The Imperial just oozes colonial history – from the airy atriums and Victorian-era décor of the bars to the chandeliers, marble lobby floors, wrought-iron balustrades, and staff in appropriately regal attire. The rooms & suites are as exquisite as imagined, with several reminders of British India. Spend countless hours sipping gin and tonics on the lawns, splashing about the gorgeous pool, admiring the hundreds (if not thousands) of prints from the Raj era lining every wall, and indulging in the Turkish-style spa.
Images
Credit: TheImperialIndia
Credit: TheImperialIndia
The Imperial Hotel, New DelhiThe Atrium in The Imperial Hotel, Delhi
The Imperial Hotel, New DelhiThe Royal Imperial Suite in The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi
The Oberoi Amarvilas has a thoroughly convincing argument for staying here: its 109 rooms and suites as well as all the common areas of this luxury hotel face the world famous Taj Mahal, a wonder of the world located just 600 meters from the Amarvilas. But there are other reasons as well. The architecture pays tribute to the Mughal era with a spectacular courtyard, blending fountains and oriental type object, creating a dream like setting. On the horizon, we find the famous Taj Mahal, and on the sides, long, deep perspectives. Guests have the constant impression of walking through a palace, thanks to the rich décor and the incredible attention to details.
Pass through Mughal style architecture; under the gold domed roof, past elephants, water bodies and into the refreshing ambience of the Bellevue Restaurant at The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra. Naturally lit through large windows, sparkling with spotlights and bespoke glass panels, Bellevue is furnished with long sofa seating and intimate tables upholstered in vibrant turquoise leather. Vintage black and white photographs of Agra's Mughal monuments adorn the walls, while dark sandstone and white marble tile the floors. It is well know that the Mughal emperors were patrons of lavish food. Akbar had very extravagant food habits, Aurangzeb preferred vegetarian cuisine, Babur's kitchen displayed central Asian influences, while Humayun preferred Iranian flavours.
Nestled behind carved wooden door panels, waiting to be discovered, Esphahan is punctuated with Mughal style sandstone and marble stacked pillars; a demure, softly lit Indian speciality restaurant, subtly adorned with hand painted wall frescoes and tasteful Mughal inspired designs. Candles glow upon intimate table arrangements and a traditional musician plays soft, live music upon the stage. The fine dining menu features recipes passed down from the Mughal emperors' kitchens and inspired by their adventures on the Northern frontiers: perfectly marinated kebabs, slow-cooked to enhance subtle flavours, with spices specially blended to suit individual guests' palates, rich Mughal curries and soft Indian flat breads, handmade by the tandoori chefs and served piping hot on traditional, burnished metal plates.
Located on the ground floor of The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra, The Lounge is a charming space to visit in the early morning, afternoon or late at night. Guests can enjoy picture-perfect moments as they bear witness to the play of light and shadows upon the Taj Mahal at different times of the day, without leaving the comfort of the hotel. The lounge is brightly lit from above by a magnificent crystal chandelier hanging from a Mughal style, gold domed ceiling, and is filled with natural light that flows in through large windows that frame the Taj Mahal view. The interior is tastefully decorated with handpicked brass figurines that sit upon ornate gold fretwork shelves, and is bright with sparkling mirrors and vibrant turquoise washed wood.
The Oberoi Amarvilas is home to the only bar in Agra that has uninterrupted Taj Mahal views. From the large windows that naturally light this relaxing space, guests can see the world famous tribute to eternal love in its full splendour. For those interested in an alternate aspect, behind The Bar is an oil canvas depicting the layout of the Taj Mahal. The comprehensive bar menu includes classic Martinis, single malts, American whisky, gins, rums, tequilas, cognacs, champagne cocktails, classic cocktails, Oberoi signature cocktails and mocktails, Oberoi signature iced teas and speciality coffees, all served to perfection from noon until midnight.