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Turban Cowboy Recommends: Vikram Chatwal's Pick for India

Where: 1 Janpath, New Delhi, India, 110001

We thought our baby bro, Jaunted's nickname for Vikram Chatwal, (Whiskey Vik) was pretty clever but the New India Press has already bestowed a nickname upon the hautel couture hotelier--Turban Cowboy. So from now on Vikram and Turban Cowboy shall be one and the same.

Speaking of India, what hotel does Vikr...er...the Turban Cowboy recommend for travelers? The Imperial in New Delhi. Also a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts group that TC's hotels belong to, the colonial-style Imperial was built in 1936 with the goal of being the most luxurious hotel in New Delhi. Today, the place still stands as the city's landmark hotel, close to shopping (like India's first Chanel store) and city attractions but secluded from the not-so-pretty city sights.

The rooms and suites are spacious with modern furnishings and amenities, there's about 8 restaurants and 1 bar that serve traditional Indian cuisine, and Italian and French cuisine, along with a fitness center, pool area and a soon-to-be-opened spa center.

However, guest reviews on the place wildly differ from poor to amazing. But even when the reviews are good, you have to remember you're in New Delhi. A guest who took this shot above of the back of the hotel says:

This shot actually makes it look remarkably clean but New Delhi is incredibly polluted. Even inside the foyer of this luxurious hotel you can see the pollution in the air.

What is certain is that the hotel was probably once way past its prime but that the new owners are trying hard to keep its wealthy clientele by hiring friendly and helpful staff and instituting modern hotel services like the business center and the spa. And if it's good enough for the Turban Cowboy, then it's good enough for you.

Image via JonandKelly/Flickr

Related Stories:
· Imperial New Delhi reviews [TripAdvisor]
· Vikram Chatwal to miss the inauguration of his Dream Hotel [NewIndPress.com]
· Another case of Whiskey Vik [Jaunted]