The Lodhi, New Delhi: Unbelievable Luxury You HAVE to See!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to take you on a rollercoaster ride through THE LODHI, New Delhi. Forget those polished, perfectly-grammable reviews, because this is the real damn deal. This isn’t just a hotel, it's… well, it’s an experience. And honestly? It’s a head-scratcher, a delight, and maybe, just maybe, a little overwhelming all rolled into one ultra-luxe package.
Accessibility & Those Crucial Bits:
Okay, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way first. Yep, wheelchair accessible (a huge plus!), elevator, and all that jazz. They say they cater, and from what I saw, they genuinely try. Facilities for disabled guests are present, which is fantastic. Now, for us regular folks? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the internet gods! Seriously, being digitally disconnected is NOT an option, and they GET that. Plus, the internet access is on point – both Wi-Fi in public areas and the Internet [LAN] in case you're feeling retro.
Cleanliness & Pandemic Precautions: Did Someone Say "Obsessive Compulsive?"
Look, if you're a germaphobe, you've found your heaven. The anti-viral cleaning products, the daily disinfection in common areas, the professional-grade sanitizing services… it's like a full-blown sanitization party in here! They're serious about this stuff. I’m talking room sanitization opt-out available if you trust your cleaning skills more than theirs. Honestly? I didn't test it. I'm happy to leave the heavy-duty cleaning to the pros. They've got hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff? Trained to the eyeballs in safety protocol. Staff trained in safety protocol and sterilizing equipment are probably permanently imprinted on their brains. Rooms sanitized between stays, individually-wrapped food options… You get the picture. It's a fortress of cleanliness, and frankly, that's reassuring. Plus, they offer cashless payment service, a lifesaver.
The Rooms: Holy Luxurious Hideaway, Batman!
Okay, the rooms. Sigh. Where do I even begin? Forget a room, you get a freakin' suite. Think sprawling spaces, air conditioning, blackout curtains (essential for beating the Delhi heat), a desk (for pretending to work - we all do it), and a seating area that’s practically a second living room. The bathtub is enormous, great for a little "me time", and comes with bathrobes and slippers. The free bottled water is refilled religiously. Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN, for both your on-the-go and your work needs. Daily housekeeping keeps the space spotless and magical. The bed? Extra long, so even giants can stretch out and relax. All of this in rooms with soundproofing to keep Delhi's cacophony at bay. Seriously, the comfort level is unreal. I was tempted to become a permanent resident. And hey, if you're feeling romantic (couple's room, anyone?), there’s a chance you can book it as a proposal spot.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Prepare to Eat Your Weight in Deliciousness
Alright, foodies, listen up. The Lodhi is a culinary adventure. We're talking multiple restaurants offering a galaxy of options. There's Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant. Seriously, someone in this hotel had the menu of a chef's dream. Breakfast [buffet] is an absolute must-do (trust me, it’s worth dragging yourself out of bed for). You’ve got your Asian breakfast and your Western breakfast, so no matter your preference, you are set. There are also breakfast takeaway service, room service [24-hour], coffee/tea in restaurant and a coffee shop. Plus, the inevitable poolside bar (hello, cocktails!), a snack bar, a bar and a selection of desserts in restaurant. I had a salad in restaurant one day that was divine. Soup is also available, and if you are a vegetarian, no worries, there's a vegetarian restaurant! If you're feeling fancy, there's A la carte in restaurant. There are even options with Alternative meal arrangement if you ask! The bottle of water is refilled religiously! Okay, here’s where it gets personal. I, your humble reviewer, spent a good hour or so just luxuriating in the outdoor seating of one of the restaurants, sipping coffee. The view was gorgeous, the air was balmy, and the world just seemed…right. And the imperfections? Well, sometimes service got a little slow during peak hours. But honestly, I was in India. Slow is the norm! And when you get pampered like this, a few minutes of waiting never really hurt anyone. A word to the wise: don't miss happy hour.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa, Spa, Spa…and More Spa!
