The Claridges
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"Luxury in Delhi"
We stayed at the hotel for just one night after arriving from London, and were very pleased with the experience. The staff were attentive, and our room was beautifully appointed, quiet, and perfect for a restful night after a long flight. We dined at Dhaba, the hotel’s North Indian cuisine restaurant, and were impressed with the delicious food and helpful guidance from the staff in choosing dishes that suited our taste. There are several dining options on-site, which makes it appealing for longer stays as well. The location is also great — Lodhi Park is within easy walking distance, though we would have appreciated more information about nearby attractions from the hotel itself. As we had an early morning departure, we didn’t try the hotel’s breakfast, but we were provided with a thoughtful and tasty breakfast bag to take with us. Overall, a brief but very pleasant stay!
"A busy hotel getting its act together"
Having known The Claridges since the 1980s, this was our first actual stay, and it offered a fascinating blend of heritage, luxury, and modern excess. While the hotel dates back to 1955, the current incarnation shows little of its age, especially in the recently refurbished Premier Suite we were fortunate to experience. The suite was lavish to the point of kitsch—an enormous apartment-like space with separate dining, living, and sleeping areas, ultra-large TVs, golden Bang & Olufsen speakers, multiple ornate carpets, motorized curtains, chandeliers, a “mini bar” stocked with full-sized spirits, a massive fridge, smart toilet seat, and even a life-sized photo of what appeared to be the hotel owner's patriarch. While some touches bordered on over-the-top, comfort and functionality weren’t compromised. The location is unbeatable, nestled in the heart of Lutyens' Delhi, with major attractions within easy reach. However, don't expect walkable eateries nearby—though the hotel’s in-house dining options more than compensate. From the well-lit Pickwicks (also the breakfast venue) to Jade (Chinese), Dhaba (Indian), Erawaan (Thai), and the charming Sevilla (Mediterranean), there’s ample culinary variety. Sevilla, in particular, is well worth an evening. A pleasant surprise was the room service speed, although the in-room dining menu was limited. Oddly, items from the main restaurants weren’t available via room service—but a direct call to the restaurants fixed that, indicating a disconnect between F&B and in-room dining that management should address. The staff were courteous and helpful throughout—from housekeeping to front office, everyone seemed eager to help. Special mention to Mr. Gaurav Srivastava, Assistant Front Office Manager, who stood out with his calm professionalism. That said, our experience wasn’t without hitches. The noise levels during wedding season were intrusive, despite double-glazing—parties on the front lawn or music from the bar made restful evenings difficult. The hotel’s popularity as an event venue can compromise guest peace depending on your room’s location. There were also minor housekeeping and maintenance oversights—TV speakers not synced, carpets misaligned, consumables not restocked, key cards needing repeated reauthorization, and small service lapses like unplugged phones or flickering lights. None were deal-breakers, but they did detract from the polish expected at this level. In summary, Claridges offers a richly luxurious stay with impressive service and standout hospitality, especially in its prime suites. Just be prepared for a few quirks and some event-related noise, particularly during high season. With a few operational tweaks, this could easily rival the finest in its class.
"A mixed bag"
The Claridges enjoys a prime location in Lutyens' Delhi, making it ideal for accessing many nearby tourist attractions. The staff are polite, attentive, and consistently helpful throughout the stay. However, the rooms—especially the bathrooms—could use significant modern upgrades to meet today’s five-star standards. We experienced a few issues with the bathroom fittings, but they were promptly addressed upon request. On the second and third mornings of our four-night stay, we were unexpectedly woken up early due to noise—something we wouldn’t expect in a hotel of this caliber. Thankfully, a staff member handled the situation with great understanding and, given the inconveniences, offered us a complimentary upgrade for the final night. That thoughtful gesture was very much appreciated. The breakfast buffet was excellent, offering a wide variety of options across cuisines, plus made-to-order dishes—especially convenient for families with young children. Overall, a good stay that could have been great with better room upkeep.
"Could be so much better"
The hotel enjoys a great location and offers a decent variety of food choices — but unfortunately, that's where the positives end. The bathroom in our room was in serious need of refurbishment, which detracted from the overall comfort. Additionally, on both nights of our stay, loud functions were held on-site, causing significant noise and overcrowding. The events spilled into the foyer and even the restaurant, making the common areas feel chaotic and uninviting. While the staff appeared well-groomed, the service we received was far from satisfactory. A particularly frustrating moment came when we were delayed from leaving the hotel because of a "late check-out fee," despite already having paid for a full night's stay and needing to catch a flight. This lack of flexibility and common sense felt emblematic of the poor service culture we experienced. Regrettably, we wouldn't choose to stay here again. The overall experience fell well below expectations for a hotel of this standard.
"A One-nighter"
We stayed at The Claridges for one night after arriving in Delhi, before catching an early morning train north. The rooms were spacious and very comfortable, with all the amenities we needed. The restaurants on-site were excellent, offering a wide variety of choices that we thoroughly enjoyed. The pool area, while a little tired, was still pleasant and perfectly usable. Our only disappointment was the breakfast provided for our early departure — a simple sandwich and apple didn’t quite match the standard we experienced elsewhere in the hotel. A more substantial takeaway breakfast would have been appreciated, especially for early travelers. That said, I would definitely consider staying here again on a future visit to Delhi.
"Let down by private events clogging the hotel."
