idyllic vacations. The hotel’s distinctive V-shaped design features long corridors of rooms on either side, ensuring a view of either the Diplomatic Enclave or the Pool. Both views overlook expanses of greenery. Established in 1983, the property has hosted state and world leaders due to its excellence & unique location. The hotel features 403 rooms, extending up to the Tata 2-bedroom suite for elite guests.
Arrival and Lobby Experience
A grand staircase welcomes you on arrival, leading to the lobby, which houses a tea room, several restaurants, and plenty of casual sitting areas. Right below the lobby, accessible via escalators, is a massive banquet floor. The lobby exudes luxury and opulence, with marble, art, and heritage elements adding to its vintage appeal.
Check-In Experience
Our check-in process was swift and courteous. We were received by Rishabh, who assigned us a Taj Club Room overlooking the Diplomatic Enclave. As a sidenote, we couldn’t help but notice is the pride which the Taj staff carries across all hotel, including this one. Seemingly random conversations with about their facilities, uniforms or the history, can always turn into enriching exchanges. They believe in serving their guests with respect and professionalism and thus manage to carve out a unique and enjoyable experience consistently. This pride in their work is a hallmark of the Taj brand, and we encourage our readers to interact with the staff with kindness & courtesy.
Taj Club Room and Amenities
After the check-in, we were guided to the lift lobby which itself turned out to be a surprising work of art. Adorned with marble and stone inlay work, the lift featured intricate designs in shades of white and gold. We reached the exclusive Taj Club floor (7th), which has an exclusive lounge and grand reception area. Our room was spacious, clean, and equipped with large windows offering a soothing view of lush green stretches of the Diplomatic Enclave- a serene relief in an otherwise crowded city & its smog.
The room included a well-appointed bathroom with a bathtub, along with sustainable amenities like bamboo toothbrushes and glass water bottles. Additional features included a kettle, tea, coffee, iron board, and TV to name a few. Butler service was available, including complimentary ironing for two pieces of clothing daily.
Taj Club Lounge Experience
The Taj Club floors feature an exclusive Club Lounge, offering breakfast, high tea, and evening cocktails. Breakfast for guests staying in Taj Club rooms is also served here, although they have the option to visit the designated common breakfast area, likely located at the lobby level. We chose to have breakfast in the lounge itself for a more private and personalized service experience. The lounge transforms into an adults-only (25+) area during cocktail hours, offering an interesting selection of wines, champagne, whiskey, and rum, alongside a spread of finger foods. Guests can also request custom dishes, which the staff accommodates whenever possible. The well styled attire of the lounge staff is reminiscent of royal butlers, adding to the regal atmosphere. The lounge provides a perfect space to unwind & enjoy the fine array of snacks, spirits & beverages before retiring to your room.
Dining Options
The Taj Palace features several restaurants and bars, each offering unique culinary experiences:
- Capital Kitchen: A multi-cuisine restaurant ideal for lunch or casual dining.
- The Tea Lounge: Perfect for light snacks and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Loya: Specializing in North Indian cuisine with authentic flavors.
- Orient Express: Offering modern European dishes in an elegant setting of an oriental train which was very unique. We could not get a reservation here as it was all booked.
- Spicy Duck: Focused on Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine.
- The Blue Bar: Known for its finger foods and expertly crafted cocktails.
We dined at Capital Kitchen for lunch and Loya for dinner, both of which impressed us with their unique flavors, decor, and exceptional service.
Facilities and Amenities
Although it was too cold to explore the walking areas or use the swimming pool, the hotel kindly offered alternate arrangements for pool access, as the pool was under construction during our stay. Additional amenities include a fully-equipped fitness center, banquet spaces, and lush gardens.
The plan for the next day was to visit the iconic Taj Mahal, and we needed a car for the journey. The hotel concierge offered us a choice between an Innova and a Tata Harrier, complete with a well-trained chauffeur and onboard Wi-Fi. While the service sounded luxurious, the pricing was nearly four times higher than what a local tour operator quoted. If you know people in Delhi or have recommendations, I strongly suggest going with a local operator. That’s what we did, and it turned out to be a great decision. We got a clean, comfortable car, an experienced driver with excellent local knowledge, and all of it at a fraction of the cost. The driver also arranged for a guide for the next day who was also quite reasonable with no haggling around. Sometimes, skipping the hotel services and opting for a local touch adds more value to your experience! We had booked from Unicorn Cab as we were recommended their service from a known friend. Be careful to go with strangers without any recommendation.
Final Verdict
We stayed at the Taj Palace for one night, which wasn’t enough to fully experience this expansive property. Nevertheless, our stay was memorable, and we highly recommend the Taj Palace for its luxurious accommodations, attentive service, and excellent dining options. Whether you’re visiting Delhi for business or leisure, this hotel is the perfect choice.
For those seeking a blend of comfort, opulence, and unparalleled hospitality, the Taj Palace delivers on every front. It is a testament to the Taj Group’s commitment to excellence and an ideal retreat in the heart of New Delhi.