You know that feeling when you step into a place and it just clicks? That’s the vibe at The Connaught New Delhi. It isn't just another corporate glass box. It’s a Seleqtions hotel by IHCL, and honestly, it feels like the cool, sophisticated cousin of the more traditional Taj properties. Located right in the heart of Shivaji Terminal, it’s basically a love letter to the Art Deco soul of Lutyens’ Delhi, but with a punchy, modern neon twist.
I’ve walked through these corridors more than a few times. Every time, I’m struck by how they managed to make something so "New Delhi" feel so incredibly fresh. You aren't just booking a room here; you’re buying into a specific kind of energy. It’s loud in its design but quiet in its service. It’s confusingly beautiful.
Why Location Is Everything for The Connaught New Delhi
Location is a tired travel cliché, I know. But here? It actually matters. You are literally minutes away from Connaught Place—or CP, as anyone who actually lives here calls it. If you’ve ever tried to navigate Delhi traffic, you know that being centrally located isn’t just a luxury; it’s a survival tactic.
Staying at The Connaught New Delhi puts you at the epicenter of everything that makes the capital tick. You can wander over to Janpath for some obsessive bargain hunting or take a quick rickshaw ride to the Hanuman Temple. It’s rare to find a spot that manages to be tucked away enough to offer a decent night's sleep while being close enough to hear the heartbeat of the city.
The hotel overlooks the Shivaji Stadium, and if you’re lucky enough to get a room with a view, you get to watch the city wake up. It’s a chaotic, beautiful mess of yellow taxis and commuters. Most people think CP is just for shopping, but staying here teaches you it’s actually the literal lung of the city’s social life.
The Design Aesthetic: Art Deco Meets 2026
Forget those beige, soul-crushing lobby designs you see in standard five-star chains. The Connaught New Delhi went in a completely different direction. Think bold patterns. Think velvet. Think of a color palette that shouldn't work on paper—teals, pinks, and deep golds—but somehow looks like a masterpiece.
The architects clearly had a blast with the Art Deco influences. You’ll see it in the curved edges, the geometric flooring, and the way light hits the brass fixtures. It feels intentional. It feels like someone actually sat down and said, "Let's make people feel something when they walk through the door."
Most hotels in this category play it safe. They want to be "neutral." Not this one. It’s "lifestyle" in the truest sense of the word. You’ve got these quirky installations and a staircase that is, quite frankly, built for Instagram. But it doesn't feel shallow. There’s a weight to the luxury here that reminds you it’s still an IHCL property—the service standards are Taj-level, even if the staff are wearing slightly cooler uniforms.
The Rooms: Where the Magic Actually Happens
Look, a pretty lobby is great, but if the bed feels like a slab of granite, the stay is a bust. The rooms at The Connaught New Delhi are... cozy. And I mean that in the best way possible. They aren't the sprawling, oversized suites of the Taj Mahal Hotel on Mansingh Road, but they are incredibly well-utilized.
The smart use of space is impressive. You get high-quality linens (the thread count is legit), integrated tech that actually works without a manual, and bathrooms that feel like mini-spas.
- Superior Rooms: Great for a quick business trip.
- Deluxe Rooms: A bit more breathing room.
- The Prahlad Suite: If you’re feeling fancy, this is the one. It’s named after the legendary Prahlad Kakkar, and it’s basically a masterclass in personality-driven design.
One thing people often miss: the soundproofing. You are in the middle of one of the loudest cities on Earth. Yet, inside your room at The Connaught, it’s eerie how quiet it gets. That’s the real luxury.
Dining at Hub: More Than Just a Hotel Bar
Let’s talk about Hub. It’s the all-day diner and bar, and it’s kind of the soul of the building.
Delhiites are picky about food. Like, really picky. So the fact that Hub manages to pull in locals who aren't even staying at the hotel says a lot. The menu is a weird, wonderful mix of "Dilli-6" street food flavors and high-end international stuff.
I once had a conversation with a regular there who claimed their Nalli Nihari was some of the best in the city outside of Old Delhi. That’s a bold claim. But after trying it? I get it. They don’t dumb down the spices for international palates. They keep it authentic.
Then there’s the bar. The cocktails are inventive. They use local botanicals and infusions that actually make sense, rather than just throwing a cinnamon stick in a glass and calling it "artisanal." It’s a great spot for a power lunch or a "I’m-too-tired-to-explore" dinner.
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What People Get Wrong About This Hotel
A lot of travelers see the "Seleqtions" branding and get confused. They think it’s a "budget Taj."
Wrong.
It’s a curated experience. The Taj is formal, traditional, and grand. The Connaught is boutique, energetic, and a bit rebellious. If you go in expecting white-gloved butler service at every turn, you’re missing the point. The service here is friendly and efficient, but it’s definitely more casual. It’s meant to feel like a high-end club, not a museum.
Another misconception? That it’s only for business travelers. While the Wi-Fi is blazing fast and the meeting rooms are top-tier, I see plenty of couples and solo travelers here. It’s for anyone who wants to be in the mix.
Navigating the Neighborhood Like a Pro
If you’re staying at The Connaught New Delhi, you’re doing yourself a disservice if you just stay inside. Step out. Turn left. Turn right. It doesn't matter.
- The State Emporiums on Baba Kharak Singh Marg: These are literally a stone’s throw away. Each Indian state has a building selling its local crafts. It’s the best place for souvenirs that aren't tacky junk.
- Bangla Sahib Gurudwara: It’s a 10-minute walk. Go at night. The reflecting pool under the lights is one of the most peaceful places in the world.
- Wenger’s: You have to go to Wenger’s in A-Block CP. Get the mutton patties. It’s been there since 1926, and it’s an institution.
The Logistics: Getting There and Staying There
Getting to the hotel is fairly straightforward. It’s about 30-40 minutes from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) depending on the time of day. If you’re coming by train, New Delhi Railway Station is ridiculously close—barely a 10-minute drive.
- Check-in: Super smooth. They usually have a welcome drink that actually tastes like something (not just orange juice from a carton).
- Price Point: It sits in that sweet spot. It’s premium, but it won't clear out your savings account like some of the heritage palaces will.
- Sustainability: They’ve made some decent strides here. You’ll notice fewer single-use plastics and more glass bottles. It’s 2026; this should be the standard, but it’s nice to see it actually implemented.
Is It Worth It?
Honestly? Yeah.
If you want the grit and glamour of Delhi without the logistical headache of staying in the suburbs like Gurgaon or Noida, The Connaught New Delhi is hard to beat. It manages to capture the "Dilli" spirit—that mixture of history and "look-at-me" modernism—perfectly.
It’s a place for people who like a bit of personality with their pillows. It’s stylish, it’s central, and it’s unapologetically bold.
How to Make the Most of Your Stay
To truly experience what this spot offers, don't just treat it as a bed. Here is how to actually do it right:
- Book a Heritage Walk: Ask the concierge about guided walks through Connaught Place. There are layers of history in those white pillars that you’ll never find on a Wikipedia page.
- Request a High Floor: The street noise is handled well by the windows, but the views of the Delhi skyline (especially at sunset) are significantly better from the upper levels.
- Check the Hub Schedule: They often have live sets or curated food pop-ups. It’s worth checking what’s on during your dates.
- Use the Metro: The Shivaji Stadium Metro station (Airport Express Line) is right there. It’s the fastest, cleanest way to get to the airport or other parts of the city. Forget Uber during peak hours; the Metro is your best friend.
Pack comfortable walking shoes, a decent camera, and an appetite. Delhi is a lot to take in, and having a base like this makes the chaos a whole lot more manageable.