I share a strange relationship with Delhi. Its ancient architecture, history and colour instantly offers the exotic idea of India. Yet, I find myself returning only on business trips, rarely on holiday. It was on one such business trip that nearly got upended in a sudden thunderstorm that I discovered a hospitality gem – Hotel Udman.
Flights were delayed and as I cursed my luck, my cabbie recommended a ‘nearby hotel’. Fearing things could only go downhill, I resigned to my fate and prepared for a grumpy night. Instead, as he pulled up a mere minutes’ drive from Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, my fears vanished in the downpour of the rain.
Before me was 24 karats of luxury as the hotel proudly proclaims, a gorgeous amalgamation of nudes, warm woods, glass and comforting tones. Hotel Udman stood out like a ray of sunshine on a gloomy morn. Pinching myself, I jumped out of the cab and hurried to snag a room.
Operated by Seasons Hotels, this opulent resort is designed for travel comfort. It is perfect for the frequent flyer, the paranoid ‘I’ll-miss-my-flight’ traveller, the business client and more generally, the lover of hotels. It minces no words when it promises luxury, convenience and an invigorating experience.
Located in a green lung – eight acres of beauty and greenery that emanates some of the most refreshingly sweet air in Delhi, each of the Udman’s 45 tastefully decorated rooms and suites opens out into a garden area. Pointedly spacious and fitted with featherbed mattresses and mother-of-pearl mini bars, each room and suite allows you to sink into comfort and relaxation.
Its Superior Rooms are most popular – at 280 square feet, they are perfect for overnights or short naps before red-eye flights. The Deluxe Rooms are slightly larger, and many with a toddler tagging along opt for these. I treated myself to a Suite with separate sitting room and bedroom, and an individual style spread over 750 square feet.
All rooms come with high-speed internet, a well-lit desk, double vanities in their gorgeous marble bathrooms, luxury bath products, robes and slippers. You can opt for 24-hour room service – an excellent provision given the odd hours of international flights, or dine at one of the hotel’s many restaurants – Season’s Kitchen, Coffee Shop, Pastry Shop, and Sunrise Terrace.
Thanks to its pristine surroundings and perfect location, the Udman is the perfect place for events. Seasons Hotels has taken full advantage of this and perfected its venue spaces into stunning locales for any and all ceremonies of the grand Indian wedding.
It has air-conditioned banquet halls, breezy open lawns with a classy glass house, swimming pool and ample parking space for all your guests and more, so you can take it from formal sangeet night to post-wedding summer pool party overnight.
As part of Season’s Hotels, Seasons Catering can host as many as 5000 at a single time for any kind of event – formal ceremonies, pre- and post-wedding events, receptions, opulent functions, or social and corporate dos. Customised décor, personalized service and handcrafted menus are part of the Udman event experience.
As I hopped into the taxi to catch my flight the following day, I realized I had discovered another reason to return to Delhi. Hotel Udman gave me a reason to enjoy flight delays, and the next time I return to the city, I just might hope for one!
Sinéad McManus 