New Delhi is home some of the best five-star hotels that money can buy. All offer the services and facilities you’d expect: 24-hour room service, spas, well-stocked minibars and exceptional staff. But some go above and beyond.
A place full of history, culture and tradition, Delhi has ancient palaces, lively bazaars and time-proven street food recipes. Navigating this large and hectic city can be tiring, however. Make the most of your visit by staying in spacious surroundings at one of the city’s best hotels, to relax and recharge before a busy day of exploring. These are Delhi’s best luxury hotels.
Think of luxury Indian hotels and Taj probably comes to mind. Launched in 1903 with a now iconic property in Mumbai, today Taj’s parent company, Indian Hotels Company Limited, operates 165 hotels in 12 countries. Inherently Indian, The Taj Mahal Hotel is the choice for heads of state and other visiting dignitaries. Its presidential suite is widely considered the most luxurious suite in India – but whichever room you stay in, you’re in for a treat. Two-and-a-half hectares (six acres) of hotel garden offer guests a real respite from the often chaotic daily life on Delhi’s streets. You’ll also find plenty of delicious restaurants here; the Japanese at Wasabi by Morimoto is some of Asia’s best.
In 2018, after a near two-year refurbishment costing close to $100 million (£81 million), The Oberoi reopened its doors to guests. In a city renowned for its 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. With claim to being 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.
Famed architect Sir Edwin Lutyens designed not only the building that today houses the Leela Palace, New Delhi, but much of New Delhi itself. Indeed, it was he who designed Viceroy’s House, otherwise known as Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House). With this in mind the regal feel of the Leela Palace is no surprise. Opulent Persian rugs, impressive flower displays, heritage furniture and sparkling chandeliers fill the floor, wall and ceiling spaces. Standard rooms are decorated with hand-woven rugs and tapestries, while suites are dripping in gold, silver and crystal.
Located in Connaught Place, one of Delhi’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, The LaLiT is close to the historical Red Fort, Jama Masjid and India Gate, as well as to modern amenities including the Museum of Modern Art and World Trade Centre. This high-rise building, encompassing 18 floors, maintains character thanks in part to its careful curation of art throughout. Stay in one of the Legacy rooms 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 Delhi’s well-dressed. Head to the hotel’s lower lobby to visit one of the city’s best-loved nightclubs, Kitty Su.
With 320 rooms, you may think service could go amiss but that’s not the case in Delhi’s 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 hotel’s interior design and decoration, yet here in Delhi this is seamlessly merged with Indian influences too. Chi, The Spa spreads over 1,850 square metres (19,913 square feet) 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 up Indian street food favourites.
Andaz Delhi is just a stone’s throw from 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 sunrise – and you might need them if you visit the hotel’s lively on-site restaurant and bar, The Hong Kong Club. Alternate, wholesome, dining options are served at AnnaMaya where everything is freshly prepared every day.
The Claridges is great for luxury without breaking the bank. Located in Delhi’s Diplomatic Enclave and built in the 1950s, this hotel still has a bit of an old-school feel. Choose a pool-facing room with a balcony or terrace for the most space and value for money. Don’t miss Dhaba restaurant, where funky interior design meets Indian roadside food favourites, including excellent vegetarian options. And for those with a sweet tooth, pay a visit to Ye Old Bakery for eclairs, red velvet cake or corn pudding.
ITC Maurya is one of the most eco-friendly hotels in the world; solar panels provide hot water, flowers grow on its 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 its eco-conscious ethos, fresh fruit is brought to rooms only on request. Four restaurants and bars are located on-site including the world-famous, Bukhara where famous diners have included Barack Obama and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
A former Aman property, The Lodhi offers space, calmness and tranquillity. The hotel is set in three hectares (seven acres) of land, with views over the nearby Lodi Gardens and Delhi Golf Club. A 50-metre (164-foot) 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 their own private plunge pools. Don’t miss acclaimed restaurant Indian Accent, 17 on 2019’s Asia’s Best Restaurants list.
The Hyatt Regency is ideal for those making a quick pit stop in Delhi or travelling for work. Its location – in Delhi’s business district and just 20 minutes from the airport – only amplifies this. All rooms offer ample desk space complete with convenient plug points for laptops, mobile phones, tablets and more. The hotel’s modern facilities also offer everything you need to unwind after a hard day or work or travel, like a garden pool, spa and hair salon. If you want to go straight from the business centre to sightseeing, the popular artisan market of Dilli Haat is just 10 minutes away.
