Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla

As is common with this international brand, Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi is a grand hotel with a luxurious finish. Though the exterior blends in with the other office blocks in the area, interiors are sharp. The towering lobby shines with gold, from the marble floor to the shimmering hanging lights. There are touches of local heritage in the decor -- like wooden screens in the restaurants -- but a generally anonymous upmarket style found throughout the property. The hotel is designed to appeal to a wide range of international travelers, and offers food choices from around the world -- there's a French Patisserie, a buffet restaurant, and even a whiskey lounge. There's also plenty of space to unwind, with a rooftop pool and variety of lounges, which are perfect to accommodate the many conference and corporate guests that pass through the hotel.

Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi is located in one of the newer corporate developments in Delhi's far south. It sits on a busy intersection, surrounded by office buildings, and isn't exactly the kind of neighborhood made for leisurely strolls. The impressive ruins of Tughakalabad Fort are a 10-minute drive away. Other attractions nearby include Okhla Bird Sanctuary and Worlds of Wonders amusement park, which are about a 30-minute drive from the hotel. The colorful street markets of Mehar Chand and Sarojini Nagar in the south of New Delhi are up to 40 minutes away, and it's about the same to the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb. Shopping and attractions around Connaught Place are 30 to 60 minutes away depending on the time of day and traffic, while historic attractions in Old Dehli are a solid hour-long drive. Alternatively, Delhi's metro is an efficient way into and out of town during operating hours, and the Jasola Apollo station is only a five-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Transit time to the airport can take anywhere from 50 to 90 minutes depending on traffic, so budget accordingly.

Rooms at the Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi have a modern finish with a neutral color scheme of creams and pale browns. Echoes of the marble and gold found in the hotel's common areas show up in the countertops and soft furnishings. They're spacious, with large 40-inch flat-screen TVs, and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the surrounding area. Other amenities include air-conditioning, minibars, electric kettles, irons, umbrellas, bathrobes/slippers, and free Wi-Fi. Club Rooms and suites include access to the Club Lounge -- with free breakfast and evening drinks. The Suites also have separate living rooms with office areas. Smoking rooms and Quiet Zone rooms are available on request. Smart bathrooms are decked in marble, and include separate rainfall showers and soaking tubs.

Features are numerous here, which is a good thing as there's not much to see or do nearby. There are several restaurants at the hotel, and all score solid marks from previous guests. The main buffet restaurant offers five cuisines from around the world and serves food all day, including a hot and cold spread for breakfast. Chaobella Restaurant has a menu that convincingly fuses Chinese and Italian fare, while freshly made French-style pastries, coffees, and snacks are on offer in French Heart. Room service is also available. The fitness center on the first floor has a gym with cardio and weight-lifting equipment, plus yoga classes and personal trainers on hand. There's also a small rooftop pool with sun loungers. It's plenty big enough for a lap swimming -- though it's worth noting there's not a lot of shade and the pigeons can be a pain. An attractive spa on the level above the pool offers a good range of massage and beauty treatments, plus a sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy pool. There are six event spaces and meeting rooms, the largest accommodating up to 400, and the business center is staffed during the day. Other pluses include free Wi-Fi, plus parking and laundry services.