India’s most luxurious hotels on Booking.com as chosen and reviewed by our travelers.
International chain hotels and Airbnbs may be crowding up the Indian hospitality space, but our love and loyalty yet lies with the boutique hotels and restored palaces that our country has to offer. In an exclusive with Luxurylaunches, Booking.com, has compiled and curated a list of the most popular Indian luxury hotels for 2018.
Of course, the list has been compiled based on unbiased ratings on the popular website in the last 365 days from over millions of reviews posted online by avid travellers. The list touches almost every soul in India with hotels featured from North and South, to East and West. From the magnificent Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur and the emblematic Taj Mahal Tower in Mumbai to the exquisite Wildflower Hall in Shimla and Pondicherry’s exclusive La Villa.
These are the most popular top 10 luxury hotels in India, ranked by Booking.com guest reviewers
Umaid Bhavan Palace
Jodhpur
Built between 1928 and 1943 this meticulously restored palace from Taj hotels makes an unforgettable first impression. The commanding Art Deco-styled facade, made of yellow sandstone, rises atop a hill at the highest point in Jodhpur Designed by English architect Henry Lanchester, this opulent abode aims to please with spacious suites, antique furniture, personal butlers, an on-site museum, alfresco restaurants and 26 acres of gardens.
Taj Rambagh Palace
Jaipur
Featuring white marble corridors and red brick accents, the luxurious Rambagh Palace was the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Dating to 1835, the palace is not only celebrated for its marvelous architecture but also for the 47 acres of royal gardens where peacocks strut throughout the day. The hotel offers countless ways to unwind, including two pools, a grand spa, a Polo Bar, boutique shops, and a labyrinth of romantic courtyards. During the day, guests are invited to take a historical walk about the grounds and by night the palace’s front lawns come alive with performances and music.
The Oberoi Amarvillas
Agra
Promising the most pristine views of the Taj Mahal, The Oberoi Amarvilas is the place to stay in Agra. Located just 600 meters from the monument this luxurious hotel has a blend of Mughal and Moorish style of architecture transporting the guests to an era of prince and emperors. This luxurious property features fountains, pavilions, terraced lawns and reflection pools to add to the decor.
Suryagarh
Jaisalmer
Suryagarh sits on the edge of the Thar desert providing an off-the-beaten path experience for adventurous travelers. Architecturally pure and true to an ancient craft, the luxurious hotel features beautiful courtyards and grand Rajasthani architecture. The haveli-style accommodations look like a grand sandstone fortress from afar. Inside, you’ll find winding corridors and open-air courtyards, gardens, latticed stone, and nostalgic old-world touches. Choose from a mix of more contemporary Fort Rooms and heritage-style haveli rooms and suites — kitted out with modern amenities and vast desert views.
The Leela Palace
New Delhi
Located in New Delhi’s Diplomatic Enclave, The Leela Palace New Delhi is a blend of Lutyen’s architecture and the royal Indian culture. Opened in 2011, the Palace pays tribute to classic royal residences of old with stately pillars, lush drapes, marble bathrooms, handmade silverware, classic furniture and signature butler service. There are 260 rooms in the hotel. Each of the room in the hotel is equipped with the latest of technology.This hotel is an epitome of remarkable architecture as well as grace of the capital city, making it one of the finest luxury hotels in India.
The Taj Mahal Tower
Mumbai
Built in 1973, the iconic The Taj Mahal Tower Mumbai stands majestically across from the Gateway of India, overlooking the Arabian Sea. This hotel has nearly 560 luxury rooms including 44 suites which have vaulted ceilings, silk carpets, designer chandeliers, onyx columns and archways. The hotel also houses 11 banquet halls, two lounges and bars, swimming pool, night club and a luxury spa offering a variety of Indian therapies.
Wildflower Hall Shimla
Shimla
Experience the heights of luxury at Wildflower Hall in Shimla, which is located at more than 8,000 ft above sea level. With nothing less than the lofty Himalayas as a backdrop from this alluring abode, indulge in the lap of luxury while being amidst nature at its best. The hotel offers a variety of activities such as cycling, rafting, yoga, and nature walks. The dining space provides exquisite unbroken sights of the Himalayas from its glass conservatory.
The Leela Palace
Udaipur
The Leela Palace, Udaipur, is located on the banks of Lake Pichola providing a breathtaking view of the Aravalli hills. Adding to the grandeur of the hotel are the 8 eight suites and 72 rooms all facing the tranquil waters of the lake. The rooms are embellished with furniture and artefacts that speak volumes about the beauty of Rajasthani handicrafts.This hotel also provides customised facilities including arriving to the hotel via luxury cars and ornate boats. The majestic appearance and quintessential regal identity makes this one of the most revered boutique hotels in India.
RAAS Devigarh
Delwara
Strategically placed on top of a hill in the Aravalli Range, the Devigarh Palace overlooks the village of Delwara. Much more than just a place to stay, Devigarh is a testament to the beauty and charm of old-world Rajputana, showcasing an array of decorative styles and landscaped gardens. The palace was restored to its former glory in 1999 and converted into an all-suite luxury hotel. The modern, minimalist design of its interior juxtaposes with the ancient and ornate architecture of its exterior. This unique blend of old and new is encapsulated at its entrance, where two 12-foot blocks of uncut, white marble stand to attention. These stones, in this raw and pure condition, are a comforting promise of the new and unrivaled experiences that lie in store for every guest at Devigarh.
The Oberoi Rajvilas
Jaipur
The Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur offers unique 5-star hotel in Jaipur City. Decorated with modern interiors and neutral colour tones, the stylish rooms offer large windows that overlook the greenery. Each well-appointed room is equipped with a sofa seating area, flat-screen TV and bathroom with a bathtub.Guests can exercise at the gym or indulge in body treatments at the spa and salon.
SUJAN Rajmahal Palace
Jaipur
Located in Jaipur, SUJÁN Rajmahal Palace is easily one of the most stylish hotels in India. Decked out in contemporary colors and eye-catching wallpapers, the Relais & Châteaux address hotel adds a modern touch to the otherwise ancient surrounds. Staying true to its regal identity — built by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur for his favorite queen — the 250-year-old Rajmahal Palace boasts pristine lawns, lofty bay windows, marble staircases and glamorous decor. If you feel like a celebrity here, you’re not too far off the mark — over the years, the guest list has included Queen Elizabeth II and Jackie Onassis.
La Villa
Pondicherry, India
La Villa is a 5-star heritage style hotel located in the French Colony area of Pondicherry. Set in an area with casual eateries, this 19th-century mansion with chic interiors features six exclusive suites, a swimming pool, a restaurant and an Idea shop where you will find La Villa branded items. The hotel is a 6-minute walk from Promenade Beach along the Bay of Bengal and 500 m from the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram.