You've recently become The Manor's manager...

Yes, although I have been a manager in a hotel chain for several years I am possibly the first female manager of a designer hotel. Only a tiny percentage of India's hotel managers are female. The Manor was also India's first boutique hotel and is very highly rated. It is in the heart of Friends' Colony in South Delhi, 10 minutes from downtown, and is very tranquil and private. The theme is contemporary minimalism.

Any unusual requests?

A guest wanted to take an auto-rickshaw back to the US so we went to the manufacturer, but it appeared that they were not allowed to export them.

How is India changing?

The Manor was originally a small country hotel on the outskirts of Delhi, and the city's infrastructure has expanded and improved around it. Delhi has changed phenomenally, as has any city in India. The country itself has gone through a rapid liberalisation and is booming.

And your guests?

We get business leaders from all over the world. Many fashion houses have bases in India so designers frequently stay.

What about a day out?

Agra is next door, and if you have flown halfway around the world you don't want to miss the Taj Mahal. The government is acutely aware that chemical pollution should not be harming the Taj. Rajasthan is also a must, especially Jaipur.

What about shopping?

You don't come to India without buying some handicrafts. There are several government and cottage emporiums in Delhi, and pashminas and textiles such as silk are very high on the must-buy list.

And a night out?

Our restaurant, 77, serves exceptional European cuisine, while Bukara at the Sheraton is still number one for Indian food. Djinns at the Hyatt and Float at the Park Royal are the two happening clubs for the young and trendy.

• The Manor reservations: 00 91 11 692 5151. Rooms from £110