I have been staying at Ambassador Hotel for quite a few years now thanks to its single biggest draw : location. Located in the residential enclave of Sujan Singh Park in Lutyen's Delhi, the hotel is a hop, skip, jump from snobbish Khan Market and close to the business district thus making it an ideal choice for business travellers. One of India's leading hotel chains, Taj Hotels, took over the management of this colonial era heritage building few years back and a couple of years ago, the hotel was rebranded as a 'Vivanta' property (a sub-brand within the Taj Hotels to distinguish these as primarily business hotels).
By the time we reached the hotel it was 2 pm which is their official check-in time. Unfortunately, our room was not ready and the front desk manager informed us it would take 15-20 minutes. We were graciously offered cool drinks in the meanwhile. It was close to 30 minutes when the apologetic manager again informed us it would take another 'panj minute' (5 minutes) to make the room. Those familiar with Delhi and its ways would know 'panj minute' is more often than not a euphemism for a couple of hours ! I made my displeasure known at the check-in delay and the manager offered to provide us a lower category room immediately with a change of room next day if that was agreeable. The prospect of unpacking and repacking in less than 24 hours was too daunting and I preferred to wait for 'panj minute' to get our room. Finally after a good 2 hours from the time we had reached the hotel, we were able to get our room (we were upgraded to apparently the best room in the hotel). The lift is a squeeze as it is so tiny that it can accommodate no more than 3 average built people.
Due to the colonial architecture, the rooms at Taj Ambassador are spacious with high ceilings and most have balconies as well. The hotel is only 5 floors high and travellers who like modern hotels with views etc will be dissatisfied. All views are either of the main road and that too of the Metro station entrance or of the noisy driveway. The bed was very comfortable and the luggage storage space is sufficient. The newly modeled bathroom is decent with the shower / tub area demarcated by a glass door. The tub is made of marble and makes for a luxurious dip. Apart from the standard hair dryer, shaving mirror, weighing scale, the toiletries from Forest Essentials (an up and coming Indian Ayurvedic products' brand) were very good. I had a gripe with the towels which though clean had a strange chemical odour.
Breakfast served at Yellow Brick Road (YBR) till 10:30 am is usually a part of your room rate and the spread is quite good. Apart from freshly cut fruits and juices, there is an assortment of South Indian, Continental and traditional Indian cuisines to choose from. Eggs are made as per order. The indoor seating area at YBR is quite small and there is an option to be seated outdoors as well. While that would seem fine in the winter months, make sure to reach early and take a table indoors if you are visiting in the hot summer months. The staff is smiling and friendly but their service overall is lacking and waiters seem to be inexperienced.
The excellent culinary fare at Taj Ambassador has been one of their biggest draws over the years. Even after the immensely popular South Indian restaurant : Dasaprakash shut down years ago (before the Taj group took over management control of the hotel) Taj Ambassador has been able to retain its position as a leading haunt for foodies in the Indian capital. In fact, one of the desserts at YBR innovatively called 'Bulls Eye' has such a loyal clientele that they come to YBR only for this dessert. The Chinese restaurant : Larry's China has long been a favourite with me. On revisiting the place, I wasn't disappointed. A must-eat are the Sesame King Prawns which are out of this world. The portions at Larry's China are huge and I'd suggest you order each course only after finishing the previous one. I highly recommend a meal here and be mindful that food ordered from Larry's China through room service will be more expensive.
The hotel overall needs massive renovation. The hallways look tired with the carpets fraying at the edges. While furniture in the rooms is made of solid wood, it needs a coat of polish as do the balcony railings. I believe a renovation is on the cards for 2012 so please check before you make your booking if you want to avoid the noise. I heard some guests grumbling about the lack of swimming pool services. Whilst there definitely is a pool, it is mostly inoperational due to 'maintenance work.'
Like most hotels, services like taxi, laundry, minibar etc are expensive. Thankfully, there is an independent taxi stand right outside the hotel (Puaar taxi service) which is reasonably priced and always has cars available on short notice. By the look of things, all Taj Ambassador's guests use Puaar's taxi services. This is a nice bit of arbitrage which will save you a lot of money. The salon at the Taj Ambassador is reasonably priced. Though small in size, it offers all salon services and appointments are necessary. Do note they prefer cash payment to room billing which suits clients because they avoid paying the 12% VAT that way.
Overall, Taj Ambassador is a convenient hotel if you are looking for a no-frills experience. The location is fantastic as are its restaurants. Whilst it is a Taj hotel, the level of luxury and amenities is nowhere close to the other Taj hotels. The room tariff is another factor to look out for. Rooms are reasonably priced in the lean summer months. However, the August-April tariffs are not justifiable considering the lack of amenities, tired hotel look and average service you get. If you are travelling with family or seek a more value-added hotel, there are better options in New Delhi at the same price. But do go to Taj Ambassador for a sumptuous meal.
