A fusion of traditional opulence and contemporary comfort

Epitomising grandeur and opulence, Leela Palace New Delhi offers unparalleled experience of luxury, comfort and refined elegance. It stands as a testament to the magnificence of Indian hospitality and serves as a distinguished retreat for both leisure and business travellers. Located in the prestigious Diplomatic Enclave, the architecture of the five-star property is a harmonious blend of traditional Indian and contemporary design. Inspired by the grand palaces of Rajasthan, it features intricate stonework, majestic domes and ornate interiors that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. The lobby, with its high ceilings and lavish decor, exudes an air of regal luxury.

At the helm of affairs is Area Vice President (North India) and General Manager Anupam Dasgupta who brings with him over 28 years of extensive hospitality experience and has worked with leading hotels like The Oberoi Grand Kolkata, Yak & Yeti Kathmandu, The Trident Hilton Jaipur, Ananda in The Himalayas, Ista Hyderabad and ITC Vilasa. Prior to joining The Leela, Anupam was the General Manager at The Oberoi Mumbai.

On how he ensures that high standards of luxury and service are consistently maintained across all areas of the hotel, he says, “It is rooted in attention to the smallest details. It’s the seemingly insignificant touches that often leave the most lasting impressions on guests. At the hotel, our commitment goes beyond mere satisfaction; we strive to delight our guests at every turn. This dedication is exemplified through the Leela Dharma which serves as the foundation for excellence in all we do. These principles are deeply ingrained in every employee, fostering a culture where the ancient Indian philosophy of Atithi Devo Bhava – treating guests as gods – is not just a saying, but a way of life. By embracing these values, our staff consistently delivers personalised, anticipatory service that elevates the guest experience to extraordinary heights.”

The Lobby

Current trends in luxury hospitality  

As the luxury hospitality sector is growing day-by-day, so is the need for enhanced technology. Dasgupta shares that the rise in this trend is extremely exciting as it coalesces with the ethos that Leela is built on. “We are constantly enhancing our technology to ensure seamless booking experiences as well as embracing diversity, equity, and inclusivity to provide a wholehearted, unique experience. We ensure that each guest is not only left satisfied but delighted in the experience we provide them with,” he adds. 

Megu, The Japanese Restaurant

Challenges en route

The Leela Palace New Delhi GM opines that the luxury hotel sector faces significant challenges in attracting and retaining both high-calibre guests and top-tier employees in an increasingly competitive market. “Cultivating lasting guest loyalty requires continual innovation in personalised experiences and exclusive offerings, while also adapting to evolving preferences of younger affluent travellers,” he feels.  

Digital technology and social media  

The advent of social media and digital technology has increased the need for transparency. Guests now seek more authentic experiences and consider hotels on the basis of their online presence and the accountability that comes with it. Dasgupta says it is imperative that luxury hotels now embrace technology and showcase authentic, tailored experiences that highlight insights into the hotel.  

Upcoming projects

Having been a food and beverage-forward hotel, The Leela Palace New Delhi continually strives to differentiate ourselves from its peers by providing unique and outstanding dining experiences. This dedication is demonstrated by the exciting new developments at Megu, the contemporary Japanese restaurant. “Our guests can look forward to a reimagined menu featuring an exquisite Omakase experience, a convivial Izakaya offering and a carefully curated new à la carte selection. Meanwhile, the Library Bar is unveiling a captivating new cocktail menu inspired by classic novels, promising a literary journey for the senses. Not to be outdone, Le Cirque, the Franco-Italian specialty restaurant, is launching its Legacy Menu, which will feature a collection of its most beloved and famous signature dishes, allowing guests to savour the iconic flavours that have made it a culinary institution,” informs the GM.

The Pool

Unique features or services  

The Leela Palace New Delhi is the first and the only modern city palace to be constructed and offers extremely personalised services butler services called The Leela Palace Services. In addition to this, despite being a luxury brand, the brand has managed to remain sustainable and gives back to society. The Leela’s Aujasya wellness programme redefines holistic wellbeing through curated menus with whole grains and in-house water bottling to reduce single-use plastic. “We also have a number of green initiatives such as organic waste convertors, HVAC and rainwater harvesting systems, Phool by the Leela and more. In the more recent years, we have launched numerous curated guest experiences such as an art walk and golf sessions,” he informs.

Leadership philosophy

Dasgupta says his leadership philosophy centres on continuous self-improvement and leading by example. “I strive to be a better version of myself every day, inspiring my team to do the same. This approach fosters a culture of growth and excellence throughout the organisation. I believe in instilling a sense of ownership in every team member, regardless of their position. When employees feel they ‘own’ the business, they invest themselves fully in its success. This mindset encourages initiative, responsibility, and a commitment to maintaining high standards in service,” he shares.

To motivate his team, the GM says he focusses on clear communication, setting challenging yet achievable goals and recognising both individual and collective achievements. “I promote open dialogue, actively listen to ideas and concerns, and provide constructive feedback to support professional development,” he adds.

Traditional luxury with modern innovations

In the Indian context, balancing traditional luxury hospitality with modern innovations requires a delicate approach that honours cultural heritage while embracing technological advancements. “The essence of luxury Indian hospitality, with its emphasis on personalised service, opulent surroundings and attention to detail, can be enhanced rather than replaced by seamless technological integrations,” says Dasgupta.

As an example, he cites implementing state-of-the-art room control systems or mobile check-in processes to streamline guest experiences without diminishing the warmth of personal interactions “Architecturally, this balance can be achieved by blending classical Indian design elements with contemporary aesthetics, creating spaces that feel both timeless and current. Initiatives like Melodies by the Leela exemplify this fusion, offering guests a modern interpretation of traditional Indian music experiences. Similarly, restaurants like Megu demonstrate how authentic cuisine can be presented with a modern twist, preserving flavours while innovating in presentation and dining concepts,” informs the General Manager.