Delhi is a sensory overload. Honestly, if you’ve ever stepped out of Indira Gandhi International Airport and into the thick, humid air of the capital, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It is loud. It is vibrant. It is occasionally exhausting. Amidst that beautiful chaos on Ashoka Road stands the hotel shangri la new delhi delhi india—or more formally, the Shangri-La Eros.
It’s been around since 2005. That’s a lifetime in the luxury hotel world. While newer, flashier glass towers pop up in Aerocity or Gurgaon, this place remains a staple for people who actually know the city. Why? Because you can’t beat being five minutes from Connaught Place. You just can’t.
What You Are Actually Paying For
Let’s get real about the rooms. Most are around 27 square meters—that’s the Deluxe category. If you’re used to American-style suburban suites, it might feel a bit tight, but the way they’ve used the cobalt and gold accents makes it feel like a jewelry box rather than a closet.
But here is the pro tip: if you don’t book a room with Horizon Club access, you’re kind of doing it wrong.
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The Horizon Club is on the top floors. It’s where the "real" Delhi happens—the business deals, the quiet networking, the evening cocktails with a view of the India Gate. There is something incredibly grounding about watching the sunset over Lutyens' Delhi while someone brings you a fresh drink. It makes the 14 million people outside feel a lot more manageable.
The Food Situation (It’s a Lot)
If you ask a local where to eat in Janpath, they’ll probably mention Tamra. It’s their multi-cuisine buffet spot. Usually, hotel buffets are where flavor goes to die in a chafing dish. Not here. They have these live stations that actually have "energy." You can get authentic Ghar ka khana (home-style Indian) next to a decent sushi roll.
Then there’s Shang Palace. It is the 39th signature restaurant of the brand. If you like Cantonese or Yunnan cuisine, it’s arguably the best in the city.
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- Shang Palace: Serious Sichuan and Cantonese. Try the dim sum; don't skip it.
- Sorrento: Certified Italian. They have the "Golden Q" from Ospitalita' Italiana, which is a fancy way of saying they don't mess up the pasta.
- Mister Chai: This is my favorite. It’s a high-end take on Indian street food. You can get a cutting chai and a bun maska without having to worry about the "Delhi Belly" that comes with actual street stalls.
- Grappa: The bar. It’s moody, it’s dark, and the outdoor terrace is the place to be when the weather isn't melting your soul (basically November through February).
Wellness and The "Chi" Factor
The spa here is called Chi. It’s about 20,000 square feet of "please leave me alone." They do this Signature Asian Blend Massage which is a mix of Thai, Balinese, and Indian techniques. It’s about 90 minutes of someone basically resetting your nervous system.
They also recently upgraded the gym. It’s now called the Wellness Club. We’re talking Technogym equipment, a recovery zone with Hyperice Normatec boots, and even an infrared sauna with Himalayan salt walls. It feels less like a hotel gym and more like a biohacker’s basement.
The Reality Check
Is it perfect? No.
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The traffic around Connaught Place and Ashoka Road can be a nightmare. If you have a meeting at 9:00 AM, you better leave by 8:15 AM even if it’s only two miles away. Also, because it’s a favorite for local politicians and high-profile events, security is tight. Like, "checking under your car with mirrors every single time you enter" tight. Some find it annoying; I find it comforting in a city this big.
The views are the real winner though. Looking out over the historic government district, seeing the lush green canopy of Lutyens' Delhi—it reminds you why this city was the seat of empires.
How to Make the Most of Your Stay
Don't just stay in the hotel. You’re less than a mile from Jantar Mantar and very close to the National Museum.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit:
- Request a high floor: The noise from Ashoka Road is real. The higher you are, the quieter it gets.
- Join Shangri-La Circle: Do it before you arrive. It gets you better deals on the buffet and sometimes a cheeky room upgrade if they aren't fully booked.
- Use the Hotel Limousine: If it’s your first time in India, the airport taxi line can be overwhelming. The hotel car has Wi-Fi and cold water. It’s worth the extra rupees just for the peace of mind.
- Visit the Wet Zone: Even if you don't get a massage, use the steam and sauna. It's the best way to sweat out the Delhi smog after a long day of sightseeing.
The hotel shangri la new delhi delhi india is a bit of an institution. It’s where the old-school charm of the Kuok Group’s hospitality meets the frantic, modern energy of India’s capital. Whether you’re here to sign a contract or just to see the Taj Mahal (it's a 3-hour drive away, by the way), this place acts as a very necessary anchor.