New Delhi: The Imperial, located at the heart of India’s bustling capital and a destination in its own right, is reinventing itself after its tryst with destiny nine decades ago immortalised its role as a chronicler of the end to colonial rule in the subcontinent.To be sure, revamping a regular hotel would mean renovation. But the exercise at The Imperial doesn’t fit that description.”We don’t do that: We don’t do that at a historical hotel,” said Louis Sailer, senior executive vice president at The Imperial, New Delhi – and an expert in turning around global luxury hospitality brands.”Our furniture is 90-years old. It is solid teak wood. This is refurbishment. When you stay with us, you know you’re in India. When guests come back in, they calm down. Guests cancel half a day’s sightseeing just so that they can spend more time at the hotel,” said Sailer, who was named senior executive vice president at the property last year.Launched in 1936 as the first hotel of New Delhi and boasting a guest list spanning the who’s who of politics and Hollywood, The Imperial, on the Janpath, is undergoing an ambitious ‘refurbishment’. Sailer has turned around global luxury hospitality brands and operations in Germany, Japan, Singapore, China, London, California and the Caribbean besides India. He spoke exclusively to ET. “We have done so many changes in accommodation, food and beverage areas, grounds, and wellness areas, as well as our service philosophies. Tangible and intangible. Some you’ll see and some you’ll feel,” he added.The Patiala Peg”The (Patiala) peg born out of a friendly polo match in the early 1900s, was actually a 120 ml peg and not the standard 75 ml pour that helped turn the tide in favour of the Maharaja. Patiala Peg is the only bar in the world to offer the 120 ml Patiala Peg, designed for the tasteful elite,” he said.All accommodation options at the hotel are fully equipped with the latest technologies from USB ports to C-charging facilities in the writing desk at the room to smart televisions with OTTs. The F&B operations have been completely revamped at the hotel. The Imperial had one bar menu for all spaces. Now each bar has its own personality. Sailer has introduced custom made things everywhere, and The Imperial boutique with bespoke gifting options will be launched for guests in 2-3 weeks.Vocal for LocalFrom the bespoke silver cookie Charlie at The Atrium or the three-tier Charlie at 1911, everything is made in India. “Why should we buy something from France when we have the best craftsmanship in our own country?” he said, adding: “So, I have these tiffins made of hand cut crystal with gold and silver rims. This is what the guests are welcomed with now…” A lot of hand-crafted add-ons that are being made will be available at our Imperial boutique,” he added.