The Best Luxury Hotels in Delhi, India

In 2018, after a near two-year refurbishment costing close to £70m, the Oberoi reopened to guests. In a city renowned for air pollution, perhaps the smartest addition was that of an air-purification system. Rooms and suites were also made bigger, and seven bars and restaurants have opened. Head to Cirrus 9 for classic and contemporary cocktails overlooking Humayun’s Tomb. Said to be one of the first hotels in India to offer a 24-hour personal butler service, the Oberoi is everything you’d expect from a luxury property.

In Connaught Place, one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Delhi, the LaLiT is close to the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and India Gate, as well as the Museum of Modern Art and the World Trade Centre. This high-rise building – encompassing 28 floors – maintains character thanks in part to the careful curation of art throughout. Stay in one of the Legacy suites for a real dose of art – each is designed by a different Indian artist. The LaLiT is also the place to be if you want to party the night away with the well-dressed Delhi residents. Head to the lower lobby to visit one of the best-loved nightclubs in the city, Kitty Su.

With 320 rooms, you may think service could go amiss, but that’s not the case in the Shangri-La hotel. As with all Shangri-La properties – which are founded and headquartered in Hong Kong – there is an East Asian vibe to the interior design and decoration of the hotel, yet here in Delhi this is seamlessly merged with Indian influences, too. The spa, Chi, spreads over 1,850sqm (19,913sqft) offering Indian, Thai and Balinese therapies. When it comes to dining, don’t miss the Chinese cuisine at Shang Palace or, for a less formal afternoon snack, Mister Chai serves Indian street food favourites.

Andaz Delhi is right by the airport, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s just another airport hotel. This is a fun, modern take on the luxury hotel with open-plan social spaces and floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Rooms are airy and bright but with thick blackout blinds to block the morning sun – and you might need them if you visit the lively restaurant and bar, the Hong Kong Club. Alternate, wholesome, dining options are served at AnnaMaya, where everything is freshly prepared every day.

ITC Maurya is one of the most ecofriendly hotels in the world: solar panels provide hot water, flowers grow on the roof and, in 2019, the hotel made a pledge to eliminate single-use plastic. The sustainable practices the hotel employs are offered along with all the services and amenities you’d expected from a five-star hotel – a spa, fitness centre, relaxing pool area and room service. In keeping with the ecofriendly ethos, fresh fruit is brought to rooms only on request. The eight restaurants and bars here include the Bukhara, whose patrons have included Barack Obama and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Lodhi offers space, calmness and tranquillity. The hotel is set in 3ha (7 acres) of land, with views over the nearby Lodhi Gardens and Delhi Golf Club. A 50m (164ft) pool sets the scene for some serious workout or relaxation, complemented by the excellent gym and spa. Rooms maintain a calming ambience and offer all the regular minibar treats, with additional in-room fitness equipment. Some rooms even have a private plunge pool. Don’t miss acclaimed restaurant Indian Accent, number 13 on the 2020 list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.