This is where The Lodhi really shines. You can spend your entire vacation just relaxing and you will not be bored. There's a swimming pool (and remember, this is outdoor), a pool with a view that's Instagram-worthy, a fitness center, and a gym/fitness room that will make you feel guilty for not working out more. But let's be honest, the real star here is the spa. They have a sauna, a steamroom, and all sorts of treatments. I got a massage that just melted all my stress away. They offer Body scrub and Body wrap services. It was here, in the spa, that I had my ‘moment.’ I'm not normally one for spa treatments. I always think, "I can do this at home!" But this time, I decided to surrender. I chose a deep-tissue massage because, well, Delhi. The therapist found knots I didn't know I had. It was a painful, amazing, and transformative experience. I swear, I walked out feeling like a completely new (and more relaxed) human being. And yes, I did the foot bath too.
Services and Conveniences: They Think of Everything (Almost)
The Lodhi practically anticipates your every whim. Concierge, doorman, luggage storage, daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning, ironing service – you name it, they do it. They have a convenience store, a gift/souvenir shop, and cash withdrawal services. They even offer airport transfer, valet parking, and taxi service. Though, I got stuck needing a car park [free of charge]. The 24-hour front desk is always available and offering Contactless check-in/out. There are meeting/banquet facilities, meeting stationery, and business facilities. And for the love of god, they provide Air conditioning in public area.
For the Kids:
Babysitting service and family/child friendly options are available.
Getting Around:
Car park [free of charge], car park [on-site], bicycle parking, and car power charging station are available.
My (Slightly Chaotic) Verdict:
The Lodhi is an experience. It’s not just a hotel. It’s a haven. It's a splurge. It’s a little bit ridiculous, and a whole lot of wonderful. It takes luxury to another level. The Imperfections? Well, nothing's perfect. Service can sometimes be a little slow (you're in India, embrace the chill), and it's not exactly cheap. But the sheer level of indulgence, the attention to detail, and the feeling of pure pampering? Absolutely worth it, if you can swing it.
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Escape to Paradise: Salalah Gardens Hotel's Luxurious Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, Buttercup. This isn't your beige-on-beige, perfectly-curated Instagram travel itinerary. This is real. This is Delhi. This is… me trying to survive it all with a modicum of sanity. And a whole lot of Chai.
The Lodhi: My Delhi Descent… or, The Quest for Comfort in Chaos
Day 1: Arrival - Jet Lagged and Judgy (and Loving it?)
6:00 AM: Touchdown at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The air hits you like a humid wall. Okay, Delhi, I see you. First impressions? A symphony of honking and a distinct aroma of… well, let’s call it “urban spice.” Finding the pre-booked car through the absolute scrum of humanity is a small victory. I feel like I've just won a minor battle in the apocalypse of traffic.
7:30 AM: Arrive at The Lodhi. Oh. My. GOD. This is why you pay good money. Suddenly, the chaos melts away. The air conditioner practically hugs you. The lobby is all sleek lines and calming water features. I immediately feel my stress levels drop maybe… 20%. Maybe.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Check-in, unpack (halfway – jet lag is a beast), and plunge into the enormous bathtub. Seriously, this tub could probably fit a small family. The water pressure is so good, it's almost criminal. I have to admit the jet lag had me feeling a little… crabby. But now? The bubbles are winning.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Brunch at The Lodhi’s Elan restaurant. Ordered wayyy too much food. The parathas were a glorious, oily, carb-laden revelation. The eggs benedict? Flawless. I might never leave. Okay, that's a lie. I'm going to leave only to experience the chaos.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Nap. A necessary and glorious nap. I was out like a light. My dreams involved more food, less jet lag, and definitely no honking.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Attempt to hit the gym. Fail. My body is still operating on a different time zone. Instead, I sit by the pool, sip a masala chai, and judge the abs of the local gym-goers. Petty, but satisfying.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Exploring the property – the gardens are lush, the architecture stunning. It's a total oasis, and I feel like I'm perpetually walking through a movie set. The only downside? A slight feeling of guilt, like I should be experiencing "Real India" and not just… this luxurious bubble. (But maybe "Real India" can wait a day, eh?)
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Spa Treatment at The Lodhi's Spa. This is where things get really good. I chose the… well, I'm not sure what I chose. It involved a lot of oil, some serious massage skills, and a near-death experience of relaxation. I floated out of there feeling like a boneless noodle. My therapist, bless her heart, probably had to wrestle my zombie-like body back to the room.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Drinks at the bar. G&T, because I'm predictable, and people-watching. Watching the hotel guests is genuinely fascinating. Seeing the various reactions to the world is entertaining.
