A few months ago, I decided to ignore all the comments I’d read online and the advice I’d received from family and friends, and embark on what would soon become the adventure of a lifetime: a three-month solo trip to India. But before jumping into the unknown with only a backpack on my shoulders, I wanted to soften the landing with a two-day stopover in a five-star hotel. A decision I didn’t regret. Read my review of the Pullman New Delhi Aerocity.

The price of a night at the Pullman New Delhi Aerocity in a Deluxe King room is around 13,500 Indian rupees, or 150 euros (or 225 Canadian dollars).

If you’re a member of ALL Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s loyalty program, you could also pay with your Reward points. Since 2,000 Reward points are equivalent to 40 euros, a night at the Pullman New Delhi Aerocity is equivalent to 7,500 points.

Pullman New Delhi Aerocity is – as the name suggests – located in Aerocity, an emerging district a few kilometres from the airport (and not on its premises, as I first thought).

There’s nothing particularly attractive about the Aerocity district, which is home to some 30 hotels – most of them internationally renowned brands such as Andaz, JW Marriott, Novotel, Radisson Blu and more – as well as a number of cafés and restaurants. To date, the district covers 1.5 million square feet, but is expected to grow up to seven times larger by 2029.

Why choose Aerocity? For its proximity to the airport and the quiet atmosphere of the neighbourhood, in stark contrast to old Delhi. Admittedly, it doesn’t have the same charm, but it feels like a real oasis in the heart of the urban jungle that is Delhi. And it’s not all tourists, either. Many Delhites come here to shop and enjoy a high-end culinary experience. And it’s easy to understand why, as the best locations are all here.

What strikes you as you enter the lobby of the Pullman New Delhi Aerocity are the 6,000 drops of light decorating the ceiling. Thought up by Meriem Hall, the designer behind the hotel’s sublime decor, they follow from the ballrooms on the lower level to the lobby bar, decorated in peacock hues – hues found throughout the hotel, on the lobby walls and room carpets.

Immediately seduced by the setting, I can’t say the same for the welcome. The staff were not particularly courteous, let alone helpful. I asked for a cab to be booked for the following day, and never received one.

The Pullman New Delhi Aerocity has 270 rooms, including 18 suites. Deluxe rooms (entry-level rooms) featuring an open-plan bathroom that are decorated in dark tones of granite, brass and wood. The highlight? The breathtaking view of the runway. Soundproofed windows let you watch the planes take off and land without the accompanying noise.

Breakfast at the Pullman New Delhi Aerocity is very tasty. I was worried that the menu would feature only Indian dishes, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover such a varied and colourful selection. Sure, there are plenty of Indian (and Asian) options, but there’s also yogurt (as well as chia and flax seeds), cereals, pastries, muffins and egg dishes. There’s a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, but I stayed away from them to avoid the dreaded Delhi Belly. I opted for a fresh lassi, a traditional Indian drink made from fermented milk.

Since I was traveling alone, I opted for room service (and for two nights rather than one). The menu is extensive, featuring Indian, Asian, American, and Italian dishes. Eager to immerse myself in Indian culture as soon as possible, I chose Baigan Ka Bharta the first night, and Dal Makhani the second. Prices are quite high (ranging between 1000 and 2000 Indian rupees per dish), but the quality is proportional.

Pluck, the hotel’s European restaurant, offers a single-page menu and the rare pleasure of ordering all dishes in small or large portions, while Honk – Asian Bisutoro specializes in Southeast Asian cuisine. The hotel bar, Pling, offers cocktails prepared on site, mixologist specialties, wines and spirits, as well as light meals.

The Pullman spa offers a range of therapies from Ayurveda to Swedish, as well as a sauna, hammam and workout room. The latter is fully equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines, resistance bands, balls and stretching mats.

The highlight of the show is the swimming pool. Located high up on the roof of the Pullman Delhi Aerocity, it’s like an oasis of serenity in the heart of a city that never seems to sleep. If the urge to lounge is stronger than the urge to explore the city (I won’t hold it against you, I promise), relax on a sun lounger and opt for a refreshing dip.

Although the desire to curl up in the Pullman New Delhi Aerocity was omnipresent, given the extravagant infinity pool and pleasant spa area, I opted to explore old Delhi with a guide for an afternoon. The hotel’s concierge service offers various options, but I opted for a guide selected on GetYourGuide for a fraction of the price offered by the Pullman.

I can’t recommend the Pullman New Delhi Aerocity highly enough. If the reception staff hadn’t been so unfriendly, I would have given it a perfect score. The food, the spa area, the rooftop pool, the neutral decor of the room… Everything was impeccable. Its location close to the airport makes it the ideal base for any short stay in the Indian capital.