The Park

Description:

• Fabulous and fun, the colorful Park has set its aspirations high and gone against the grain of smart and serious luxury so idolized by Delhi's other five-star properties. With its recent chichi designer makeover that extends from the cool drama of the prettily festooned lobby, to the ultra-trendy restaurants and bar, and right into the elegant, lovely guest rooms, it's certainly a hotel that keeps people talking. Accommodations really are gorgeous; even the standard "luxury" rooms have wooden floors, designer light fittings, plush 10-inch mattresses, and delectable white linens accented with flashes of color (which varies according to the floor you're on); a frosted glass sliding door leads to an intelligently designed little bathroom (shower only), and all rooms have bathrobes and kimonos to help you feel that much more pampered. If you require a tub, book a "luxury premium" room, which is enormous. Because of the curved shape of the hotel, guest rooms vary in size somewhat: The largest are at the corners of each floor -- request these specifically. The "Residence" on the 9th and 10th floors are club rooms with access to a library and special lounge overlooking the Jantar Mantar; these rooms are even more aesthetically pleasing, with a host of extra amenities (a docking station for your complimentary iPod, remote-controlled curtains, bedside electronic console) to make you feel special; there are also Jacuzzis and TVs in the sumptuous bathrooms. For indulgences, there's a full spa; and there's often a party in and around the funky pool, which not only has a bar but a net -- so guests can play water volleyball -- and a giant mirror ball to remind them that they're on holiday! This is probably our favorite chain hotel in its price range, with enough hard-working visual fabulousness to make up for disconcertingly poor service.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010