Best Urban Hotels in India

The epitome of luxury, the Leela Palace is a magnificent and enormous pink sandstone castle set within nine acres of continuously maintained gardens (you’ll spot a tribe of landscapers constantly at work among its coconut-producing palms). Everything here delivers on a grand scale; from the 50-foot pool to the cathedral-like candles and floral displays, extravagant lobster-abundant seafood nights and a club lounge with separate cigar, champagne and billiard rooms. Service is exemplary (among the best you’ll find anywhere). And there are four restaurants, a spa and a kids’ pool onsite.

If you’re spending time in Mumbai as a relaxed tourist and you just want to immerse in the local experience, then you will appreciate the St. Regis. Located right in the heart of the touristic area of Mumbai, this modern building offers convenient proximity to all the relevant attractions. When you stay here, you’ll be strategically located in an area full of nightclubs, entertainment centres, shopping avenues and wellness areas.

If opulent finery is what you’re after, check into The Leela Palace. The clue is in the name – it has a very regal atmosphere, with a breathtaking lobby, huge chandelier-lit public spaces with bespoke, specially commissioned artworks and rooms decorated with oil paintings, heavy drapes, silk textiles, polished dark wood floors, gilt-edged furnishings and large handwoven Persian rugs. Unashamedly five-star in atmosphere, service and facilities, The Leela Palace also features an ESPA spa, a rooftop pool and multiple restaurants serving the likes everything from sushi to pasta and exquisite Indian dishes.

This 18th-century property used to be called home by prime ministers, before being carefully restored by the Taj Group. The main building has 102 bedrooms and is surrounded by 18 acres of beautiful Mughal gardens; within the manicured grounds is a large outdoor solar-heated swimming pool. Romantic private dining can be arranged, or guests can eat Royal Indian cuisine at Cinnamon, Italian food at Giardino and international dishes at Marble Arch. After dinner, the Marigold Bar is a sophisticated spot to enjoy a single malt and a cigar. The Jai Mahal Palace is in Civil Lines, close to the city’s shops and restaurants.

If you want a luxurious place to party – or to bring the kids, this Marriott hotel has it all. There’s an in-house cosmopolitan nightclub, with sets from live bands and DJs, as well as signature cocktails and snacks. The property is set across 18 floors, incorporating 260 bedrooms, 21 suites, several restaurants, a bakery and a full-service spa. Outside there’s a pool and Bar-B-Q alfresco dining area. With a pillow menu, an onsite florist, a limousine service, in-room minibars, business services, a laundry valet and 24-hour room service, everything you need is provided. The JW Mariott in Kolkota welcomes families – children have their own play area.

Are you looking for a conveniently located and spacious hotel that is nested in a vast area of gardens and natural landscapes? Then you want to consider the Grand Hyatt Mumbai, which is located right between the Mumbai airport and the business district – making it a typical choice for business people on the move. Despite its central location, this hotel boasts of an impressive 12 acres of surrounding greenery which provides a wonderful respite from the bustling cityscape around it.

Over 1000 artworks are found throughout this property, showcasing national and international artists, while the building’s exterior is punctuated by intricate latticework. 277 bedrooms come with 400-ply Frette linen, Asprey bath products, Krug coffee machines, retro Tivoli radios and a personalised welcome note from management. Indian food is served in Riwaz, with Chinese cuisine in the Lantern. The Market is an all-day dining outlet, the Lobby Lounge serves an indulgent afternoon tea and Bang is the rooftop bar. The spa is possibly the best in town and guests can enjoy a dip in the long, thin swimming pool.

The ITC Mughal won the prestigious Aga Khan Award for its excellent representation of Mughal architecture and is a 2021 Trip Advisor Travelers Choice Hotel. The 233 bedroom hotel is a modern take on an ancient culture – with strong environmental credentials – allowing visitors to steep in local heritage while surrounded by 21st-century mod cons. It has two restaurants: Peshawri and Taj Bano, an outdoor pool, hot tub, the Kaya Kalp Royal Spa and a fitness centre. Bedrooms are traditionally styled, with garden views. Suites have Club Lounge access, while the Grand Presidential Suite comes with its own plunge pool.

Travelling for work? This hotel in the central business district – with views of Cubbon Park – couldn’t be more convenient. Open every day from early to late, JW Kitchen serves a la carte food and fantastic Sunday brunches. Uno is the Marriott’s Japanese restaurant; Alba serves Mediterranean dishes; Spice Terrace has a menu of Indian cuisine; the Bengaluru Baking Company is the place for coffee and a cake, and there’s The Merak Brewhouse for a pint. Guests also have access to a fitness centre, an attractive outdoor pool area and a spa.

Among the many 5 start hotels available in Mumbai, the LaLit might be one of the most reasonably priced and economically competitive. Boasting a unique offering of luxury apartments with full-featured hotel service, the LaLit is a great choice for families or anyone else who wants to stay in a place that feels just like home. The available residences are very tastefully decorated in a modern style, and the wonderful ambience and high standards of this place will impress even the most demanding visitors.

A contemporary property that’s conveniently located for access to the airport, the JW Marriott in Jaipur has 374 bedrooms with picture windows. Cribs and rollaway beds can be requested, plus there’s a minibar, satellite TV and an iPod dock in every room. The hotel’s amenities include a full-service spa, an outdoor pool and a kids’ splash pool. Its signature restaurant, Okra, has won awards for its global menu, and guests can also sample authentic Indian cuisine at Saffron, or tuck into the freshly baked delicacies for sale at the in-house Jaipur Baking Company.

Found in a salubrious residential neighbourhood, historically popular with illustrious Brits, the Taj Club House is instantly recognisable by its 45000 sq.ft neon blue glass façade. This, and 220 rooms (some with butler service), were designed by Thom Catallo, creating an on-trend retreat for business, as well as leisure travellers. The Taj’s polished signature restaurant, The Club House, is complemented by its Brew cafe and the Blend cocktail bar with a pulsating vibe. Jiva Spa has a menu of rituals and treatments, inspired by local culture and you can unwind on a plush lounger beside the rooftop pool.