Le Meridien New Delhi Review
Book the Le Meridien New Delhi here.
Back in August 2012 I visited a number of places in Eastern Asia and India. I will post reviews from places visited in no particular order over the next weeks.
The Le Meridien New Delhi is right in the center of New Delhi. It's just one block away from Connaught Place which is really the capitals geographical center. As crazy as Indian cities go, the inner city streets of Delhi are quite pleasant. Wide alleyways with lots of green and the traffic actually runs (no nightmare traffic as in Bombay).
Still it's a challenge to walk in India as literally hundreds of eager Riksha and cab drivers will make your way a challenge to your ability to say 'No, thank you' in a nice, friendly way.
The little Taj - Humayun's Tomb, very recommended
The hotels lobby was just remodeled and looks funky. More like W hotel than Le Meridien. The staff welcomed me with a the typical Indian friendly servitude. Staff was trying hard to please but only had a limited understanding of English. As a SPG Gold I did not get access to the lounge. While no published benefit I often received access in Asia (but not in India mostly).
The hotel is built in a rather odd Atrium style. The inner body of the hotel is just air - no rooms or useable space for 18 floors! The Platinum lounge 'hangs' 20 floors up in the air.
I was taken to a room in the 18th floor and immediately realized the smell in the room. It was smoke and the bathroom gave away a bad odor. On to the next room which was non-smoking but still had a bad
The hotel looks just more modern than it is - it felt quite a bit 'musty' to me.
I loved the buffet breakfast (which was included in my rate) - it had a wide selection of Western and Indian options. The mostly package tourists seemed to enjoy it with seemingly as much fervor.
The wifi was unusable for me as the cookie based authorization was logging me out every other minute. I resorted to the cable internet which was providing a fast and reliable way to connect.
The gym is pretty small and a bit awkward as guests going to the pool walk directly behind the cardio machines all the time. The pool itself is good for a quick dive but no place to hang out for any time.
The hotel is known to give Platinums access to suites whenever possible.
I found the Indian restaurant VERY expensive. A small portion of Indian curry (which was good!) and one Indian bread set me back $30.
I think the hotel is a good Starwood choice for tourists in New Delhi as many sites are a quick tuk-tuk ride or subway ride away (yes teh subway looks like in Osaka in New Delhi oddly enough). It's not a great luxury experience though. The Westin Gurgaon is much nicer but in the suburbs (Gurgaon).
The ITC might be a good alternative as well as the Taj.
Book the Le Meridien New Delhi here.