11 Best Luxury Hotels in India for a Premium Stay
Best luxury hotels India: if you want a premium stay that blends grand design, warm Indian hospitality, and reliable modern comforts, these 11 properties are top picks. This guide focuses on heritage palaces, city icons, seaside resorts, and wildlife camps selected for their service, sense of place, and practicality for North American travelers. Each entry includes travel notes—nearest airports, how to reach the property, best season to visit—and a representative nightly-rate range so you can plan a budget before you book.
1. Taj Mahal Palace — Mumbai (Iconic urban landmark)
The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai stands as a symbol of Indian hospitality and cosmopolitan luxury. Opened in 1903, the hotel sits directly opposite the Gateway of India and offers sweeping views across the Arabian Sea and Mumbai Harbour. Rooms and suites combine colonial-era charm with contemporary fittings, while dining ranges from Michelin-style fine dining to regional specialties. Practical points matter: the nearest international airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), a 35–60 minute drive depending on traffic. Travelers from North America often arrive late and appreciate the hotel’s executive transfer services and in-house travel desk. Best time to visit Mumbai is October through February, when humidity is low and city sightseeing is pleasant. Representative nightly rates typically start around $300–$700 for a standard room, with suites higher; rates vary by season and events. Notable experiences include private harbour cruises, an acclaimed seafood restaurant, and curated city tours. For families, the Taj provides child-friendly menus and babysitting on request, while business travelers benefit from flexible meeting spaces and fast connectivity.
2. The Oberoi, Mumbai (Seaside calm for business and leisure)
The Oberoi, Mumbai, sits on Marine Drive and balances discreet luxury with efficient service—qualities appreciated by business travelers and international visitors alike. The property’s low-rise design and manicured gardens offer a quiet contrast to Mumbai’s lively streets, and many rooms provide sea or city skyline views. The Oberoi’s spa and fine-dining restaurants are consistently praised for quality and attention to dietary preferences, which is helpful for travelers from North America seeking familiar choices alongside regional cuisine. From Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), transfers typically take 30–50 minutes. The best visiting months are October to February, avoiding the monsoon season when heavy rains affect outdoor plans. Typical nightly rates for standard rooms generally range around $250–$600, while suites command premium pricing. The hotel helps arrange curated city tours and private chauffeured cars, making it an easy base for both shopping and sightseeing. Staff emphasis on punctuality and clear communication is a repeat guest highlight.
3. The Oberoi Udaivilas — Udaipur (Lakefront-palace serenity)
Set beside Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas channels palace-scale architecture across courtyards, waterways, and reflection pools. The property’s layout and use of traditional Rajasthani motifs create a relaxed, private atmosphere that feels more like a royal home than a conventional hotel. Guests can take hotel-arranged boat rides to Udaipur’s City Palace, enjoy rooftop dining with lake views, or book guided art and cooking experiences that touch on local craft and cuisine. The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR), about a 30–40 minute drive; Jaipur and Delhi add longer travel options for multi-city trips. Prime months are October through March, when mornings and evenings are cool. Representative nightly pricing for rooms typically begins around $350–$900, depending on room category and season. The Oberoi’s service is quietly attentive: personalized but not intrusive, which appeals to travelers who value privacy after long flights from North America.
4. Taj Lake Palace — Udaipur (Romantic floating palace)
The Taj Lake Palace is literally set on an island in Lake Pichola, offering an intimate, almost movie-like setting that has made it a favorite for honeymoons and special occasions. Private boats shuttle guests between the island and Udaipur’s ghats, which is part of the experience—arrivals feel ceremonial and scenic. Rooms and suites are luxurious and oriented to the lake or the city’s palaces, and dining often includes terraces with sunset views. Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) is the closest airport, with a 30–40 minute transfer. Peak visiting months are October to February for comfortable weather and clear skies. Representative nightly rates often range from $400 to $1,200, depending on category and season. The Lake Palace is ideal when you want a stay that’s all about setting and quiet indulgence; service is geared to romance and attention to small details like private dining on the terrace.
5. Rambagh Palace — Jaipur (Royal heritage with city access)
Rambagh Palace, once the residence of Jaipur’s maharaja, offers guests a direct taste of royal living while remaining convenient to Jaipur’s historic sites and markets. The palace’s gardens, opulent rooms, and heritage suites provide strong cultural character without sacrificing modern comforts. The hotel arranges cultural demonstrations, local shopping excursions, and private dining in palace halls—options that help international visitors connect with Rajasthani traditions in a curated, comfortable way. Jaipur International Airport (JAI) is just 15–30 minutes away, making Rambagh a practical stop on short itineraries or a weekend city break. The best months are October through March to avoid extreme heat. Representative nightly rates are generally $300–$800, depending on suite selection and season. For travelers wanting heritage with good transport links, Rambagh Palace keeps you central while delivering the ceremonial touches that make a stay memorable.
