OMG. Maidens, where have you been hiding?
I've traveled to Delhi for decades. The Taj Palace & The Leela are like home. Familiar faces, familiar comforts.
This time, I needed a hotel near the hospital where my mom was having surgery.
The Maidens.
Turning into the driveway, I was hit with a wow. Grand arches. Sweeping balconies. White Indo-Colonial architecture.
A quiet, elegant lobby. Not trying too hard to impress.
The Maidens lets its soul speak.
I couldn't stop turning my head, breathing in every small detail. I didn’t grow up with this kind of glamour, but it still felt familiar.
Even the sweet, rose-water-infused welcome drink—I could taste my childhood in it.
The feeling continued into my suite: soaring ceilings, antique floors, an elegant, quiet bedroom. The best 4 hours of sleep I’ve had in ages.
Knowing I'd leave early, I had a packed breakfast waiting for me. Small gesture. Huge impact.
One last thing—when I stepped outside, I was hit with this heady, gorgeous fragrance—jasmine maybe? The air was full of it. Not a curated hotel scent (no insult intended, Taj & Leela). This was real. Organic.
If I had to describe my experience in one sentence—it felt like running barefoot across a hot aangan, a feeling only Indians can understand.
I still love you Taj & Leela, but the Maidens did what you can't. It made me feel happy.
Special shoutout to Deepika for fixing my botched booking & upgrading me to a suite.
Also, where did you get your period lights? I must know!!