You’ve decided to visit India, and now comes one of the most important decisions: where to stay. India’s luxury hotel scene is world-class, with properties ranging from modern 5-star hotels to historic palace stays that feel like stepping back in time. Whether you’re planning a romantic honeymoon, a cultural exploration, or a high-end business trip, this guide covers the best top-rated hotels in India, what to expect from each property type, and how to find the best deals on luxury accommodations.
The Top Luxury Hotel Chains in India
India is home to several prestigious hotel groups. Here are the most highly-rated and trusted by travelers:
Taj Hotels (Indian Hotels Company Limited)
Taj Hotels is India’s most iconic and prestigious luxury brand. The chain was founded in 1903 with the legendary Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai and has since grown to over 180 properties across India and internationally.
What Taj Offers: Heritage and history, impeccable service standards, multiple dining options, award-winning spas, business centers, and loyalty programs.
Price Range: ₹5,450-₹67,000+ per night (~$65-800+ USD)
Best For: Travelers seeking Indian heritage, iconic properties, business travelers, luxury experiences
Flagship Properties:
- Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai (₹25,000-30,000+/night) – Mumbai’s most famous hotel since 1903, overlooking the Arabian Sea
- Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur (₹50,000+/night) – Floating palace on Lake Pichola, one of India’s most romantic hotels
- Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad (₹67,000+/night) – Actual maharaja palace, ultra-luxury experience
- Taj Palace, New Delhi (₹14,927/night) – Diplomatic Enclave location, government guesthouse feel
- Taj Ganges, Varanasi (₹23,999/night) – On the sacred Ganges River
The Oberoi Hotels (EIH Limited)
The Oberoi is another flagship luxury chain known for personalized service, heritage properties, and sophisticated experiences. 30+ properties across India and internationally.
What Oberoi Offers: Michelin-starred restaurants, personalized butler service (suites), heritage experiences, world-class spas, wellness programs
Price Range: ₹10,000-40,000+ per night (~$120-480+ USD)
Best For: Luxury travelers seeking personalized service, heritage experiences, fine dining
Signature Properties:
- The Oberoi, New Delhi – Premium location with Delhi Golf Course views, Michelin-star restaurants
- The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur (₹25,000-40,000+/night) – Sprawling resort on 32 acres, palace-inspired architecture
- The Oberoi Sukhvilas Resort & Spa, Chandigarh – Unique forest bathing experience in 8,154 acres of forest
- The Oberoi Mumbai – Premium business & leisure destination
ITC Hotels (ITC Limited)
ITC Hotels is known for sustainability, wellness, and Ayurvedic spa experiences. The chain has pioneered eco-luxury in India with LEED Platinum and Zero Carbon certifications.
What ITC Offers: Ayurvedic spa (Kaya Kalp), sustainable luxury, wellness programs, multiple fine dining restaurants, eco-certifications
Price Range: ₹8,000-40,000+ per night (~$96-480+ USD)
Best For: Wellness-focused travelers, eco-conscious luxury seekers, culinary enthusiasts, yoga retreats
Standout Properties:
- ITC Grand Chola, Chennai (₹25,000-40,000/night) – 522 rooms, 11 restaurants, Kaya Kalp Ayurvedic spa, LEED Platinum certified
- ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru (₹20,000-35,000/night) – 99% renewable energy powered, LEED Zero Carbon, eco-luxury flagship
- ITC Rajputana, Jaipur – Rajasthan cultural focus
- ITC Mughal, Agra – Close to Taj Mahal, Mughal-inspired architecture
The Leela Palaces (Ultra Luxury)
The Leela represents ultra-luxury palace experiences. Only 8 properties in India, all positioned as supreme luxury destinations.
What The Leela Offers: Royal palace atmosphere, ultra-personalized service, premium spas, Michelin-starred dining, heritage experiences
Price Range: ₹35,000-100,000+ per night (~$420-1,200+ USD)
Best For: Honeymoons, special occasions, ultimate luxury experiences, palace stays
Key Properties:
- The Leela Palace New Delhi (₹35,400+/night) – At Chanakyapuri near government buildings, ultra-luxury New Delhi experience
- The Leela Palace Udaipur – Lakeside palace experience
- The Leela Palace Chennai (₹40,000+/night)
- The Leela Palace Bengaluru
Trident Hotels
Oberoi group’s mid-range luxury chain. Recently awarded “Best Five Star Hotel Group in India” by Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2024.
