Best Independent Style Hotels in India

Facing onto the expanse of sands that make up Benaulim Beach, the Taj Exotica is surrounded by manicured gardens, tropical flowers and coconut trees. It provides opportunities to get active, with facilities enabling yoga, tennis, swimming, golf, or some relaxation with Ayurvedic therapies at the Jiva Spa. Book a room, garden villa, or pool villa, all of which display a Colonial meets palatial style of decor. There are three restaurants serving Goan seafood, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, two bars and ample facilities to keep children entertained during your stay.

At the centre of The Oberoi, is a raintree which has stood in place for over 12 decades. Indeed its horticulture has won awards, with balconies overflowing with blooms, lotus-covered ponds, manicured lawns and rainforest-like vegetation separated by aristocratic fountains — and its flowers go into the hotel’s exclusive tea blend. The spa here opens around the clock and the salon until late. Bedrooms have organic herbal bath products, espresso machines, blackout drapes, iPad controls and private outdoor spaces. Like the grounds, the four restaurants have received many accolades, each providing menus for kids.

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.

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.

The nearby palaces and traditional Mewari architecture served as the inspiration for Nimish Patel, as she designed this grand lakeside property from scratch. It spans 50 acres teeming with birdlife, featuring pastel-coloured and gilt domed pavilions housing 87 rooms, a spa and several restaurants. The decor provides an old-world elegance, while staff offer an attentive first-class service with personalised and lavish attention to detail. Dine alfresco by candlelight beside a lily pond, relax next to your private plunge pool beneath a mustard-hue fringed parasol, book some Ayurvedic treatments, take a yoga class and spend some time reading in the library.

A luxurious hideaway from the bustling streets of Delhi, The Oberoi, New Delhi has established itself as a destination for the world’s most discerning guests from presidents to global CEOs and celebrities over the past fifty years. The Oberoi, New Delhi features 220 rooms, including 34 suites which are spacious and luxurious with an abundance of natural light. The hotel’s enviable location in the heart of New Delhi, offers striking views of the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the 18-hole Delhi Golf Course, India’s oldest golf course’s vast greenways. Oberoi’s signature design aesthetic of height, light, water, and space can be seen throughout the hotel. Diners can sample Michelin-star cuisine at two of the hotel’s restaurants in partnership with acclaimed Chef Andrew Wong of the famed “A. Wong” Chinese two Michelin-star restaurant and Michelin-star chef, Chef Vineet Bhatia MBE, the first Indian chef to be honoured with a Michelin star. Dhilli by Chef Vineet Bhatia opened its doors earlier this year as the city’s newest culinary hotspot. Diners can explore an exquisite mix of Chef Vineet’s signature recipes and legacy cooking traditions passed on through generations. From the rich culinary heritage of Old Delhi’s pulsating lanes to Rajouri Gardens and everything in between. The rooftop bar, Cirrus9, offers specially curated beverages and panoramic views overlooking the Golf Course, perfect for sundowners in the evening and to enjoy the warm evenings. The Oberoi Pâtisserie & Delicatessen is India’s first exclusive gourmet store which offers a wide range of desserts and cakes, high-quality delicatessen items, freshly baked bread, homemade single-origin chocolates, cheeses, and condiments to eat-in or takeaway.

The Oberoi Mumbai is more than just a luxury hotel, it’s an experience in itself. From its unparalleled location along Marine Drive to its impeccable service and world-class amenities, it effortlessly sets the benchmark for hospitality in the city. Whether you’re indulging in the panoramic sea views from your suite, savouring Michelin-starred cuisine at Ziya, or unwinding with a signature Indian spa treatment, every moment feels curated to perfection. The attention to detail, warmth of service, and sheer elegance make The Oberoi Mumbai a standout choice for guests.

Standing tall in all its glory at the southern tip of the city, The Oberoi Mumbai enjoys a prime seafront location with sweeping views of the Arabian Sea. Perched along the iconic Marine Drive (also known as the Queen’s Necklace) it sits at the heart of Nariman Point, the city’s bustling business district. Just a short stroll away, you’ll find the National Centre for the Performing Arts and the historic Gateway of India, making it an ideal base for both business and leisure travellers. Beyond its convenience, the hotel offers a rare luxury in Mumbai; waking up to the soothing rhythm of waves against the shore.

This has often been the hotel of choice for US presidents, having hosted George W Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Excellent security and an indulgent atmosphere make it popular with the world’s glitterati (Chris Martin, Mark Zukerberg, Naomi Campbell, the Duke of Edinburgh and Justin Trudeau have all taken up residence in its suites). ITC Maurya was inspired by Buddhist stupas – its lobby is especially majestic. The artworks in the 438 bedroom property are stunning, the Kaya Kalp Spa is dreamy. The five-star hotel is also home to one of India’s top restaurants: Bukharao where guests eat with their fingers.

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.