Best Design Hotels in India

With its open helipad, the ITC Gardenia allows you to arrive into the heart of the city, in movie-star style, greeted by a staff member in tails, presented a chilled glass of champagne. The building was created as a tribute to Bangalore, and pays homage to the region’s culture throughout. It was the first hotel in Asia to have a Platinum rating under LEED®, thanks to its eco-conscious approach; its vertical lawned wall proving a notable feature. Take a medicinal or spiritual journey at Kaya Kalp – The Spa. And feast on everything from kebabs to robatayaki and tapas, at the seven eateries, which include a semi-open-air, grass-roofed Lotus Pavilion.

Enabling guests to escape from the – at times – frenetic pace of the city, The Lodhi is surrounded by seven acres of sanctuary like grounds. Its proximity to the Lodhi Gardens and Delhi Golf Club adds to this sense of removal from the areas of heavily concentrated population. Yet many attractions lie within a short walk or drive. The Lodhi’s entrance is flanked by large carved elephants and its exterior clad with smooth golden stone. A great place to relax, the property has a spa, a long heated pool, yoga and pilates classes, sports courts and a hammam. There are two restaurants and some rooms come with private plunge pools.

On the coast of Vagator, close to Chapora Fort, two beaches and a railway station, is Goa’s JW Marriott, fronted by a lush living wall exterior. The hotel provides extensive facilities for those of all ages; hang out in the JW Family entertainment centre with its virtual reality games, bowling alley and a children’s play area. Or get some adult time at Spa by JW, with a sauna, steam bath and treatments. There are three places to eat on the premises; JW Kitchen, Heliconia and the rooftop Agua Italian restaurant, beside the outdoor infinity pool. Choose to stay in a bedroom, or a suite with a balcony, or a terrace with a private plunge pool.

Designed by internationally renowned Khun Lek Bunnag, this unusual building was inspired by the five elements of Hindu philosophy (air, water, fire, earth and sky). Full of high tech gadgetry, everything in the bedrooms – like lighting and curtains – is controlled from an iPad. It has the longest swimming pool in town (108 metres long) and is surrounded by gardens, creating a cocoon of serenity. These include an area for growing the produce that’s served in the restaurants – the hotel also has cows and a mini fruit orchard. Guests can dine on Chinese food at Chi Ni or international cuisine at Kiyan.

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.

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.

The W brand chose Goa as the location for their first property in India (it’s also the adult-centred brand’s first hotel to have a children’s club). This venue is found on a peaceful hillside above Vagator beach, yet while the setting is deeply relaxing, guests can party it up at the funky chain. Boxy, angular and modern, the building looks like an architectural art installation, or something from a Bond film, while the interior decor takes its cue from the area’s natural beauty and fishing heritage. A Rock Pool (so named as it’s carved out of the hillside) is the place to chill out, so to is its Clarins spa. But you can party at the Woo Bar, dine in its two restaurants and play tennis at the onsite courts.