The Best Luxury Hotels in Delhi, India

Roosevelt and Rudyard Kipling are just two of the famous names in the Imperial New Delhi guest book. It’s easy to see why this five-star hotel has been favoured by presidents and movie stars; it’s dressed up in 3ha (8 acres) of impeccably maintained gardens and there’s marble, teak, gilding and antique artwork everywhere. Don’t miss the high tea – it’s served on the finest china tiers by waiters in grand red-and-gold uniforms.

Less than a 10-minute drive from the airport, Roseate House offers 216 rooms with lavish features including freestanding or sunken baths and open-sided bathrooms. The hotel also has a rooftop pool, a sleek-looking spa, and five bars and restaurants. The DEL eatery serves breakfast 24 hours a day to cater to guests on different time zones. Kheer, meanwhile, dishes up exquisite pan-Indian food such as murgh zamin doz (a chicken dish cooked in an earthen pot).

A quick hop from Delhi airport and tech-cool Gurgaon, this design-led architectural beauty takes inspiration from the distinctive Mughal architecture of India. Circular doors open onto waterside walkways, columned terraces, living walls, domed ceilings, a mango-yellow lobby and a fabulous spa. A jade-tiled statement lagoon sweeps past, and more than 2,000 trees dot the soothing gardens. Luxe, iPad-controlled rooms have freestanding baths, flowing organic lines and plenty of contemporary attitude. The water-fringed Indian-international Kiyan restaurant features home-grown ingredients in seasonal creations such as coconut-fused aromatic fish curry and the chef’s special, chicken curry.

Inherently Indian, the Taj Mahal Hotel is the choice for heads of state and other visiting dignitaries. The presidential suite is widely considered one of the most luxurious suites in India – but whichever room you stay in, you’re in for a treat. A 2.5ha (6-acre) garden offers guests a respite from the often chaotic daily life on the Delhi streets. You’ll also find plenty of delicious restaurants here.

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.

Architect Sir Edwin Lutyens designed not only the building that today houses the Leela Palace, 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 spaces. Standard rooms are decorated with handwoven rugs and tapestries, while suites are dripping in gold, silver and crystal.

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.

The Claridges is great for luxury without breaking the bank. Located in the Diplomatic Enclave of Delhi 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 stylish 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 éclairs, red velvet cake or corn pudding.

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.