The Ambassador Hotel

A colonial classic in the heart of Delhi - relaxed, friendly and charismatic

Old-fashioned charm and understated luxury combine in this spacious, cool retreat from the heat and bustle of India’s capital. Built in 1945, the spotless four-storey hotel blends colonial and Art Deco style amidst peaceful, palm-fringed lawns and gardens.

With just 88 vast and pristine rooms, this is a small hotel by Delhi standards, something The Ambassador plays to its advantage. Nothing is too much trouble for its friendly staff, from arranging tours of the city to providing snappy room service. It's also locally renowned for its restaurants - the Delhi elite flock to its 24-hour Yellow Brick Road Café, while Larry’s China has a reputation for specialist oriental cooking. A marble lobby gives way to wood-panelled corridors, plush carpets, teak furniture and period details. Part of the Taj group of hotels, it’s primarily aimed at the business market but is attracting increasing numbers of savvy upmarket travellers, drawn by its easy access to the international airport and to Delhi’s cultural, culinary and retail highlights.

Highs

• The rooms are huge and good value; all have balconies, and the larger ones have living areas with plasma TVs
• The central location is close to landmarks such as India Gate, Sunder Nagar Market (for antiques and art), Khan Market (for designer clothing and DVDs), Lodhi Gardens and Humayun’s Tomb
• The outdoor pool is refreshing after a hot day in the city - it's currently closed due to metro construction (2009) but there are free taxis to the pool at a sister hotel
• Service is top-notch - the staff are incredibly helpful and can book tours, restaurants and drivers, room service is speedy, and taxis are available from the front door

Lows

• The atmosphere can feel business-oriented
• The rear first-floor rooms can be noisy and may back onto air-conditioning units in the central courtyard
• Food options are limited to informal café fare or Chinese cuisine, but it’s close to some of the best restaurants in town
• The WiFi is a little over-priced