The French touch — Scarlette boutique hotel in New Delhi

What is it with the French and their ways of making any space look effortlessly chic? Staying at Scarlette, a small-scale boutique hotel in New Delhi, feels like entering the set of an ELLE Decor or AD shoot, complete with carefully arranged magazine stacks and precisely positioned picture frames, but peppered with a heavy je ne sais quoi appeal.

Run by two French expats who call Delhi their home since 2007, Scarlette is an interior designer’s dream. The beautiful building, decked out with whitewashed walls and terrazzo flooring, provides a canvas for a perfectly curated mix of Rajasthani antiques and contemporary furniture sourced from around India and France. Look around the property, and you’ll discover quirky little touches and well-thought-out details. We loved the tiger rug laid out under the large coffee table (“from Kashmir!”), and who knew that Eames chairs and antique mirrors would work so well together? The hotel lobby doubles as a small concept store, with a selection of Indian handicrafts and imported designer wares on sale.

It’s not just the common areas that look great, as each one of the four rooms has gotten the owner’s treatment, too. The comfy beds are made with crisp white sheets and colorful vintage throws, and the walls are adorned with beautiful vintage Indian imagery. If you have the chance, ask the owners if they can show you some of the other rooms, as each one has its unique design and features (such as the collection of random portrait photos on the wall in room 1).

Breakfast is served in the communal living room and is simply fantastic. Choose from a selection of eggs in any style, fruit salad, delicious bread and several other baked goods, all homemade in the adjacent kitchen. For lunch and dinner, the hotel has teamed up with nearby Coast Cafe, providing a selection of Western and Kerala-style Indian fare on delivery.

Positioned in South-Delhi’s residential Safdarjung Enclave, Scarlette’s location is an absolute blessing. Sure, Delhi’s tourist highlights might not be next door, but being able to step outside the hotel without immediately having to dodge speeding tuk-tuks and racing motorbikes definitely make up for that. Moreover, South Delhi is packed with happening restaurants, coffee shops, and interesting boutiques; many of them can be found at Hauz Khas village, only a 15-minute stroll away. If you rather venture further out, taxis and tours can be arranged upon request (though, Uber is an easy way of getting around, too).

Tips

Do not hesitate to ask the friendly owners about Delhi ‘insider tips’, over the past 7 years in the city, they’ve accumulated a wealth of knowledge.
Traveling with family or a group of friends? The hotel owns an equally stylish 3-bedroom apartment across the street, aptly named ‘The Apartment’.
With only four rooms, Scarlette tends to fill up quickly. Inform about last-minute cancellations by calling them directly.