A landmark in India’s capital for more than 50 years, The Oberoi, New Delhi closed its doors in April 2016 for a top-to-bottom overhaul that was expected to last two years. Word on the street is that the luxury hotel is slated to reopen ahead of schedule—in January 2018. CEO Vikram Oberoi recently announced the good news, along with a few fun teasers: This will be first hotel in India to have an air purifier as New Delhi’s pollution is sometimes a concern.
The multi-million dollar renovation project has been extensive, completely transforming the guest rooms, public spaces, and “back of house” area. Interior designer Adam Tihany was inspired by Edwin Lutyens, the British architect who had played a key role in the designing and building of New Delhi. There will be 218 guest rooms, including 32 suites.
The Oberoi, New Delhi was the first hotel built by Oberoi Group founder Rai Bahadur M S Oberoi in 1965. The company had been founded in 1934, but the first two properties (located in Shimla and Kolkata) had been existing hotels. As reported by The Times of India, The Oberoi New Delhi was the first in the country to have 24-hour room service, butlers and laundry service. At the time, the hotel also pioneered the concept of the 24-hour coffee shop with an outlet called Café Espresso. Today it’s said to be one of the most profitable hotels in the portfolio which now includes 31 hotels, a Nile Cruiser and a vessel in Kerala’s backwaters.
Note that during the hotel’s closure, the Oberoi Group is recommending sister property, The Oberoi, Gurgaon.
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