This is the third year of my staycation and due to the current crisis; we decided to plan it in the city only. It was a rambling thought, but after seeing my fellow travel bloggers taking a short and safe trip around and near Delhi, I was motivated and eventually made the plan.
To be on a safer side, we wanted less travel and more leisure, hence staycation in our own city is the most ideal way. Secondly, a trusted and luxurious hotel will make us feel less worried as they will make sure to follow the proper sanitization and social distancing guidelines. Thirdly, the hotel location should not be near to the airport as the guests from different places will be staying there.
Considering the above all rationale, we finalized to have our staycation at the iconic Taj Palace, New Delhi nestled amidst the heart of the capital.
We visited this property in Sept 2020 for 2nights/3days.
The iconic Taj Palace, New Delhi: Review
Taj Palace is a brand itself and doesn’t need any introduction. This 5-star hotel is one of the finest hotels in the world with a panoramic view of Delhi’s verdant greenery and mind-boggling architecture.
With many esteemed awards in their kitty, Taj continues to provide timeless luxury and peerless hospitality.
It will leave you with beautiful memories in which one can relish down the memory lane.
Luxury Suite Pool View
We had booked the Executive suite package which had a complimentary room upgrade if available. Fortunately, our room was upgraded to a Luxury Suite, which had a view of a mesmerizing pool and the city’s verdant protected greens.
The room had an opulent ambience that features an elegant living room with a dining area, and a lavish bedroom. The living room had richly carved wooden panels and marble, wherein the bedroom had fine carpeting which exemplifies grandeur.
Two bathrooms are available, one is small and spacious, and the other one is huge with a bathtub, Jacuzzi shower with rich mirror interior and light set.
The dining set was classy and so clean that it was glittering. I enjoyed having water in a wine glass and loved the teapot.
There were two 42 inch LCD TVs in the living area and bedroom. In the bedroom, Bose surround sound system is there which elevates the mood of watching TV.
*Room Tip: Ask for the top floor to get an incredible city and pool view. We had stayed on the 6th floor.
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Sanitization measures
Social distance is maintained throughout our stay right from the entrance. The staff checks the temperature; sanitize our luggage properly before we enter the palace. We have to fill self declaration form related to past travel history and any current ailments.
When we reached the reception area, they have made a mirror wall so that no direct contact with the staff. Also, masks and sanitizers were kept for the guest if required. The same protocol was followed in each lobby and restaurant area.
The rooms were sanitized thoroughly before checking and hand sanitizer and mask was there in each room. Most of the staff esp. the front desk executives was wearing a mask, face shield, gloves.
Due to the crisis, the spa and swimming pool were not open. Also, the Taj lounge was closed.
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Dining
Taj Palace is known for its much-feted and fine dining restaurants. But due to the current situation, not everything was operational.
Our two-time meals were included in the package and it was served in the Capital Kitchen. They had prepared a menu from which we can select the dishes and have them at our table.
The buffet (lunch + dinner) was available at another place i.e Shahjahan banquet hall for in-house guests. They had made sure to have a proper social distancing between each table.
For morning breakfast, the buffet was not available but the menu at Capital Kitchen was there.
I was craving Oriental food, but everything on the menu was limited, and Asian foods were not included.
Our package also had High Tea and Happy Hours which were served at the Capital Kitchen.
- High tea- We were served some lip-smacking snacks with tea and coffee.
- Happy Hours- We were served sumptuous snacks with mocktails or cocktails as per your preference.
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Service and the amenities
Service was good, but not par excellence. We noticed that the staff were also comparatively less, maybe due to the current situation.
Amenities
The hotel industry has got permission to operate recently and they are trying their best to follow proper guidelines so that the guest has a safe stay.
Therefore, some of the amenities were closed accordingly. Here are some details:
- Restaurant: Capital Kitchen, Masala art, tea lounge is open for guests.
- Swimming pool: Closed
- Spa: Closed
- Gym: Closed
- Taj Lounge: Closed
Room amenities
- Complimentary wifi
- Choice of smoking & non-smoking rooms (They had called us one day before to ask for our preference)
- Forest essentials bath amenities (The fragrance is very pleasant that will make you fall in love with it)
- Hairdryer
- Iron & ironing board
- Other basic amenities
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Charges
We had booked our package from Make My Trip. The package included most of the things and we didn’t need to pay anything extra.
I would recommend you to buy the same type of package if you can.
Package inclusions:
- We had an early check-in and late check-out options.
- Free cancellation.
- Complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability)
- Two major meals included.
- Free wifi
- Hotel credit worth 3k – This can be used for the third meal.
- Happy hours- unlimited evening cocktails/mocktails with petit fours & hors d’oeuvres.
- High Tea- Unlimited evening snacks and tea/coffee.
- Complimentary one-way airport transfer
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Final Verdict
No doubt, the effect of the crisis has been felt and the service has taken a hit. The hotel is not fully functional and the staff was limited which lead to slow service. The food menu was also limited and not many varieties.
Anyways, you cannot expect everything during this time, so it’s okay if they lacked in some proportions.
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However, hotels are taking all mandatory precautions and following proper guidelines i.e social distancing, sanitization, and face masks. It is the guest responsibility too to maintain social distance and wear a mask (still two ladies were roaming in the lift without mask) Be a responsible citizen.
Staycation after lockdown at Taj Palace has etched the memories for a lifetime. The stay was a haven of luxury and comfort with calming views of the lush cityscape. A perfect retreat for sophisticated leisure.
If you are too looking for rejuvenation, then have a staycation at Taj which is safe & comfortable.
Check out the below vlog of our staycation.
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