By the time we reached the hotel it was 2 pm which is their official check-in time. Unfortunately, our room was not ready and the front desk manager informed us it would take 15-20 minutes. We were graciously offered cool drinks in the meanwhile. It was close to 30 minutes when the apologetic manager again informed us it would take another 'panj minute' (5 minutes) to make the room. Those familiar with Delhi and its ways would know 'panj minute' is more often than not a euphemism for a couple of hours ! I made my displeasure known at the check-in delay and the manager offered to provide us a lower category room immediately with a change of room next day if that was agreeable. The prospect of unpacking and repacking in less than 24 hours was too daunting and I preferred to wait for 'panj minute' to get our room. Finally after a good 2 hours from the time we had reached the hotel, we were able to get our room (we were upgraded to apparently the best room in the hotel). The lift is a squeeze as it is so tiny that it can accommodate no more than 3 average built people.
Due to the colonial architecture, the rooms at Taj Ambassador are spacious with high ceilings and most have balconies as well. The hotel is only 5 floors high and travellers who like modern hotels with views etc will be dissatisfied. All views are either of the main road and that too of the Metro station entrance or of the noisy driveway. The bed was very comfortable and the luggage storage space is sufficient. The newly modeled bathroom is decent with the shower / tub area demarcated by a glass door. The tub is made of marble and makes for a luxurious dip. Apart from the standard hair dryer, shaving mirror, weighing scale, the toiletries from Forest Essentials (an up and coming Indian Ayurvedic products' brand) were very good. I had a gripe with the towels which though clean had a strange chemical odour.
Breakfast served at Yellow Brick Road (YBR) till 10:30 am is usually a part of your room rate and the spread is quite good. Apart from freshly cut fruits and juices, there is an assortment of South Indian, Continental and traditional Indian cuisines to choose from. Eggs are made as per order. The indoor seating area at YBR is quite small and there is an option to be seated outdoors as well. While that would seem fine in the winter months, make sure to reach early and take a table indoors if you are visiting in the hot summer months. The staff is smiling and friendly but their service overall is lacking and waiters seem to be inexperienced.
The excellent culinary fare at Taj Ambassador has been one of their biggest draws over the years. Even after the immensely popular South Indian restaurant : Dasaprakash shut down years ago (before the Taj group took over management control of the hotel) Taj Ambassador has been able to retain its position as a leading haunt for foodies in the Indian capital. In fact, one of the desserts at YBR innovatively called 'Bulls Eye' has such a loyal clientele that they come to YBR only for this dessert. The Chinese restaurant : Larry's China has long been a favourite with me. On revisiting the place, I wasn't disappointed. A must-eat are the Sesame King Prawns which are out of this world. The portions at Larry's China are huge and I'd suggest you order each course only after finishing the previous one. I highly recommend a meal here and be mindful that food ordered from Larry's China through room service will be more expensive.
The hotel overall needs massive renovation. The hallways look tired with the carpets fraying at the edges. While furniture in the rooms is made of solid wood, it needs a coat of polish as do the balcony railings. I believe a renovation is on the cards for 2012 so please check before you make your booking if you want to avoid the noise. I heard some guests grumbling about the lack of swimming pool services. Whilst there definitely is a pool, it is mostly inoperational due to 'maintenance work.'
Like most hotels, services like taxi, laundry, minibar etc are expensive. Thankfully, there is an independent taxi stand right outside the hotel (Puaar taxi service) which is reasonably priced and always has cars available on short notice. By the look of things, all Taj Ambassador's guests use Puaar's taxi services. This is a nice bit of arbitrage which will save you a lot of money. The salon at the Taj Ambassador is reasonably priced. Though small in size, it offers all salon services and appointments are necessary. Do note they prefer cash payment to room billing which suits clients because they avoid paying the 12% VAT that way.
Overall, Taj Ambassador is a convenient hotel if you are looking for a no-frills experience. The location is fantastic as are its restaurants. Whilst it is a Taj hotel, the level of luxury and amenities is nowhere close to the other Taj hotels. The room tariff is another factor to look out for. Rooms are reasonably priced in the lean summer months. However, the August-April tariffs are not justifiable considering the lack of amenities, tired hotel look and average service you get. If you are travelling with family or seek a more value-added hotel, there are better options in New Delhi at the same price. But do go to Taj Ambassador for a sumptuous meal.
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