Baraut Hotels - India

Emerald Isle
 

Tucked in an eco-system of waterways and backwaters in the Kuttanad region of central Kerala is Emerald Isle Heritage Villa, a 150-year-old property enveloped by water and swathed by indigenous flora and fauna. Rustic, yet not far removed from Alleppey Town at approximately 10 kilometers away, the island villa is 75 kilometers from Kerala's bustling port city, Kochi. The closest airport is in Trivandrum, India, about 160 kilometers away. Guests at this 19th century family-owned villa can enjoy an unconventional lodging experience, starting with the journey there. At a landing point close to Alleppey Town, a member of the villa's staff picks hotel guests up in a hollowed-out boat. After a short trip down the Manimala River, the property soon appears. Birds of Paradise and butterflies greet guests as they disembark. The villa, set on seven acres, has a burnished-wood roof and white walls. Inside, teak accents and wood carvings relay genuine Keralan motifs. Local culture is evidenced in the villa's amenities. Guests can get ayurvedic massages, nap in a hammock and sip freshly made coconut toddies. Adventure is offered with trips to local paddy fields or to the ancient Bhagawati temple. Food here is similarly meaningful. Guests are often invited into the kitchen for cooking lessons. Typical fare includes curries and pancake-like dosas. The Emerald Isle Heritage Villa's four guestrooms feature en suite, open-air bathrooms. Furnishings are modern; however, only one room has air conditioning. Emerald Isle Heritage Villa delivers an authentically personal Keralan experience.

The Oberoi, New Delhi
 

Located in the heart of New Delhi, India, the Oberoi New Delhi overlooks the prestigious Delhi Golf Club and Humayun's Tomb, a well-known landmark and prime example of Mugal architecture. Named Best Hotel in the World by Travel Leisure in 2004 and part of the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List 2004, the Oberoi New Delhi offers modern, luxurious accommodations. Established by the British Raj, New Delhi is a section of Delhi, the capital of India, and is composed of spacious, tree- lined avenues and imposing government buildings. The Oberoi New Delhi is minutes away from Connaught Place, Nehru Place and offices of the Central Government Ministries. The hotel is also within walking distance of Pragati Maidan, the international trade fair and exhibition grounds. The eight-story Oberoi New Delhi features 300 guestrooms and suites, each furnished in an elegant contemporary Indian style and fully equipped with the latest communications and in-room entertainment. Guest amenities include a beautiful open- air pool, fitness center, steam room, sauna and full- service spa by Banyan Tree. The hotel is home to award-winning restaurants and bars, such as threesixty°, which offers world cuisine, featuring a sushi station, Yakitori grill, wood-fired oven for Mediterranean fare and contemporary Tandoor. Both classical and new world wines can be found at enoteca, Bar and Lounge. Launched in association with Hotel Hassler in Rome, Travertino provides a fine dining experience with classical Italian cuisine. Taipan serves Chinese food and specializes in dim sum, and the Kandahar boasts an exhaustive Indian menu along with ghazals (poetry readings) and popular Indian music. The Oberoi New Delhi features private meeting and banquet rooms. Meeting services include an efficient and professional staff, a 24-hour business center, satellite teleconferencing capabilities and catering services.

Maidens Hotel, Delhi
 

Set amid eight acres of lush gardens, Maidens Hotel, Delhi, offers guests Old World charm in the center of India's capital city. The time of the British Raj and Rudyard Kipling's novels are recalled as guest have easy access to Pragati Maidan, Birla Mandir, Connaught Place, a commercial area; Jantar Mantar, Chandi Chowkde, a well-known shopping center; and Jama Masjid. The University of Delhi campus is within walking distance. This 56-room, five-story hotel exemplifies late 19th century elegance, with spacious rooms and high ceilings. After a day of sightseeing or business meetings in this bustling metropolis, guest can unwind in the hotel's outdoor pool. The Maidens' Curzon Room, named after Lord Curzon, has more 100 archival photographs adorning its walls, transporting guests back in time to the Raj. The Curzon Room serves multi-cuisine fare and a daily lunch buffet. The Garden Terrace is an informal coffee shop, where visitors can sample Indian and Continental fare. The Cavalry Bar also has a 19th century theme. Air conditioning is available in the hotel's public areas. For business travelers, The Maidens provides fax service, audio-visual equipment, cell phone rentals, photocopy machine, computer rentals and secretarial services. Room amenities include air conditioning, bathrooms with tubs, complimentary toiletries and mini bars. Indira Gandhi International Airport Distance is 15 miles from the hotel. Maidens Hotel offers car rentals. span style="color: black;font-weight: bold"> Please Note:/span>The pool is closed for annual maintenance and will reopen Feb. 5, 2006. The hotel regrets any inconvenience this may cause.