Price Range: ₹8,000-20,000 per night (~$96-240 USD)
Best For: Value-conscious luxury travelers, business stays, good quality at competitive prices
International Chains (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt)
JW Marriott, Sheraton, Hilton, and Hyatt operate 20+ luxury properties across India. Standard international luxury with consistent quality and frequent traveler loyalty programs.
Price Range: ₹8,000-25,000+ per night (~$96-300+ USD)
Best For: Travelers familiar with international chain standards, frequent business travelers, loyalty program members
Understanding Hotel Room Types & Pricing
Indian luxury hotels offer various room categories. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right accommodation for your budget and needs.
Standard & Deluxe Rooms (₹5,000-15,000 / ~$60-180 USD per night)
Room Size: 250-450 square feet
What You Get: Comfortable bed, air conditioning, private bathroom, flat-screen TV, WiFi, mini-refrigerator, work desk, basic toiletries
Best For: Budget-conscious luxury travelers, those seeking comfort without extravagance
Example: Vivanta hotels (Taj’s mid-range brand), standard rooms at most Oberoi locations
Luxury Rooms (₹15,000-30,000 / ~$180-360 USD per night)
Room Size: 450-600 square feet
What You Get: Premium furnishings, marble bathroom with separate tub and shower, city or garden views, sitting area, premium toiletries, nespresso machine, butler service availability (higher floors), higher floor placement, concierge access
Best For: Most travelers seeking genuine luxury without palace-level pricing, couples, honeymoons
Example: Taj Palace New Delhi Luxury Rooms, Oberoi New Delhi Luxury Rooms
Junior Suites (₹20,000-35,000 / ~$240-420 USD per night)
Room Size: 600-800 square feet
What You Get: Separate living room and bedroom, premium decor, spa access, premium butler service, minibar, dining area, turning service, personalized amenities
Best For: Special occasions, families, extended stays, those wanting more space
Luxury Suites (₹30,000-50,000+ / ~$360-600+ USD per night)
Room Size: 800-1,200+ square feet
What You Get: Master bedroom, spacious living room, separate dining area, premium spa amenities, 24-hour butler service, personalized concierge, exclusive lounge access, premium linens (Egyptian cotton), high-end toiletries, turn-down service
Best For: Honeymoons, special celebrations, ultimate luxury experiences
Palace & Heritage Suites (₹50,000-150,000+ / ~$600-1,800+ USD per night)
Room Size: 1,000+ square feet
What You Get: Royal decor, multiple rooms, premium furnishings, personalized concierge 24/7, private dining options, exclusive butler service, spa treatments in-room, heritage atmosphere, exclusive access to palace areas
Best For: Honeymooners seeking absolute luxury, special anniversaries, once-in-a-lifetime experiences
Example: Taj Lake Palace suites, Taj Falaknuma Palace suites, The Leela Palace suites
Dining Experiences at Top Hotels
Indian luxury hotels are culinary destinations. Here’s what to expect:
ITC Grand Chola, Chennai: 11 restaurants including Avartana (exclusive vegetarian fine dining), Madras Pavilion (Indian), Ottimo (Italian), Pan Asian, Peshawri (North Indian), and more. Each restaurant has distinct themes and cuisines.
Taj Hotels: 3-6 fine dining restaurants per property, featuring Indian regional cuisines, Continental, and Asian options. Many properties have rooftop dining.
Oberoi Hotels: Fine dining with Michelin-starred chefs. The Oberoi New Delhi features culinary experiences by Chef Rohit Ghai. Cirrus 9 offers bird’s-eye views of Delhi with cocktails. The Impressionist High Tea experience includes garden tours.
The Leela Palaces: Multiple Michelin-star restaurants with international celebrity chefs.
