The best luxury hotels in India can mainly be found in Jaipur, Mumbai, New Delhi, Udaipur, and Goa. It’s hard to know which luxury hotel to pick in these destinations, particularly if they are individually owned rather than being part of a big chain like the Four Seasons, Aman, or Ritz-Carlton.
This is where Luxury Travel Diary can help. In this review, we endeavor to uncover some of the very best luxury hotels in India. Within each hotel review, we highlight the pros and cons of the hotel so that you can judge exactly how one hotel compares to another. In no particular order, here is our selection of the top 10 best luxury hotels in India.
1. Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai
The Taj Mahal Palace hotel opened in Mumbai, then Bombay, in 1903, giving birth to the country’s first harbor landmark. The recently trademarked flagship hotel overlooks the majestic Gateway of India. This legendary luxury hotel has hosted kings, dignitaries, and eminent personalities from across the globe and is acknowledged as a world leader in hospitality.
Strategically located in Mumbai’s prime historical and commercial hub, The Taj Mahal Palace is within walking distance from Colaba Causeway, known for its touristy tiny roadside shops. The city’s financial hub, parliament, stadium, offices, and shopping districts are all located within close proximity, as is a flourishing art and heritage precinct with must-visit museums, art galleries, churches, and synagogues.
The hotel enjoys 285 rooms and suites offering a striking blend of nostalgic elegance, rich history, and modern facilities. Other features include high tea, live music every evening, extensive event facilities, a ballroom, and a luxury shopping arcade.
The brand-new Jiva Spa is a sanctuary in the midst of a bustling metro and offers a soothing blend of contemporary massages and aromatherapy for holistic rejuvenation. Spread over 6,500 ft² The JIVA has multiple treatment rooms, a traditional Hammam, and a Dead Sea Soak, among other unique offerings.
In terms of dining, the hotel boasts nine of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants and bars, renowned for delectable cuisines from India, Europe, the Middle East, and the Orient. Relish authentic Indian cuisine at Masala Kraft; world famous Japanese dishes at Wasabi by Morimoto; exquisite Eastern Mediterranean food at Souk, and Chinese at Golden Dragon. Dine all day at Shamiana and choose from the exotic range of sumptuous desserts at La Patisserie. Unwind with a refreshing meal at Aquarius, the poolside restaurant, and visit the stylish Harbour Bar. Signature experiences such as the afternoon tea at Sea Lounge and private dining at the Chef’s Studio top off the perfect stay at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.
2. Four Seasons Mumbai
In the heart of the business hub of India’s largest city, Four Seasons Mumbai is one of the best luxury hotels in India. This Four Seasons creates a tranquil, chic haven filled with sincere Indian hospitality. You can’t go wrong with this hotel, offering comfortable rooms with sweeping views of the city, a fantastic outdoor pool, spa, and fitness center, as well as Four Seasons’ legendary service.
Towering above Mumbai’s upscale commercial hub, Four Seasons combines chic modern style with an intimate, boutique atmosphere and panoramic sea views. Discover our powerhouse collection of dining, spa, and swimming experiences. Let their expert team connect you with local culture, shopping, and entertainment. At day’s end, return to their rooftop AER Bar and Lounge for sunset cocktails and mingling with Mumbai’s elite.
Of course, Four Seasons hotels don’t have a loyalty or rewards program, but you can get brilliant free benefits by booking into any Four Seasons hotel via our luxury travel concierge.
3. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Rising like a mirage from Lake Pichola, the white-marble-and-mosaic Taj Lake Palace is probably the most mystical luxury hotel in India. The palace itself dates back to 1746, when Maharana Jagat Singh II built it. Today, guests are treated like royalty by an entourage of palace butlers who ensure that every creature comfort is provided.
The Jiva Spa draws rich idioms from millennia-old Indian wellness and healing therapies, resulting in a menu of aromatherapy massages, body scrubs, and wraps that will rejuvenate even the weariest body. From mid-October to mid-April, dine at the rooftop, open-air Bhairo restaurant for contemporary European cuisine. It has been ranked no. 1 in India and no. 3 in the world by the Conde Nast Traveler Global Readers Choice Awards.
4. Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Also, in Udaipur, Oberoi Udaivilas and is a 40 minute-drive from Udaipur’s Dabok airport. The Oberoi Group’s new Luxury Resort and Spa encompasses 30 acres of manicured gardens and courtyards. It is spread over 50 acres on the banks of Lake Pichola, on the 200-year-old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar. The resort offers unique experiences, including private lakeside dining, traditional boat rides, private cooking sessions, and fun activities for children.
The indoor and alfresco restaurants have lake and garden views and serve fine international and Indian cuisine, while the spa offers signature Oberoi treatments. Opt for a suite with a private pool, or choose a premier room with access to a unique 240-foot-long semi-private pool and bathe beside uninterrupted lake views.
5. The Lodhi, New Delhi
The Lodhi New Delhi is an urban oasis centrally located in New Delhi. The Lodhi is spread across nearly seven acres on Lodi Road near the Lodi Gardens, an extensive parkland with historic tombs dating back to the 15th century. A member of The Leading Hotels of The World, The Lodhi was awarded the #1 Hotel in Delhi & NCR by Condé Nast Traveler US in the 2018 and 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards.
The hotel offers 48 rooms and suites imbued with a contemporary flair. Ranging from 1350 ft² to 4500 ft², these accommodations are amongst the largest in the city, and most of them have their own private plunge pool and expansive balconies with panoramic views.
