The Leela Palace

The Gold List 2022

@cntraveller

"I remember the first time I walked into the lobby of the then-new Leela Palace New Delhi, in 2011. The gilded furniture, the twinkling chandeliers, the silver tchotchkes—they overwhelmed the senses. Since then, though, I’ve discovered what is truly golden about this hotel. The thoughtful, old-school hospitality, like transfers straight from the baggage carousel (save your judgments until after you have battled crowds at Delhi’s airport); the fact that they will leave the rooftop pool open for you should you need to get in some laps after hours; and the easy vegetarian hits on Megu’s menu, like a delicate cured-tofu sashimi that’s to die for and a heavenly chocolate mousse with fresh raspberries. This winter a garden-side izakaya is set to open. Call it an attempt to attract a younger audience, but the Library Bar will curate a range of music—traditional Sufi to EDM—and turn itself into a gin-focused cocktail bar. Ten years on and under new management, The Leela’s glitter game is still strong. From $250. —Prasad Ramamurthy."