Top Hotels in India: 7 Luxurious Stays You Won't Want to Leave
- Written by Roi Alfassi
- Updated September 2025
India, the seventh-largest country in the world, is a land of stunning contrasts and endless variety that captures the heart of every traveler, no matter their age. This time, we’re focusing on a side of India that’s less often spoken about — the opulent, elegant, and utterly luxurious India. Here are seven of its most iconic luxury hotels that redefine indulgence and make every night feel like a dream.
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The Jewel of Jaipur – Taj Rambagh Palace
Jaipur, often called “The Pink City” for the soft pink hue that colors its buildings, is the capital of Rajasthan — the Land of Kings — and a magnet for travelers from around the world. This vibrant city, which feels like it was lifted straight from a fairytale, has transformed many of its ancient palaces into luxurious accommodations for visitors seeking royal indulgence.
Among the most famous of them, not only in Jaipur but in all of India, stands the magnificent Taj Rambagh Palace, part of the prestigious Taj Hotels group. Originally built in 1835 as a royal residence, the palace once served as the home of the Maharaja and his queen. Today, guests can experience the grandeur of royal life in one of 78 exquisitely restored rooms and suites, each echoing the splendor of a bygone era.
This majestic palace-turned-hotel showcases Rajasthan’s royal heritage through its authentic design and furnishings, adorned with intricate details and historic charm. Guests can dine in elegant restaurants styled after 18th-century royal halls, complete with gold and silver tableware that reflect the opulence of India’s regal past.
The hotel features both indoor and outdoor pools, lush cricket lawns, tennis courts, and a world-class spa offering rejuvenating treatments, yoga sessions, and guided meditation with expert mentors. Revered as “The Jewel of Jaipur,” Taj Rambagh Palace is more than a stay — it’s an experience fit for a king.
The Place to Rub Shoulders with Celebrities – The Leela Palace, New Delhi
New Delhi, India’s bustling capital, is often the first stop for travelers arriving in the country — a city of contrasts filled with color, chaos, aromas, and endless energy.
In the heart of the city’s exclusive diplomatic enclave, far from the noise and crowds, stands the luxurious Leela Palace, one of India’s most elegant hotels. Opened in 2011, it’s just a 30-minute drive from the airport and offers 254 lavish rooms, four world-class restaurants, and a rooftop pool heated to a perfect 26°C. Guests can also unwind at the spa, which features both dry and steam saunas.
The hotel’s standard rooms are among the largest in the city, blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern luxury. Dining options range from authentic Indian cuisine to international dishes like sushi and Italian classics.
And if you’re hoping to spot a few celebrities, you’ve come to the right place — The Leela Palace has hosted global icons such as Tom Cruise and Vladimir Putin, making it the ultimate luxury retreat for those who want to experience New Delhi in style.
Book your stay at the beautiful The Leela Palace with great prices and trusted service on Expedia >>
Delhi’s First Luxury Hotel – The Imperial
Opened in 1931, The Imperial is known as Delhi’s first true luxury hotel and remains one of the city’s most iconic heritage properties. Over the years, it has won multiple international awards for its timeless elegance and world-class service.
Located near Connaught Place, one of Delhi’s most vibrant and upscale districts, the hotel offers a perfect blend of colonial charm and modern sophistication — a favorite among travelers seeking both comfort and history.
The Imperial features over eight room categories, each uniquely designed in a vintage colonial style. Guests can choose from grand suites and handcrafted interiors that showcase India’s artistic heritage.
Dining at The Imperial is a journey around the world, with several fine restaurants offering international cuisine, including Asian specialties and fresh seafood. The hotel also houses a spa, fitness center, and beauty salon, where guests can enjoy rejuvenating massages, Ayurvedic therapies, yoga sessions, and meditation classes — all in an atmosphere of refined tranquility.
One of India’s Most Luxurious Hotels – The Oberoi, Mumbai
Mumbai, India’s largest city and the world’s fourth most populous metropolis, is a place of striking contrasts — where vibrant street life and humble neighborhoods meet the sophistication of high-end living.