The hotel’s dining scene is considered one of the finest in the city, offering eclectic options ranging from local specialties to international delicacies, which include the renowned ‘Indian Accent.’ These restaurants and lounges are a popular social epicenter for residents and guests alike, providing the perfect setting for special occasions and meetings. Additionally, The Lodhi offers a world-class spa with an exclusive Hammam, a stylist-curated salon, a state-of-the-art gym, a 50-meter lap pool, three tennis courts, and two squash courts with personal fitness trainers available for assistance.
6. Taj Palace, New Delhi
Taj Palace is also one of the best luxury hotels in New Delhi. Commanding 6 plush acres of New Delhi’s prestigious diplomatic enclave, the Taj Palace is the favored destination of distinguished world travelers, heads of state, and international conferences.
Just 15 minutes from the domestic airport, 20 minutes from the international airport, and minutes from the historic Lutyen’s Delhi, Taj Diplomatic Enclave has a location second to none. The hotel pays tribute to the Mughal era by bringing you some of its art, traditions, and cuisine in a modern setting.
7. The Imperial, New Delhi
Rated amongst India’s best hotels, The Imperial is a legend that offers a unique experience embracing facets of India’s history. The 24 king palms that lead up to the porch stand as witness to the creation of New Delhi. This lavish hotel is known for its contemporary colonial style and dates back to 1931.
As New Delhi’s landmark Hotel, it is located on Janpath, the erstwhile Queensway. It is steps away from the renowned shopping district Connaught Place and major city attractions and a half-hour drive from the international airport. With high ceilings, impeccable decor, and equipped with all the facilities and modern conveniences, the 235 rooms and suites overlook verdant gardens and offer total privacy and serenity.
The Imperial houses award-winning restaurants that offer a culinary palette that ranges from Southeast Asian, multi-cuisine, and Indian to French and Italian. The Spice Route restaurant has been named one of the top ten restaurants in the world by Condé Nast Traveler and was designed to depict the journey of spices from the Malabar Coast to Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Don’t miss the Imperial Spa with its ayurvedic center, two hammams, and hydrotherapy area designed exclusively for resident guests.
8. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
The history of Rajasthan, with its polo-playing princes and dreamy princesses, is alive and well at Rambagh Palace. Home to generations of royals for more than 180 years, the palace was recently converted into a luxury hotel.
Rambagh Palace resort is spread over 47 acres of tranquil, landscaped gardens. Over the years, Rambagh has played gracious host to several illustrious guests, royalty, and celebrities such as Lord Louis Mountbatten, who has a suite named after him, Prince Charles, Jacqueline Kennedy, and several others.
Live like royalty in the restored suites — former chambers of the Maharaja — which are adorned with rich silk drapes and colorful artwork. At Rambagh Palace, each wall, each room, each corridor, and the garden has a story to tell.
After a day enjoying the royal treatments available at the Jiva Spa, including Indian aromatherapy massages, ask the palace butlers to arrange an intimate meal or take you on a drive in a vintage car.
Rambagh Palace is close to the walled ‘Pink City’ with its spectacular forts and unique shopping bazaars. It is also 11 Km from the airport and 6 Km from the railway station, with good air and surface links.
9. Andaz Delhi
When exploring the pulsating metropolis of Delhi in India, with its rich tapestry of life bursting out of every orifice, you need a very luxurious hotel with a rather special service. Look no further than the Andaz Delhi by Hyatt.
This brilliant hotel is located in the emerging destination of Aerocity in Delhi, next to Indira Gandhi International Airport. It is close to the business hubs of Delhi and Gurgaon, as well as some of the iconic tourist destinations and shopping locations in the city.
The Andaz Delhi is a luxury lifestyle hotel created by Hyatt. They have designed an imaginative retreat with an urban feel to the modern rooms. The chic guest rooms each include its own unique piece of artwork that celebrates a reason to fall in love with Delhi.
The facilities here are quite simply excellent. There are two outdoor swimming pools, one of which is surrounded by a beautiful sun deck and landscaped gardens. If you’re not clocking up enough miles walking around the city, then make use of the 24-hour fitness center, but if you’re more in need of relaxation when you return to your hotel, then book an indulging treatment at Andaz Spa instead.
Choose which of the 401 warmly furnished guest rooms will be yours with the option of a Standard or Deluxe Room or 45 luxurious suites and soon-to-open serviced apartments. The View Rooms here are a view with a difference; they overlook the runway at Indira Gandhi International Airport, so you can have your own exciting view of the aircraft taking off and landing! Deluxe Rooms include complimentary airport transfer in a luxury vehicle, but the suites, particularly the Signature Suites, are the home for luxury travelers, with living areas, kitchens, and 209 m² to spread out in and make your own.
The main restaurant at Andaz Delhi is AnnaMaya, a modern 5-star European food hall open 24/7 and inspired by the vibrancy and flavors of India – don’t miss their Lazy Sunday Breakfast. It’s legendary! There’s also The Hong Kong Club for modern Cantonese cuisine and evening entertainment, and enjoy an evening drink at the Juniper Bar; its drink menu includes 35 varieties of rather delicious stylized gin and tonic infusions. Plus, there’s a Deli, which is perfect for freshly baked treats.
Wherever you choose to stay, in India or elsewhere, take advantage of our fabulous, complimentary VIP benefits and perks available at most luxury hotels around the world. Just book your stay with our luxury travel concierge. You’ll get all your usual loyalty points and status benefits on any booking you make with us, too.
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