We stayed for two nights and were pleasantly surprised with a complimentary upgrade — the room was beautiful and very comfortable. Dining at Pickwicks was a highlight, especially the mutton shank, which was absolutely delightful. As expected for a premium hotel, food and drinks were on the pricier side. Unfortunately, our experience with the hotel’s facilities was less than ideal. The pool area was closed on the day we arrived, and on our departure day — with a late flight ahead — we were hoping for some much-needed relaxation. However, upon returning from a morning walk, we were told all outdoor spaces were closed for private events. We then planned to unwind at the bar when it opened at 4pm, only to find that it too was closed for another private function. With nowhere else to go, we ended up waiting in the busy and noisy reception area. It was frustrating that key amenities were inaccessible without prior notice. On a lighter note, we appreciated the convenience of USB chargers in the public restrooms — a thoughtful touch. Overall, while the accommodation and dining were great, the lack of access to facilities and poor communication about private events left us disappointed.
"A pleasant ending to a wonderful holiday."
My wife and I stayed at The Claridges at both the beginning and end of our two-week trip to Agra and Rajasthan. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and consistently good food. What stood out most was the service — the restaurant staff were exceptionally polite and efficient. A special mention to our waiter, Aman, whose excellent English and attentive service made our dining experience even better. He was friendly, helpful, and always quick to assist. A solid choice for a stay in Delhi, and a great place to start or end your journey through India.
"Came to Lutyens for dinner – could not believe the poor service- like headless chickens all servers were walking around"
I had high expectations dining at Lutyens in The Claridges, but unfortunately, the experience was far below the mark. The service was very poor, and the food quality was shockingly bad—most dishes were simply not edible. Despite raising concerns multiple times, there was no noticeable improvement, which was incredibly frustrating. The one saving grace was the dessert section—truly excellent and a special mention to Chef Deepak for that. However, overall, it’s hard to believe such standards are coming from a reputed establishment like Claridges. Sadly, I would not recommend based on this experience.
"Decent hotel and very nice staff but wait for renos to be completed."
The Claridges has its charm, but I wouldn’t rate it as a true 5-star property. While the exterior is quite weathered — which didn’t personally bother me — the interiors, though tasteful, feel dated. My main concern was the noise from ongoing exterior renovations. Unfortunately, we weren’t informed in advance about this, and the sound of jackhammering for hours was very disruptive and took away from the overall experience. A heads-up at the time of booking would have made a big difference.
"Great Service Hotel"
Staying at Lutyens felt like a beautiful escape — surrounded by lush greenery, it almost felt like being in an international city such as Singapore or a charming European hub. The property radiates colonial elegance and truly gives off the classic 5-star hotel ambiance. From the multiple restaurants to the grand chandeliers, everything speaks of old-world charm. But what stood out the most was the service — absolutely top-notch, on par with the best like the Oberois. The staff was warm, attentive, and went above and beyond to make our stay memorable. Special thanks for the thoughtful upgrade — it was truly appreciated! The food was outstanding, with every meal being a delight. Kudos to the culinary team for their exceptional work. One small suggestion: the air conditioning at night didn’t cool as expected, even when set at 19°C. A quick check on that would make the stay flawless. Overall, a wonderful experience — loved the hotel, the surroundings, the food, and most importantly, the people. Keep it up!
"Good Ambiance, Decent Food"
We had a good overall experience at Lutyens Deli. The ambiance and interiors were charming, creating a welcoming and refined atmosphere. A special mention goes to Vikrant, who provided excellent service and ensured our table was well looked after throughout the meal. As Lifestyle Club members at Claridges Hotel, we appreciated the experience. However, while the food was decent, some flavors lacked depth and didn't quite stand out. The buffet selection also felt a bit limited and could benefit from greater variety to match the otherwise elevated setting. In summary, it was a pleasant visit with top-notch service, though there’s room for enhancement in flavor profiles and buffet options.
"Team Claridges helped us creat yet again – A Special Memory for life : My Daughter’s 18th Birthday !"
We recently celebrated my daughter’s 18th birthday on the 5th of July at Lutyens Restaurant, Claridges — and I must say, it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. Initially, we were unsure about the venue, as this was our first time hosting an event at Lutyens. However, our faith in The Claridges stemmed from cherished past experiences, including our marriage reception at Viceroy & Maharani back in 2003, and multiple delightful meals at Dhaba and Pickwick with family and friends. This time again, Claridges surpassed our expectations. Chef Guru deserves special recognition for creating a custom-designed birthday cake that was not only stunning in presentation but also spectacular in taste. It was exactly what my daughter envisioned — a cake to remember for a lifetime! Chef Anamika Singh and her kitchen team crafted a delicious Kashmiri menu tailored to our request. Every dish — from starters to mains — was perfectly prepared, rich in flavor, and deeply appreciated by all our guests. The culinary excellence was evident and praised by everyone at the table. On the service front, Mr. Soinudeen, Mr. Abhishek, Ms. Kabita, and the entire restaurant staff were outstanding. They attended to every guest with warm smiles, patience, and professionalism, making the evening feel personal and seamless. A special thank you to Mr. Om, the Manager on Duty, for his visible involvement and thoughtful coordination throughout the evening. His presence and leadership ensured everything ran smoothly for our 20+ guests. Lastly, immense gratitude to Mr. Kamlesh, who was instrumental in planning and organizing the event from start to finish. His professionalism, attention to detail, and proactive communication helped us create a well-coordinated celebration that our entire family will cherish. To everyone at Claridges — thank you for making my daughter’s 18th birthday such a grand success. The beautiful ambiance, exceptional food, and warm hospitality made us feel truly special. We look forward to returning for more memorable moments in the future. Warm regards, Jatin Jogi
The Claridges
elegant establishment in Lutyens’ Zone; built in 1955, set on 3 acres with pool, health club & seven restaurants
Address
12, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Rd, Tees January Road Area, Motilal Nehru Marg Area, New Delhi, Delhi 110011, India
Website
https://www.claridges.com/new-delhi/
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
+911139555000