5 Best places to stay in Delhi

Standing amidst the relatively calm, almost genteel, boulevards of leafy New Delhi, the Leela Palace is a modern hotel with palatial aspirations.

A grand marble-floored lobby sets the tone for a just-short-of-flashy ‘Indo-baroque’ style. Rooms are spacious with a vintage-leaning decor and, unique for central Delhi, the rooftop infinity pool is magnificent.

Situated on the southern edge of Chanakyapuri, the capital’s diplomatic enclave, the hotel is ideally placed for those who want to explore Delhi’s frenetic streets and extraordinary sites, before escaping to a quieter quarter of town in the evenings.

No other luxury property in Delhi offers such an alluring combination of style and history.

Built in the 1930s, the Imperial blends Victoriana, colonial and art deco elements. Its architect was among a group, headed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, charged with shaping the look of New Delhi, the Raj’s impressive new capital.

Supremely elegant and notably classy, the fact that Mountbatten, Nehru and Jinnah – all pivotal in the subcontinent’s path to independence – met here simply adds to its appeal and ambience.

Displays of collectible artwork, turbaned staff, charming gardens and an enviable central location near Connaught Place make it one of a kind.

In south Delhi’s leafy Gulmohar Park neighbourhood, Thikana is a small but comfortable B&B with the friendly ambience of a homestay.

Modern, recently-renovated rooms feature balconies, rugs and a light-touch ethnic decor, embracing paintings and sculpture along with breakfast tables and work desks.

It’s about as personable an experience of ‘middle class’ Delhi as you’ll find, with its hosts on hand to share anything from practical tips on getting around to arranging local taxis for sightseeing and even sharing the latest sounds from the world of Hindi pop to Indian classical music.

Around 11km from central Delhi, this is an ideal choice for those who want to escape the freneticism of the city, and don’t mind spending time in the city’s notorious traffic in order to reach the sites.

Situated on the edge of Chanakyapuri, the capital’s diplomatic enclave, the Maurya is something of a landmark with its distinctive stepped profile, fronted by immaculately tended lawns and shrubbery.

Reputedly a favourite of visiting dignitaries and heads of state, it wears this honour lightly and you’re more likely to be rubbing shoulders with other high-end leisure travellers.

An array of swish modern rooms come with excellent facilities including an ayurvedic spa and lovely swimming pool.

The hotel’s famous Bukhara and Dum Pukht restaurants (with Northwest Frontier and Awadhi cuisine respectively) are celebrated foodie destinations, still wowing Delhi’s great and good along with out-of-town visitors.

Around fifteen minutes’ drive from most of the city’s main sights, this is a great option for those who want to base themselves somewhere calm and peaceful, and just dip in and out of the busy centre.

Painstakingly restored from dereliction, this 19th-century haveli, or merchant’s mansion, is tucked away in the narrow atmospheric lanes and alleys of Old Delhi near Chandni Chowk.

Distinguished by its central courtyard overlooked by balconies and galleries, fluted archways and colonnades lead off into heritage-style rooms and suites. Many of these have their own decorative pillars and arches, and all are equipped with solid vintage-style furniture.

The roof terrace offers views across the Old Delhi skyline to the Jami Masjid, while in-house experiences range from classical dance and music performances to kite-flying and neighbourhood walks.

Staying in the old town offers the chance to really immerse yourself in an authentic part of the city, but most of the main sights are a taxi ride away.