The Oberoi New Delhi New Delhi, India. Stationed between the Delhi Golf Club and Humayun's Tomb at the heart of India's bustling capital, The Oberoi New Delhi has served as the city's social centerpiece since it opened in 1965. After over 50 years at the forefront of international luxury hospitality, the brand's flagship underwent a complete interior redesign, led by Tihany Design. Like the city itself, the redesign, dubbed 'The Gold Anniversary Renovation" represents the bridging together of innovation and time honored tradition. While the foundation and character remain unchanged, the aim was to alter the experience of the space in a way that would create a fresh perspective of the property. The new design is a vision of contemporary hospitality that preserves and celebrates the many traditions that have shaped the Oberoi legacy. At the hotel entrance, an enchanting metal screen provides a view into the reception area while directing the flow of guests first towards the lofty marble-clad passageway along the garden-facing windows of the lobby. This simple yet significant redirection of movement upon entering the space creates the sensation of walking into an entirely new hotel. The screen itself, designed by Kaaru, is a symbol of both the predictability and the mystery of time; a tribute to the fundamental Oberoi philosophy that celebrates the joy of welcoming a guest, no matter the time of day or for how long. 

The lobby lounge is contemporary and comfortable with furniture inspired by the design of Edwin Lutyens, New Delhi's celebrated architect of the early 1900s. Lutyens inspiration can be found throughout the hotel, particularly in respect to proportion and in furniture and lighting design details. The Club Bar, just off the entrance corridor, is an intimate bar and cigar lounge exuding camaraderie and contemplation. Under the coifferd ceiling, the bar's rich red and maroon palette creates an air of masculinity against the dark wood wall panels and patterned wood floor. The 46-seat Indian restaurant Omya is contemporary and sophisticated with a nod to traditional Lutyens design in the form of the architect's famous spider back chiar. Adjacent to Omya, the airy, sun-soaked casual buffet style eatery 360 features a pattern of large ceiling panels that appear to float over the restaurant like suspended origami. On the ninth floor, the hotel's Chinese restaurant Baochuan showcases an architectural ceiling composed of overlapping slats inspired by the folding ribs of a Chinese fan. Also on the ninth floor is the destination rooftop bar and terrace Cirrus9, featuring 360-degree views of the city. With the renovation, The Oberoi's guest rooms and suites received a significant increase in size. Each of the four room types is designed to feel residential and luxurious while staying true to the location. 

Photography: Amit Mehra