A Window to Delhi’s Culture and Cuisine
Standing tall right in the geographical and cultural core of India’s bustling capital, Novotel New Delhi City Centre is more than just a hotel—it’s a crossroads of experiences, eras, and evolving lifestyles.
Standing tall right in the geographical and cultural core of India’s bustling capital, Novotel New Delhi City Centre is more than just a hotel—it’s a crossroads of experiences, eras, and evolving lifestyles. As you walk into the elegant hotel lobby with understated, yet elegant decor, the hum of Connaught Place blends effortlessly with the echoes of Old Delhi’s timelessness. For General Manager Saumitra Chaturvedi, this intersection is everything. “From the heart, if you see—we are right in the center. One side, you see New Delhi. The other side, Old Delhi. You get the best of both worlds,” he says, pointing out toward the window overlooking the busy lanes of Sadar Bazaar on one end and the orderly structure of Central Delhi on the other.
The views from the upper floors are nothing short of cinematic. Jama Masjid’s domes rise proudly in the distance, the Red Fort glows amber under the evening sky, and the metro snakes its way through this vibrant cityscape like a pulse. “You’ve seen that metro in the movies? It’s right there. You can watch it roll in and out while sipping your tea from the room,” Chaturvedi adds, beaming with pride.
Novotel’s rooftop, however, is where the city truly unfolds. A shimmering infinity pool opens into a panoramic view of Delhi’s contrasting identities—old quarters soaked in nostalgia, and new neighborhoods brimming with cosmopolitan flair. Soon to accompany this rooftop jewel is a bar and restaurant with both indoor and al fresco seating, and a live kitchen dishing out innovative takes on local classics.
Food, in fact, is the soul of this hotel. Chef Umesh Singh, who leads the culinary team, emphasizes the emotional connection they aim to establish through their menu. “When we curated our menu, we went outside, tasted food in the streets, spoke to vendors, and observed what people love. Then we brought that inside,” he says. Think bhuna gosht, kadhi, home-style dal, and robust butter chicken—all served with finesse, but still rooted in the familiar flavours of Indian kitchens.
Singh shares, “When we started, we thought of about 1000 dishes. Through trials and tastings, we refined it for months. We called chefs from our sister hotels, we invited feedback from everyone in-house. It was a community exercise.” The result? A menu that honours local taste while embracing the global palette, with over 60% vegetarian options—a thoughtful touch in a city where dietary preferences are as diverse as its dialects.
What makes dining at Novotel even more immersive is the “Delhi Trails” concept—an evening series of curated pop-ups that celebrate street food culture. You will find chaats from Chandni Chowk one night, and an elegant bazaar-style buffet the next, brimming with tikkis, jalebis, and kebabs. “We change the menu every evening. It keeps things exciting. We are experimenting and listening to what people love,” Singh explains.
Local flavours, however, aren’t confined to food. Chaturvedi points out how the hotel is intentionally infused with Delhi’s spirit—from the design details to beverage selections. “We are making cocktails that have tea infusions, like masala chai or hibiscus. We are using spices from Chandni Chowk in drinks—it’s not just fusion, it’s familiar,” he says.
In the background of all this vibrancy is a solid commitment to sustainability. Novotel New Delhi City Centre operates under Accor’s stringent green standards. “We have completely eliminated single-use plastic. From the rooms to the restaurants, you won’t find it,” says Chaturvedi. The hotel is transitioning its vehicle fleet to electric and CNG, complete with EV charging stations in the basement. Solar panels on the roof power portions of the hotel, and they are now pushing for broader renewable energy integration.
Equally impressive is the brand’s collaborative approach. “We have told our partners and vendors—support us in this. We can’t go green alone,” Chaturvedi shares, noting how the hotel has extended its sustainability vision beyond its own operations.
With 124 keys, the hotel manages to strike a fine balance between intimacy and international scale. Categories range from deluxe to executive, with a junior suite and a presidential suite nearly ready to debut. Each room comes with either a heritage view or a modern skyline, both offering a window into Delhi’s layered identity.
While the hotel primarily caters to corporate guests—thanks to its proximity to Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Sadar Bazaar, and major railway stations—it also sees leisure travellers, heritage buffs, and city explorers. Its meeting facilities are no less impressive, with a ballroom that can host up to 350 guests and four smaller meeting rooms for intimate gatherings or boardroom sessions.
But perhaps what stands out most is the sense of rootedness. Despite being an international chain, Novotel New Delhi City Centre is deeply in tune with its local soil. “We believe hospitality is about connection,” says Chaturvedi. “Whether it’s through food, through the view, or through a chai cocktail—you should feel like you are in Delhi. Not just staying here, but being here.”
And that’s what this hotel does best. It doesn’t just place you in the center of Delhi—it brings Delhi to you.