Cuisine Options at Most Luxury Hotels:
- Indian (regional cuisines: Mughlai, South Indian, North Indian)
- Continental / International
- Italian
- Pan-Asian (Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese)
- Seafood specialties
- Vegetarian fine dining
- Fusion cuisines
- Rooftop dining with city views
- In-room fine dining options
Spa & Wellness Experiences
India’s luxury hotels offer world-class spa and wellness experiences, many featuring Ayurvedic treatments.
Kaya Kalp Spa (ITC & Select Taj Properties)
Kaya Kalp translates to “skin transformation.” These spas focus on Ayurvedic wellness, combining ancient Indian practices with modern techniques.
Treatments Available:
- Ayurvedic oil massages and therapies
- Body scrubs and wraps
- Facials using natural ingredients
- Aromatherapy
- Manicures and pedicures
- Hair and scalp treatments
- Holistic wellness consultations
Cost: ₹4,000-12,000 (~$48-144 USD) for single treatments, packages available
Oberoi Spas
Oberoi spas offer traditional Eastern and Western massage techniques, facial treatments, and wellness programs.
Specialties: Tension release massages, skin rejuvenation, sensory wellness experiences, yoga and daily reflection classes, customized treatments
Leela Spas
Ultra-luxury spa experiences with premium therapies, Ayurvedic consultations, and holistic wellness programs.
Forest Bathing (The Oberoi Sukhvilas, Chandigarh)
A unique wellness experience: guided forest bathing in 8,154 acres of Siswan Forest. Proven to reduce stress, boost immunity, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep.
Pricing & Hidden Costs Explained
Room Rate vs Final Bill
Hotel prices vary significantly by season and booking method. Here’s what impacts your final bill:
GST (Goods & Services Tax): This is THE hidden cost. GST varies based on room rate:
- Rooms above ₹7,500/night: 28% GST tax
- Rooms ₹2,500-7,500/night: 12% GST tax
- Rooms below ₹2,500/night: 5% GST tax
Example: Luxury Room listed at ₹15,000/night
- Room rate: ₹15,000
- GST (12%): ₹1,800
- Final rate: ₹16,800 (~$202 USD)
Resort Fees (Some Properties): ₹500-2,000/night for “facility fees” not shown upfront. Check booking details carefully.
Breakfast: Sometimes included, sometimes ₹1,947-3,000 per person ($24-36). Verify during booking.
Parking: Usually free for guests, but confirm.
WiFi: Always free at luxury hotels
Booking by Season
Off-Season (May-August, Monsoon): 20-30% discount off rates
Shoulder Season (Sept-Oct, Mar-Apr): Standard pricing, sometimes 10-15% discount
Peak Season (Nov-Feb): 20-40% premium over base rates
Festival Season (Diwali, Holi): 40-60% premium, book 3-6 months ahead
Best Booking Methods
Direct Booking: Usually 5-10% cheaper than OTA websites
Official Websites: taj
hotels.com, oberoihotels.com, itchotels.com offer best rates
Loyalty Programs: Oberoi Club, Taj Experiences, ITC Rewards offer 10-15% discounts
OTA Websites: Booking.com, Expedia, MakeMyTrip add 5-10% fees
Long-Stay Discounts: 7+ night stays often get 10-20% discount
Your Next Step: Book Your Hotel
Now that you understand India’s luxury hotel landscape, here’s how to choose:
Step 1: Decide your budget and room type (Deluxe ₹8,000-15,000 vs Luxury ₹15,000-30,000 vs Suite ₹30,000+)
Step 2: Choose your destination (Taj Mahal region, Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, etc.)
Step 3: Visit official hotel websites for availability and book directly for best rates
Step 4: Call the hotel to confirm rates INCLUDE GST (ask total price, not base rate)
Step 5: Confirm what’s included (breakfast, WiFi, parking, transfers)
Need help planning the rest of your trip? Read our related guides:
- Get your Indian e-visa online – Complete step-by-step guide
- Travel insurance for India – Protect against medical emergencies and evacuations
- Complete first-time visitor guide – Arrival process, customs, cultural tips
- India travel budget guide – Detailed cost breakdown by city and travel style
India’s luxury hotel experience is unmatched. From historic palaces to eco-luxury resorts, you’ll find accommodation that suits your dreams. Book with confidence and enjoy the hospitality that made India legendary.