6. The Oberoi Rajvilas — Jaipur (Quiet luxury with Rajasthani soul)
The Oberoi Rajvilas brings a resort-like sensibility to Jaipur with private cottages, walled gardens, and broad grounds that feel tucked away from the city’s bustle. Design nods to local craftsmanship show up in carved stonework and textiles, while the spa and wellness offerings emphasize Ayurvedic treatments alongside international therapies. Nearest access is Jaipur International Airport (JAI), about 20–30 minutes away; the hotel provides transfers and can organize day trips to Amber Fort and local bazaars. October through March is the recommended season for comfortable touring and outdoor dining. Representative nightly rates typically fall in the $350–$1,000 range, depending on villa or suite selection. The Rajvilas suits travelers who want Rajasthani aesthetics with resort privacy, and it’s often recommended for couples and travelers who appreciate quiet, large grounds for morning walks and sunset tea.
7. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa — Andaman Islands (Tropical beach resort)
Taj Exotica in the Andaman Islands offers white-sand beaches, coral snorkeling, and a relaxed island rhythm that feels far from mainland crowds. The resort emphasizes marine activities—snorkeling, diving, and boat trips to nearby islands—and has a full-service spa for post-flight rest. Travel logistics matter: the main gateway is Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair (IXZ), followed by a domestic connection or ferry to the resort’s island, depending on its location and the itinerary. The best months are October through May to avoid monsoon-related sea conditions. Representative nightly rates typically begin in the $300–$800 range, varying with room type and season. For North American travelers, allow an extra travel day and plan connections carefully; the resort often arranges domestic transfers and can advise on inter-island travel. Sustainable tourism initiatives are more common here, and many luxury operators emphasize reef-friendly activities.
8. Sujan Jawai — Jawai (High-end wildlife camp for leopard safaris)
Sujan Jawai is a purpose-driven luxury camp focused on close-but-respectful wildlife encounters, particularly leopard tracking in the granite hills of Jawai. The camp blends tented luxury with local conservation and community initiatives; guiding is expert-led and stays are small and intimate. Access is more involved: the nearest larger airports are Udaipur (UDR) or Jodhpur (JDH), followed by a road transfer that can range from two to four hours. The best months for wildlife viewing are October through March, when vegetation is thinner, and animals are more visible. Representative nightly rates for premium camps often range from $400–$1,000 per person, with packages that include safaris and meals. Travelers interested in ethical wildlife viewing will value Sujan’s conservation partnerships and small-group approach. Prepare for early-morning safaris and modest on-site amenities combined with thoughtful luxury touches.
9. Oberoi Amarvilas — Agra (Direct Taj-view luxury)
Oberoi Amarvilas is designed around its direct views of the Taj Mahal—many rooms offer uninterrupted vistas, and the hotel schedules sunrise viewing services to make early visits comfortable and private. The property’s Mughal-inspired gardens and marble décor create a thematic complement to the monuments of Agra. Practical access: Agra has domestic airport options and straightforward rail links from Delhi; the nearest major international hub is Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) with a 3–4 hour road transfer, or shorter transfers from Agra’s local airport when available. The best visiting months are October to March for clear skies and mild temperatures. Typical nightly rates generally range from $400–$1,200 depending on view and suite selection. The Amarvilas is ideal when the Taj is your primary focus—choose a room with a Taj-facing balcony for early-morning photos and private moments.
10. Aman-i-Khas — Ranthambore (Exclusive safari camp)
Aman-i-Khas sits on the edge of Ranthambore National Park and is built as an intimate camp with marquee tents clustered around a central pavilion. The camp focuses on private, well-curated jeep safaris into Ranthambore—one of India’s top tiger reserves—and pairs wildlife outings with refined dining and wellness. Nearest airports are Jaipur (JAI) and Sawai Madhopur rail station for direct access, with road transfers of 2–3 hours. October to June is typically the best window for game drives; sightings intensify in the drier months. Aman properties are deliberately exclusive, and representative nightly rates often reflect that exclusivity, commonly starting in higher ranges—check current rates directly. For travelers from North America seeking privacy and high service levels alongside wildlife adventure, Aman-i-Khas is a strong choice; staff typically help coordinate permits and early bookings for safaris to increase chances of sighting big cats.
11. The Leela Palace — New Delhi (Diplomatic-grade palace luxury)
The Leela Palace in New Delhi combines palace-style architecture with modern service standards, making it a favorite for diplomatic stays, high-end shoppers, and visitors who want a central base for city exploration. The hotel is close to the central diplomatic and shopping districts, and its restaurants and spa are well-regarded. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is roughly a 30–45 minute drive depending on traffic, and the hotel provides airport transfers and assistance with local arrangements. Best months are October through March for pleasant weather. Representative nightly rates typically start around $250–$700 for standard rooms, with suites and palace-level accommodations higher. The Leela’s strengths include strong business facilities, extensive dining options, and consistent service levels—attributes that matter to travelers arriving from long-haul flights.
Wrap-up: Picking the right premium stay
Choosing among India’s best luxury hotels comes down to three practical questions: what experience do you want, how much time do you have to reach the property, and what season will you travel in? If you want iconic city energy with easy airport connections, choose Mumbai or New Delhi properties like the Taj Mahal Palace, The Oberoi Mumbai, or The Leela Palace. For palace romance and lakeside drama, Udaipur’s Taj Lake Palace and Oberoi Udaivilas deliver an unmistakable setting. Rajasthan’s Rambagh Palace and Oberoi Rajvilas offer heritage and private grounds, while wildlife lovers should consider Sujan Jawai, Aman-i-Khas, or Sujan’s luxury camps for guided safaris. The Andamans’ Taj Exotica is best for a beach-centered escape requiring domestic connections.