Best Historical Hotels in India

Dating back to the late 19th century, this hotel is found in the bustling shopping district, yet has an oasis-like ambience. A blissful pool area sits at its centre, flanked by palm trees and comfy loungers. Threesixtythree° is the hotel’s signature restaurant, fusing cooking influences from across Asia and Europe and baking pizzas in a wood-fired oven. Decorated in a midcentury style, its menus include a wellness selection with uber-healthy dishes and a lavish brunch. Guests can also eat at the fine dining Baan Thai restaurant, or order lighter meals in the fashionable bar. Personalised treatments are available at the Oberoi Spa.

Right in the middle of Lake Pichola, this palace was built back in the mid-18th century, as the summer residence for the royal dynasty of Mewar. By the middle of the last century, the Taj Lake Palace was accepting paying guests and was featured in the James Bond movie, Octopussy. But its regal atmosphere and level of service never left, with 24/7 butler service and a water taxi available whenever you want it. Additionally, there are four restaurants, a rooftop bar, a pool, a spa and 360-degree water views. This hotel is certainly something very special and exudes classic romance.

Anyone who has ever considered visiting Mumbai has likely heard about the Taj Mahal Palace, which is touted as India’s first and premier luxury hotel. This flagship hotel boasts is located in a rather impressive modern palace, and its staff is comparable to a small army whose sole purpose is to ensure all guests enjoy the finest available experience. If you want nothing short of prestige and affluence, the Taj Mahal Palace will cater to your desires.

Previously named India’s ‘Best Luxury Historical Hotel’ at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, this 235 bedroom establishment dates back to the 1930s. Indeed, the design is reflective of the colonial era; ceiling fans, rattan furniture, dark polished wood, black and white prints and staff dressed in red livery are all found within. So too is a spa with a menu of Ayurvedic treatments, a pool, a yoga studio and four restaurants. The Imperial is found in Janpath, just over half a mile from New Delhi’s centre, ideal for business travellers.

Receive royal standard treatment when you check into the Rambagh Palace. Indeed the building was once inhabited by a maharajah and is unashamedly grand. 78 rooms come with hand-carved mahogany furnishings, high ceilings, detailed decoration, gilt touches, modern-day conveniences and personal butlers. Public areas outstrip the footprint of rooms, meaning it always feels spacious and refined. Facilities include a picture-perfect courtyard, croquet lawn, huge spa, yoga pavilion, a putting green, two restaurants, plus an eatery in a vintage steam train carriage, and indoor and outdoor pools. Attentive staff adorn guests with garlands, invite them to candle-lighting ceremonies and offer intricate henna tattoos.

On the eastern side of the lake and a short walk from the City Palace Museum, the Taj Fateh Prakash Palace dates back to the 19th century and is itself something of a museum. It opened under its current guise on the 1st of January 2020, with 65 glamorous heritage rooms and suites. The polished hotel boasts an enviable art collection, a 1000 kilogram central crystal chandelier and the award-winning Sunset Terrace restaurant where you can catch some live music. There’s also a spa, a pool and a bar to be enjoyed onsite.

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.