Best Luxury Hotels in India

When you want to stay in a top class hotel that feels like a throwback to the ancient dynasties of India, the ITC Maratha is the most obvious choice. From all the options listed here, this is likely the building with most historical significance and the grandest scale. Everything about this place screams “high class luxury”, and you cannot help but to feel like a prestigious ruler when you are spending time here. If you want to be pampered and enjoy the finest available Indian hospitality, this is the right place to stay.

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.

This lush five-star resort extends to the water’s edge at Bambolim Bay. It has 313 rooms, all with furnished balconies (suites have their own whirlpool too). Dark wood, tiled floors and crisp white bedding create a sophisticated and contemporary Goan aesthetic, along with marble bathrooms. Learn to make the hotel’s signature Italian dishes at The Verandah restaurant’s cookery classes, or eat in one of the other dining concepts: The Dining Room (with five live kitchens), Chulha Indian eatery, the Confeitaria Coffee Bar or a pool grill. Drinks and snacks can be enjoyed at Bay View Lounge, with cocktails and late-night music at Capiz Bar.

Found in the Alipore district, this landmark building was designed by lauded architect Bob Fox. Rooms here are grand yet understated, created to be peaceful cocoons, with soundproofing, classic wood furnishings and the highest-quality cream and gold fabrics. There are eight venues in which to eat and drink, serving Chinese, Lebanese, Middle-Eastern, European and Italian food, as well as patisserie and grilled seafood. Recline beside the pool to the sounds of live music, peruse the priceless artworks on show, marvel at the five-storey stone and marble atrium, shop Indian handicrafts and unwind in the spa – all within the Taj Bengal.

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.

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.

A majestic colonial-style landmark on the city’s coastline, The Leela Palace occupies 4.8 acres of shoreline. Inside are award-winning Chinese and Indian restaurants, an international buffet, elegant high-teas served in a seaview lounge, an old-world cigar bar offering cocktails and caviar and a French-inspired patisserie/chocolatier shop. A carefully curated art collection can be viewed throughout the property and the hotel has its own ensemble of musicians taking guests on a voyage of Carnatic music. 326 rooms and suites spread across 11 floors are suitably grand, as are the spa and the pool areas.

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’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 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.

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.

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.