At a Glance
Located in Delhi’s Diplomatic Enclave neighborhood, the Leela blends international opulence with an Indian sensibility.
Indagare Loves
- The hotel arranges and displays 4,000 flowers each day.
- Each of the restaurants has outdoor seating for al fresco dining.
- The rooftop pool has an infinity edge with panoramic views of Delhi.
Review
When the Leela opened in the leafy Diplomatic Enclave neighborhood in 2011, it added a touch of glitz and glamour to Delhi’s hotel scene. Its interiors are opulent and contemporary, the extensive private art collection is impressive, and two of the restaurants are major international brands: Italian Le Cirque and the exquisitely designed Japanese Megu. Despite this cultural weave, however, the hotel still feels decidedly Indian.
With its regal mansion facade, the hotel looks right at home in this area, which also boasts the Presidential Palace, foreign embassies and the Prime Minister’s office. The contemporary-styled 260 rooms and suites are generously sized; in fact they are the largest sized rooms in the capital. All come with personalized butler service, huge marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and plasma televisions. Cutting-edge technology includes ITouch digi-valet for in-room electronics control and entertainment on demand. Even more impressive is the Leela’s eco-friendly design scheme, which ensures zero waste of natural resources.
While the streets surrounding Leela are wide, and beautiful parks can be found throughout the area, jogging in the heat of Delhi may not be for everyone, so the exceptional gym is a welcome addition. Adjacent to it, global spa brand ESPA offers a wide array of services and indulgent, traditional Ayurvedic treatments. Delhi, home to millions of people and a seemingly equal amount of cars, can be loud and congested, so the hotel’s infinity-edge, rooftop pool is a quiet breezy retreat with stunning views.
In addition to the traditional afternoon high tea, live jazz plays Thursday through Saturday. The hotel’s Library Bar, reminiscent of English Gentlemen’s club with its collection of leather-bound first editions makes The Leela the fashionable meeting spot for visitors and locals.
Who Should Stay
The Leela draws a fashionable and celebrity-heavy crowd, adding a touch of glitz to Delhi’s hotel scene. Traditionalists will not be happy here, but travelers looking for a brand-new, contemporary feel (with such international brands as ESPA, Megu and Le Cirque right on property) will embrace the Leela.
Written by Indagare