PROFILES THE CLARIDGES NEW DELHI


In its still-ongoing renovation project, The Claridges has added a temperature-controlled pool (a norm they previously lacked) surrounded by shaded cabanas, sun decks and an adjoining bar. Transformation work continues at the adjoining spa. The garden has been made over to enhance the lawns, sculpt the trees, and give more prominence to the trick-ling water feature fountain, honing the sense of an idyllic, tranquil retreat.


Another major makeover has been Sevilla, the hotel’s


multi-award-winning Spanish and Mediterranean restaurant. While it formerly had an almost Ibiza, boho ambience, with flowing white drapes around the tables, white wrought iron and brilliant blues, the new look is classic and formally glamorous, with stately cream curtains. The restaurant logo, once a swirling, italicized font, is now set in classy capitals, with a more contemporary Indian design. The hotel’s vodka bar, Aura, which serves 55 different types of vodka, also


underwent a complete change, with a new Russian menu that’s designed to interest a fashionable set.


Pillai says, “This was all aimed at attracting the new


money, for want of a better phrase, all bearing in mind that this is Claridges and what Claridges stands for, so nothing drastic. Everything remains elegant and classic.” All the renovations had to be approached carefully, as the hotel risked alienating its loyal clientele. In some areas The Claridges has done this by making subtle changes and ad-ditions. The wood-lined bar and pub, Pickwicks, which many Delhiites associate with The Claridges, remains the same. Pillai explains, “We brought in a brand-new F&B menu, with a lot more in terms of international dishes, but again with a twist, so we’re not looking at tomato soup and garlic bread, but tomato soup with something. Coffee shop dining, but more creative. It’s been running for about a month now, and we’ve got a very good response.”


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