The Ambassador Hotel

A colonial classic in the heart of Delhi – relaxed, friendly, charismatic and recently refurbished

Old fashioned charm and understated luxury combine in this spaciously cool retreat from the heat and bustle of India’s capital. Built in 1945 and recently refurbished, the four-storey spacious and spotless hotel combines 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. The Ambassador is 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 easy access to the international airport and to Delhi’s cultural, culinary and retail highlights.

Highs

• Rooms are huge and good value; all have balconies, larger ones have living areas with plasma TV
• Central location: close to landmarks including India Gate, Sunder Nagar Market (for antiques & art), Khan Market (for designer clothing & DVDs), Lodhi Gardens and Humayun’s Tomb
• A nice outdoor pool – currently closed due to metro construction (2009) but free taxis to the pool at their sister hotel
• Service – staff are incredibly helpful and can book tours, restaurants and drivers; room service is speedy and taxis are available from the front door

Lows

• Atmosphere can feel business-oriented
• 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
• Wireless internet access is a little over-priced