Built in 1931, this local legend offers a beautiful interior of Victorian, colonial and Art Deco styles. The 190 guest rooms and 43 suites have soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers and sparkling marble floors, and the restaurants set local benchmarks. Check out the Spice Route for southeast Asian cuisine. For Indian food, the inimitable Daniell’s Tavern offers a menu inspired by Thomas and William Daniells, an uncle and nephew team of landscape artists whose late 18th-century depictions of India and other Asian countries won them much contemporary acclaim. For post-prandial relaxation, drop into Patiala Peg bar.
Tip: At Daniell’s Tavern, ask for some of the dishes that have been taken straight out of the artists’ diaries like William’s Delight (tomato and coriander thick soup) or chingri malaikari (coconut prawn curry) from Bengal.