The Oberoi - Delhi's Best Hotel. Review on The Oberoi, Delhi

Having stayed in my share of hotels in New Delhi, including the Maurya Sheraton, the Radisson and the Hyatt, the Oberoi still remains, in my opinion, the best hotel in Delhi. Though the hotel is fairly expensive, if offers its guests an unparalled level of service and luxury. Specific points on my stay are presented below:

LOCATION:

Located in the heart of New Delhi, The Oberoi is very conveniant to all the major sites in the new city. Connaught Place (the shopping district), the diplomatic enclave and the major commercial districts are just minutes away. Unfortunately, the old Mughal city is quite a distance away, meaning that a visit to Lal Quila or Jama Masjid can easily become a full day trip.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS:

Overlooking the lush, manicured lawns of a beautiful golf course, The Oberoi is like an oasis in the middle of the city. All the traffic, dust and pollution of the city seem to be miles away when one enters the hotel compound. With 8 floors, the hotel isnt too big, but still offers all the amenities of a large hotel.

DECOR:

Upon entering the hotel, I am always struck by the opulence of the hotel lobby and rooms. Decadently decorated with beautiful crystal chandeliers, vases, and elegant furniture, the hotel is truly what one would expect a luxury hotel to look like.

ROOMS:

I always stay in a standard room (the rooms here cost a fortune!!!) Nonetheless, me rooms have always been spacious, and well appointed. The opulent decor of the lobby is carried into the rooms as well, though the rooms do tend to have a bit more of an ''Indian'' look to them, while the lobby looked more European. Needless to say, all rooms were equipped with fax machines, TV's, down pillows, telephones etc...

AMENITIES:

The hotel offers its guests several amenities including, a business center, a gym, a sauna, a beauty salon, 24 hour limousine...everything one could possibly need at a hotel.

SHOPPING:

This is one thing that I cant live without...every hotel I stay at must have an excellent shopping arcade, and the Oberoi did not fail to please. Everyting from handicrafts to sarees to jewelry was available at the hotel. I personally enjoy shopping for handicrafts at the hotel, its a lot easier than going into the bazaar and looking. An interesting side note: The Oberoi Delhi is home to the only Louis Vuitton boutique in all of the Indian Subcontinent. Unfortunately, the prices were just as steep in Delhi as they are in Chicago or New York.

PRICE:

This is perhaps the only problem with this hotel. Rates for a standard room here start at about $260-$300 per night, and go into the thousands of dollars for the best suites. The Hyatt Regency, with rooms for about $150 per night is probably a better deal, and is almost as good (see my review)

I would defiantely suggest The Oberoi Delhi to anyone looking for a hotel offering the very height of luxury at a very steep price. Is it really worth it...that depends on you and your tastes. I personally think it is, and will continue to stay at the Oberoi when I have a chance.

(I hope they expand their chain to the US soon!!!!!)