Best Urban Hotels in India
As a long-established luxury travel publication, The Luxury Editor is known for showcasing hotels that go beyond star ratings alone and focus on what really matters to discerning travellers seeking a memorable stay in a urban hotel in India. Service, design, atmosphere, sense of place and the overall quality of the guest experience all play a part in whether a property earns its place in our curated list.
Whether you are at the early stages of planning or already comparing a shortlist, our choice of urban hotels in India is a credible and useful guide, with easy booking options too.
Let us help you make searching for the perfect place to stay more inspiring, more informed and more enjoyable.
West Bengal, Kolkata
Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata
(5 stars)Located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Ballygunge, Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata marks the brand’s dynamic debut in the City of Joy. With 93 contemporary rooms and suites, the hotel is designed as a stylish home base for modern travellers eager to immerse themselves in Kolkata’s rich artistic, culinary, and cultural scene. Guests enjoy smart in-room technology, contactless check-in, and design that blends playful textures with locally inspired touches.
Culinary highlights include Cal-On, a rooftop craft brewery with a terrace garden and mixology-led cocktails; YAYAvar, serving regional Indian dishes inspired by the country’s highways; and TESS, a Euro-Asian bistro with Thai specialities and European comfort food. For events, the hotel offers over 3,000 sq ft of flexible spaces, from the Gallery ballroom to collaborative studios and lounges. Leisure amenities include a rooftop pool, rejuvenating spa, and a fully equipped fitness centre. Ideally located near landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial, New Market and Eden Gardens, this hotel is a vibrant launchpad for discovering Kolkata.
Delhi NCR, New Delhi
The LaLiT New Delhi
(5 stars)Offering some of the largest bedrooms in the city – 461 in total – this suits those staying for a longer period, families, or who enjoy a little more room. It also suits those who enjoy some late-night partying – LaLiT has its own club (with live DJs playing at the weekends) Kitty Su. There are also four excellent restaurants, a spa, an in-house art gallery and an outdoor pool, with luxe loungers. A stay here places guests in the heart of the busy city, as such, it was built upwards to fit, rather than spreading outwards – its height, therefore, affords plenty of excellent views.
Rajasthan, Udaipur
The Leela Palace Udaipur
(5 stars)If you prefer a more contemporary vibe, book one of 80 soundproofed rooms here. You’ll enjoy direct lake views with the Aravalli Mountains in the background. Dine on the terrace of the main restaurant, choosing from a menu of international cuisine, with a glass of something from its walk-in wine cellar; tuck into Indian food overlooking the lake; and cosy up beside the fire as you listen to live Rajasthani folk music in the bar. The Leela Palace’s other amenities include a spa, an outdoor pool and a gym. It first opened in April 2009, part of a small luxe chain of resorts and has become especially popular with business travellers.