8:00 PM Onwards: Dinner at the Indian restaurant. The food was incredible. The service, impeccable. But honestly? I was too tired to truly appreciate it. I basically inhaled the food and collapsed into bed.
Day 2: Delhi's Delicious Dance (and My Growing Love of Chai)
7:00 AM: Wake up, feeling… alive! Jet lag is finally loosening its grip. Chai, glorious Chai, on the balcony. The city noise starts up now. I love it. I hate it. I love it.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast at Elan again. Seriously, I’m starting to think I could live on their chole bhature. Just the thought of it makes my stomach rumble. They're that good. And this time, I actually remember to eat something other than carbs.
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Old Delhi exploration. This is where things get MESSY (in a good way). Hired a driver (essential!). The narrow streets, the overwhelming smells, the vibrant colours… it was sensory overload in the best possible way.
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Paratha alley. So many parathas, so little stomach space. Tried a few - the potato was a rockstar. The whole energy was so thrilling that I had to buy some spices. Just because I had to.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Walked through the narrow streets of… I don't even know the name of it, but I wouldn't forget it if I could. Saw sights, smells, and sounds. I bought a sari (that I'll probably never wear). And tried jalebis. Sweet, sugary, deep-fried… heaven.
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM: The Spice Market. This was pure, unadulterated chaos. The smells! The colours! The sheer volume of… everything! I felt like I was walking through a Bollywood film. Or maybe just in a really intense commercial.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at Karim's (famous for its Mughlai cuisine). The food was rich, flavourful, and absolutely worth the inevitable stomach ache. I'm willing to die happy, honestly.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Head back to The Lodhi. Honestly, I needed a shower. A mental break. So much noise and so much chaos… it's all so interesting. So much information.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Lounging by the pool again, reading (and possibly napping). Just processing everything.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Another Spa trip.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Evening drinks and snacks at the hotel lounge, watching the sunset and the lights of the city start to come on.
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Dinner at the hotel's Indian restaurant again. And then I went back to my room to sleep.
Day 3: Monument Mania and (Another) Chai Fix
7:00 AM: Wake up. Chai on the balcony. The city is starting up again.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast, again. I'm starting to feel guilty for having such a fancy breakfast. And so I decided to eat extra to not feel the guilt.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Exploring Delhi's monuments – Humayun's Tomb and India Gate. Humayun's Tomb was breathtakingly beautiful. India Gate was… crowded. But iconic. The sheer scale of it all is impressive. I feel like the monuments are trying to tell a story, and I want to hear the story, but I don't know how.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local cafe (found it on Google). The food was… okay. The service was… enthusiastic. The experience was… authentic, and I should be happy about it, but I'm thinking about the breakfast I had.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The heat is getting to me. I need a break.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: I went back to The Lodhi. I'm starting to feel the pull like the comfort. And so I went back into the giant tub that now feels perfectly normal.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: More pool time. More thinking about the day.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Spa visit.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: The sunset is beautiful and I go out. I go out to the bar for drinks and snacks.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Last dinner at the hotel. And then to sleep.
Day 4: Departure - Regrets and Reflections (and a Vow to Return)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Chai. (It’s a ritual now.) Packing.
- 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast. The last one
The Lodhi, New Delhi: FAQs for the Overwhelmed (and Overjoyed) Traveler
Okay, buckle up buttercups. You're thinking about The Lodhi? Good choice, bad choice, maybe a bit of both depending on your bank account (mine's still recovering). Here's the down-and-dirty on this place, straight from the trenches of my own recent, slightly-blurry stay:
1. Is The Lodhi REALLY as ridiculously luxurious as it looks in the photos?
Oh, honey. Yes. It is. More so. Think marble, seriously vast rooms, bathrooms you could practically live in (and I ALMOST did). The pictures? They're not lying. They're maybe even under-selling it, which, for something that already looks like a palace, is quite the feat. I swear, walking into my room felt like I'd stumbled onto the set of a Bollywood film. Everything is just... *extra*. From the ridiculously fluffy towels to the sheer silence (a blessed anomaly in Delhi), it's all designed to make you feel like you've won the lottery, even if you haven't.
