The Oberoi brand is often synonymous with opulence, refinement, and impeccable service in India’s luxury hotel scene. Among its crown jewels are The Oberoi, New Delhi and The Oberoi, Bengaluru — each offering a distinct flavour of luxury rooted in place, architecture, culinary excellence, and guest experience. In their differences lie the stories of two very different cities; in their similarities lie the commitments of one hotel group.

Location & Setting

The Oberoi, New Delhi sits in a commanding position in the capital. It overlooks the lush fairways of the Delhi Golf Course on one side, and a UNESCO World Heritage site — Humayun’s Tomb — on the other. Being in New Delhi means it is not only a refuge amidst traffic and bustle but also a gateway to the political, cultural, and historical heart of India.

Meanwhile, The Oberoi, Bengaluru is located on MG Road, in the city’s central area, but what differentiates it is more the ambience than the address. It is set within verdant grounds, surrounded by trees and gardens. The property is famed for its mature landscaping: gardens, lawns, and a centenarian rain-tree that gives the place calm and shade, creating a retreat in the middle of the frenetic tech-savvy city. 

Architecture, Design & Restoration

New Delhi’s Oberoi has recently gone through a major renovation (reopened circa 2017) that revitalised its public spaces. Notable changes include the renovation of the rooftop bar (Cirrus 9), a revamped rooftop Chinese restaurant Baoshuan (led by Chef Andrew Wong), a new Club Bar & Cigar Lounge, updated pools, and upgraded interior elements such as marble, bespoke furniture, luxe fabrics, etc. The design effort was led by Tihany Design, and the goal was to balance modern luxury with the heritage and gravitas expected of a hotel in Lutyens’ Delhi. 

In Bengaluru, the style is different: colonial heritage meets tropical retreat. Interiors have warm wood finishes, teak shutters, rich patterned rugs, and décor that evokes an old-world charm without feeling dated. Rooms open to private balconies offering garden views. The layout and ambience are designed so that one feels connected with nature — gardens, plants, water features — even as one remains in the midst of the city. 

Rooms, Suites & Amenities

At New Delhi, there are about 220 rooms and suites, ranging in size, with 34 suites among them. Many offer expansive walk-in closets, Italian marble bathrooms, teak flooring, oak desks, luxurious amenities, and state-of-the-art fixtures. The Kohinoor Suite is a highlight: grand, beautifully furnished, combining residential luxury with views (of the golf course and the gardens) and supreme comfort. 

In Bengaluru, there are somewhat fewer rooms, but all are designed for comfort and privacy, each with a balcony overlooking garden areas. Suites are elegant, well-appointed, with deluxe amenities, ensuring guests feel at home. The Oberoi Spa, swimming pool (temperature controlled), fitness centre are all included, enabling rest and rejuvenation. 

Dining & Culinary Offering

Both hotels pride themselves on offering a multi-dimensional culinary experience, but each has its own profile.

• New Delhi provides a wide palette: the rooftop Chinese restaurant Baoshuan; Cirrus 9 rooftop bar with views; Omya for authentic Indian cuisine; the all-day restaurant 360° offering international flavours; Club Bar & Cigar Lounge; patisserie/delicatessen; etc. These dining outlets are beautifully varied in decor, ambience, and cuisine.
• Bengaluru’s food is delivered in settings that emphasise al fresco and garden features. Restaurants like Lapis (all-day), Wabi Sabi (Asian minimalist), Rim Naam (Thai pavilion), and the Polo Club (bar/lounge) are designed around nature. Meals can be had inside or outside; the atmosphere often includes the chirping of birds, breeze, natural light — giving a very different feel compared with rooftop glitz. 

Signature Experiences & Wellness

Both properties offer spa and fitness facilities, but their scales and settings differ.

• New Delhi has a large spa facility, indoor and outdoor pools (including rooftop terraces), refined lounges, intimate rooftop experiences, an elevated bar scene (Cirrus 9), and attention to views (e.g., towards Humayun’s Tomb, golf course) that contribute to aesthetic serenity.
• Bengaluru, by contrast, uses its garden retreat setting as part of the experience: spa treatments, promenades in greenery, quiet corners, calmer pace, balconies, and use of natural surroundings. It is an oasis in the city. For someone wanting to unwind rather than be dazzled, this is very appealing. 

Service, Appeal & Ideal Guests

What unites both hotels is The Oberoi’s signature: personalized service; attention to detail; high levels of staff professionalism; and creating a feeling of being both grand and comfortable.

However, they will appeal slightly differently:

• The Oberoi New Delhi is ideal for travellers who want both luxury and access to the political, cultural, diplomatic heartbeat of India — as well as those who enjoy dramatic views, rooftop bars, and refined evenings. It is excellent for high-profile events, diplomacy, luxury leisure stays where one wants visibility and prestige.
• The Oberoi,Bengaluru is more suited to guests who seek calm, rejuvenation, perhaps business travellers who also want leisure, families or couples who appreciate nature, gardens, quieter evenings, and walking distances to shopping or entertainment but returning to rest in serenity.

Recent Developments & Sustainability

Both properties are part of Oberoi’s broader strategy of renovation, enhancement, and sustainability. For instance, the New Delhi hotel underwent a major renovation to refresh its public areas, bars, and restaurants. 

Meanwhile, the Oberoi group is also rolling out initiatives like “Elements by Oberoi”, a holistic sustainability framework rooted in earth, water, and air; plans to recycle wastewater, reduce fresh water consumption, source renewable energy etc. These indicate that these hotels are not just about luxury but also responsible luxury. 

Conclusion

The Oberoi, New Delhi and The Oberoi Bengaluru both represent the heights of luxury hospitality in India, but they do so in ways that reflect their cities. New Delhi brings grandeur, history, skyline-views, refined cosmopolitanism; Bengaluru offers gardens, calm, natural light, colonial charm, and green respi