At the southern tip of the city, in Mumbai’s prestigious business district, just a short walk from major attractions, museums, and shopping centers, stands The Oberoi, one of the most luxurious hotels in all of India.
Rising 21 stories above the city skyline, the hotel features 287 elegant rooms and suites, each offering panoramic views of Marine Drive and the Arabian Sea. The spacious marble bathrooms include both a bathtub and a walk-in shower, as well as in-room TVs for added comfort.
Dining at The Oberoi is an experience in itself. Guests can enjoy an award-winning Indian restaurant led by a Michelin-starred chef, an Italian fine-dining venue with an exceptional wine selection, and a stylish Champagne Lounge. Breakfast options range from healthy selections to Japanese or traditional Indian morning meals.
The hotel also provides 24-hour room service, a personal butler for every guest, and the option to transform any room into a private workspace — making it ideal for both leisure and business travelers alike.
Luxury and Iconic Elegance – The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
The Taj Mahal Palace is a legendary 5-star luxury hotel and one of the most famous landmarks in India — often regarded as one of the finest hotels in Asia. Opened in 1903, the hotel has a fascinating history, including a period during World War I when it served as a military hospital with 600 beds.
Located in southern Mumbai, near the bustling Colaba district, the hotel overlooks the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India. It offers more than 300 luxurious rooms, supported by a team of 1,600 dedicated staff ensuring unmatched service. The property is divided into two wings: one featuring traditional, heritage-style rooms, and the other offering modern interiors with large sea-view windows.
Over the decades, The Taj Mahal Palace has hosted royalty, world leaders, and celebrities from across the globe. Guests can indulge in an exclusive spa, relax by one of Mumbai’s most famous swimming pools, and enjoy fine dining across several restaurants serving cuisines from India, Japan, and the Middle East.
Adding to its prestige, the hotel also boasts a luxury shopping arcade, home to elite brands such as Dior and Louis Vuitton, making it a true symbol of elegance and refinement in Mumbai.
Book your stay at the beautiful Taj Mahal Palace with great prices and trusted service on Expedia >>
The Himalayan Forest Retreat – Wildflower Hall, Shimla
Perched 2,000 meters above sea level in the charming hill station of Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, Wildflower Hall is a luxurious mountain retreat surrounded by cedar forests and framed by the majestic Himalayas. Once a British colonial getaway, Shimla remains one of India’s most beloved hill destinations — known for its cool climate, European-style architecture, and tranquil charm.
Located about 10 kilometers from Shimla, Wildflower Hall blends old-world elegance with modern indulgence. The rooms feature colonial-style interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, Victorian lamps, and intricately carved wooden furniture that reflect the hotel’s historic character.
The property’s exclusive suites offer breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains and are adorned with rare, handcrafted furnishings — complete with cozy fireplaces that create a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Guests can savor fine Indian and international cuisine at the hotel’s restaurants, rejuvenate at the Oberoi Spa, or enjoy the resort’s world-class facilities, including tennis courts, heated indoor and outdoor pools, and peaceful forest walking trails that make every stay a true Himalayan escape.
A View of the Taj Mahal – The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
The city of Agra is one of India’s most famous destinations, home to the world-renowned Taj Mahal — the ultimate monument of love that attracts millions of visitors every year.
Located just 600 meters from the Taj Mahal, The Oberoi Amarvilas is part of the prestigious Oberoi Group and mirrors the royal splendor of Agra itself. Designed like a majestic Mughal palace, the hotel features lush gardens, fountains, reflection pools, and charming stone bridges that create an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
Every room in The Oberoi Amarvilas offers a direct view of the Taj Mahal, allowing guests to witness the magical sunset that bathes the marble monument in soft shades of pink and gold. Interiors are adorned with handcrafted Indian art, including silk cushions, carved bed frames, and ornate rugs — blending comfort with traditional artistry.
Guests enjoy personal butler service, an award-winning spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options — from elegant Indian cuisine to international favorites. The hotel also features a cigar lounge with a spectacular view of the Taj Mahal, making it a truly unforgettable place to stay.
For a unique experience, guests can reach the Taj Mahal via the hotel’s golf cart service, which takes them directly from the garden gates to the monument’s eastern entrance.