2. The Rooms: What's the deal? Are they worth the price tag?
Alright, let's be honest: it's *expensive*. Eye-wateringly so. But... the rooms are a major draw. You’ve got options, from swanky rooms to suites with private plunge pools. *Private plunge pools*! Look, I’m a simple person. I like a good hotel room. But this… this was next level. I opted for the "Deluxe Room" which, let me tell you, was far from "deluxe" in the traditional sense. It was more like "Emperor's Chambers, But Without the Pressure of Governing." Seriously, the space! I kept getting lost. I think I could have hosted a small yoga class in the bathroom alone. And the balcony? Overlooking the pool? Pure bliss, especially when the Delhi pollution was at its ‘acceptable’ level, (don't ask... you're in Delhi).
Worth the price? That’s a question only your wallet can answer. But if you can swing it, and you appreciate space, privacy, and a feeling of utter indulgence, then yeah. Maybe. Kinda. *Sigh*. I'm still dreaming about that bathroom.
3. Food, Glorious Food. What's the grub like?
Okay, I'm a foodie. A serious one. And The Lodhi? They *get* food. They have some seriously impressive restaurants. Their in-house restaurants are pretty fancy - like, white-tablecloth-and-fancy-pronunciation fancy. They're great for a special occasion – the kind where you want to impress and be impressed. They also have amazing variety. I did a steak one night, and Indian the next. Not at the same time, (though, you know… I *considered* it…), but both were truly phenomenal. The only minor flaw? Expect to pay a premium. Like, a *very* premium.
Breakfast? Divine. The buffet is a work of art. So many options! I may have over-indulged in the pastries… and the fresh fruit… and the made-to-order omelets… Let’s just say I started the day with a food coma of pure joy.
4. The Pool, The Spa, The Fitness Centre: Are they as good as everyone claims?
Oh, the pools. Plural! And yes, they're as gorgeous as they look. The main pool is HUGE. I spent hours just floating around, feeling like a pampered, overfed seal. The smaller, more private pools? Perfect if you want a quieter escape. I did try the spa (because, duh!). The treatments were top-notch, and I practically melted into the massage table. The masseuse spoke in that soothing, almost hypnotizing voice... I think I may have drooled a bit. The fitness centre? I, uh… I looked at it. From a distance. It looked very… fit. (Let’s be honest, I was too busy testing out the aforementioned pastries at that point to do any serious workout). Bottom line: All are phenomenal, unless you're me, in which case the fitness centre is a concept.
5. The Staff: Are they friendly, helpful… or overly formal and stuffy?
This is where The Lodhi truly shines. The staff are absolutely wonderful. They're attentive without being intrusive, incredibly polite, and genuinely seem to care about making your stay enjoyable. They remember your name, anticipate your needs, and are just... nice. Seriously, the service is impeccable. They even somehow tolerated my messy room and my relentless questions about the best places to get street food in Delhi (which, ironically, they probably wouldn't recommend!). Little things, like the welcome drink, are very impressive and a sign of thoughtful hospitality.
6. Any downsides? Spill the tea!
Okay, let's be real. It's not ALL sunshine and roses. The biggest downside? The price, obviously. My bank account is *still* recovering. Also, while the location is generally good, you are in Delhi. Traffic can be a nightmare, so factor that into your plans. Also, (and this is minor), the sheer size of the place can be a bit overwhelming at first. It’s like a small, luxurious village. It took me a day to figure out how to get from my room to the pool without getting lost. Finally, I did find Delhi to be incredibly hot and pollution was a constant issue. The clean air in my room was fantastic, but, getting around Delhi takes a bit of getting used to, depending on where you're coming from.
7. Should I go? (Please, just tell me!)
Okay, deep breaths. If you can afford it, and you want to experience a level of luxury that borders on the surreal, then YES. Absolutely. GO. Even if it’s just for a night. Just be prepared to be utterly spoiled, and maybe slightly heartbroken when you have to leave. It's a splurge, yes. But it's an experience. And sometimes, you just need to treat yourself. Just… maybe take out a second mortgage first. You've been warned.
