The Park New Delhi

The Park has a trendier, more contemporary vibe than most of Delhi's stodgier -- or glitzier -- upscale and luxury properties. Still, there are some flaws, particularly in the guest rooms, where decor is underwhelming and doesn't merit the hotel's claims to luxury status. Guests enter a modern low-ceilinged lobby with retro fittings such as 1960s-style plush chairs and round, colorful light fixtures. Style aside, this hotel is a bit of a destination in its own right -- for locals, ex-pats, and other tourists. Off to one side sits Agni, a contemporary lounge bar with dark interiors that's a popular nightlife spot with DJs many nights of the week. Past a row of elevators sits Mist, a bright bistro-style cafe with white and pale-blue decor inside and an outdoor seating area overlooking the small pool, where there's a second bar -- Aqua -- and a row of cabanas. Daytime pool parties are frequently held here on weekends during hot summer months. The decor in the hotel's main restaurant -- Fire -- is similar to what's found in the other on-site eateries, with lots of long-stemmed light fixtures suspended from the ceiling and similarly low-key fixtures. Most guests here are domestic and international business travelers, and while the clientele here skews young, the hotel hosts fewer families with children than most other comparable central Delhi hotels. 

The Park Hotel is located at the southern edge of Connaught Place, the city's de facto center. As such, it's only a short walk of upmarket shops, high-end restaurants, and a cinema. The hotel sits right across from Jantar Mantar, a collection of ancient astronomical tools and a popular tourist attraction. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a 10-minute walk away and Rajiv Chowk Metro station takes about five minutes to reach on foot. Old Delhi Railway Station and Old Delhi's bustling market area -- Chandni Chowk -- are both about 20 minutes or so or so away by car, while New Delhi Railway Station takes 10 to 15 minutes to reach by taxi. Factor in at least five minutes by car to India Gate or up to 15 minutes to reach Humayun's Tomb. South Delhi attractions such as the Lotus Temple and the Qutub Minar can take half an hour or longer to reach depending on traffic. The Indira Gandhi International Airport is about 20 minutes away by car without traffic, but can take significantly longer during peak hours.

The 220 rooms at The Park feature a simple decor scheme that's a little bland compared to the bright common areas. This includes dark hardwood floors, wood-veneer furniture, and simple off-white walls and bedding accented by dark-brown and boldly hued monochrome throws and curtains. There's also an abundance of dark wood paneling that doesn't help lighten the look. Most also have frosted-glass dividers separating the sleeping areas from the bathrooms, which may spur privacy concerns for some. All in all, the look is modern enough, but not exactly up to luxury standards.Rooms range from entry-level Luxury Rooms (and the slightly larger Luxury Premium Rooms) up to elegant Presidential Suites. The smallest rooms have 244 square feet of space (23 square meters), and things only get more roomy from there. The hotel also has two floors of Residence Rooms, with upgraded decor and a dedicated lounge. Suites come in two varieties: Deluxe Suites and larger Presidential Suites, both of which have separate seating areas and extra perks including wine and chocolates in the rooms and free airport transfers. All rooms and suites come with safes, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, minibars, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. More perks are added the higher the category. Each receives a free basket of fruit, while upgraded rooms get boxes of chocolates and bottles of wine. Marble bathrooms have large walk-in showers and huge counters with vessel sinks; those in suites and Residence Rooms also have tubs. 

The Park's biggest draw are its on-site bars and restaurants, which serve high-quality international and Indian dishes. Mist is open 24 hours a day and offers delicious pizzas and great European deserts either inside or by the pool. There's also a poolside bar, Aqua, with regular DJ nights and great cocktails. The pool itself is on the small side and not big enough for lap swimming, but it's still good for a cooling dip or a game of volleyball. There are poolside cabanas with personal fans and TVs where guests can dine or sip cocktails. Inside, Agni is a lounge bar with a clubby vibe that focuses on cocktails, while Fire -- the on-site Indian restaurant -- serves quintessentially North Indian dishes along with some interesting Indo-European fusions. Room service is also available around the clock. Other amenities include a fitness center with a good selection of modern treadmills, weight-training equipment, and free weights. There's also a spa, Aura, with massage services, a separate salon offering haircare, eyebrow threading, and mani/pedis, plus a sauna and regular yoga classes. The hotel has three meeting spaces for catered events such as meetings and parties. Valet parking is included in room rates. Car services can be arranged, as can tours and excursions. A small gift shop sells crafty items. Note that Wi-Fi costs extra, although this is not unusual in Delhi.