| |
Real value for money. Beg a member to book you in. Forget the sparse rooms, just think of being inside a happening cultural centre with all kinds of cerebral activities—from talks to art shows—going on all the time. It’s a gathering point for Delhi’s culture vultures, academics and development do-gooders. It will put you on the inside of Delhi life in a way a hotel never can. Dining areas open to nonmembers are the American Diner, with retro music and soda-fountain kitsch, and the noisy food court, punningly [name]d Eatopia. Otherwise there’s a crowded clubby bar called Past Times, the stylish Oriental Octopus and the friendly Indian restaurant Dilli-o-Dilli.
|
Business in congested Old Delhi? Hotel Broadway has the best of both worlds as it’s right on the periphery of the walled city. Not too bad a choice if you’re on a budget and visiting the city for a trade fair. It’s fairly close to the Pragati Maidan exhibition complex. You’ll get quite another Delhi here: cultural entertainment, guided Old Delhi walks and excellent Kashmiri food in its eccentric restaurant Chor Bizarre.
|
This is the preferred convention hotel for medium-range budgets and it can accommodate 2,000 delegates. Last year saw the opening of Delhi’s most state-ofthe- art spa and gym. It has overcome its old public-sector persona, though traces of mustiness remain in the rooms. The quality of its restaurants is a pleasant surprise because the India Tourism Development Corporation, its owner, has wisely franchised out the entertainment outlets. It also has some of the finest grounds in the heart of the city, a profligate sprawl of green in one of Delhi’s islands of privilege.
|
Driving to it may convey the impression that you’re being hijacked out of town, but don’t panic. Set away from the city centre, The Grand is close to the airport and a good choice if your business is in the Qutb area or beyond. The glassed-in lobby looks onto tranquil landscapes. There’s a 600 square metre pillarless ballroom with domed ceiling and French windows from which you can step out for an alfresco terrace dinner. There’s also an informal Japanese restaurant
|
| |