Thanks to architect Hafeez Contractor, I first heard of Trident Hilton, Gurgaon. Our magazine was hosting an architecture award ceremony in Delhi, and Trident was his choice for an overnight stay of all Delhi hotels. In the subsequent years, I visited the hotel on a number of occasions. Often to interview golfer Jeev Milkha Singh! It is easy to see why these achievers opt for this lovely property just across the Delhi border. Its layout and architecture at once transport the visitor to an urban oasis. The infinity pool at the entrance instantly alleviates fatigue levels – mental and physical alike. The scale of the structures, their soothing neutral tones, huge water bodies, room windows looking into numerous water pools make it one of the classiest city hotels in India. It could in fact give many a leisure resort a complex.

The main structure, next to the infinity pool, houses the reception area and restaurants to the left. To the right is one wing of rooms. But walking straight ahead, this structure opens out to the courtyard. And yet again one is swept away by terraced landscaping comprising water bodies, flowering champa trees and blazing mashalls (vertical metal stands) with fire bellowing from top. The last feature comes alive after sun down. Needless to say, fire and water make for a potent visual treat.

The only other hotel in Delhi, or more appropriately National Capital Region (NCR), that comes close to this property is the historic Imperial hotel bang in the heart of town. The portals of this historic hotel have been graced by some of the giants of history. None more so than Mahatma Gandhi! During the lead up to India’s independence from the colonial yolk, Imperial was the venue for many a meeting for both Indians such as Jawahar Lal Nehru, Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Sardar Patel among others, and the likes of then viceroy, Louis Mountbatten. Discussion on the partition of India and creation of Pakistan first took place here.

Inaugurated by Lord Willingdon in 1936, the hotel today is a fine confluence of a

rich history and cutting edge international appeal.  Its architectural style is a playful blend of Victorian, Old Colonial and Art Deco. The Imperial was the first amongst the legendary “Four Maidens of the East”, that included The Strand hotel in Rangoon, Raffles Hotel in Singapore and the Great Eastern & Oriental in Calcutta. The hotel retains its prima donna position among art & culture aficionados.

These two hotels symbolize the best of modern India.




By: Rajesh