Traveling in India is never just about the destination—it’s about the way you get there, the food you eat, and especially, the places you stay. In a country as vast and varied as India, your hotel often becomes part of the story. From palatial havens once owned by maharajas, to luxury resorts nestled in remote coffee estates, to beachfront retreats and heritage hill homes, hotels in India offer more than comfort—they offer a cultural experience.
This list of 30 all-time popular hotels in India has been carefully curated through a local lens. These aren’t just high-rated properties; they’re iconic, immersive, and consistently loved by Indian travelers and international guests alike.
We begin our journey with 10 standout hotels in India that have earned legendary status—for their history, hospitality, design, and unforgettable experiences.
Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
Location: Colaba, South Mumbai | Type: Heritage Luxury
Why it’s famous:
Opened in 1903, the Taj Mahal Palace isn’t just a hotel—it’s a landmark. Overlooking the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea, this grand dame has hosted royalty, presidents, and celebrities for over a century. Its Indo-Saracenic architecture, hand-woven carpets, and marble staircases exude history.
Must experience:
- Afternoon tea at the Sea Lounge
- Sunset view from the Harbour Bar
- Walkthrough of the original wing’s historical photographs
Perfect for: History buffs, luxury travelers, and first-timers to Mumbai. Book Your Dream Stay: Top 12 Luxury 5-Star Hotels in Mumbai
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Location: Lake Pichola, Udaipur | Type: Luxury Heritage Palace
Why it’s iconic:
Floating like a dream in the middle of Lake Pichola, this 18th-century white marble palace is one of the most romantic hotels in the world. Accessible only by boat, it offers views of the City Palace and the Aravalli hills.
Must experience:
- Candlelit dinner at Bhairo rooftop restaurant
- Arriving by royal boat at sunset
- Morning yoga with lake views
Perfect for: Honeymooners, anniversary trips, and luxury seekers.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Location: Udaipur | Type: Ultra-Luxury Resort
Why it stands out:
Built to resemble a traditional Rajasthani palace, this resort is famous for its domed architecture, manicured courtyards, and grand hospitality. The semi-private pools, personalized butler service, and lake-facing rooms make it a destination in itself.
Must experience:
- Private boat ride on Lake Pichola arranged by the hotel
- The spa pavilions overlooking the lake
- Rajasthani thali dinner with live folk music
Perfect for: Destination weddings, royal holidays, and luxury retreats.
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Location: Jaipur | Type: Heritage Palace Hotel (Taj Group)
Why locals love it:
Once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, this palace is steeped in opulence. Ornate interiors, frescoed halls, marble colonnades, and vintage car rides make every moment feel regal.
Must experience:
- A champagne breakfast in the garden
- Guided heritage walk of the palace
- Jiva Spa therapy in former royal chambers
Perfect for: Travelers craving old-world charm and royal treatment.
The Imperial, New Delhi
Location: Connaught Place, Delhi | Type: Colonial Heritage Luxury
Why it’s legendary:
Built in 1931, The Imperial is a colonial-era hotel that has hosted the likes of Nehru, Gandhi, and Lord Mountbatten. The corridors are lined with art deco pieces and vintage maps.
Must experience:
- The spice-laden buffet at 1911 Restaurant
- High tea under chandeliers at The Atrium
- The art tour through its museum-quality hallways
Perfect for: Culture connoisseurs, solo luxury travelers, and business tourists. Discover Delhi in Style: Top 5-Star Hotels & Luxury Guide
Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Location: Hyderabad | Type: Heritage Palace
Why it amazes:
Once the home of the Nizam of Hyderabad, this hilltop palace is known for its Venetian chandeliers, grand marble staircase, and 101-seat dining table. Reaching the palace by horse-drawn carriage is part of the charm.
Must experience:
- Royal welcome with rose petals
- Dinner at Adaa, overlooking the city skyline
- Nizam-style afternoon tea in the Durbar Hall
Perfect for: Romantic travelers, culture lovers, and those chasing historic luxury.
Wildflower Hall, Shimla (Oberoi Group)
Location: Mashobra, Shimla | Type: Mountain Luxury Retreat
Why it’s famous:
Once the home of Lord Kitchener, this property is perched at 8,000 feet and offers Himalayan views from every corner. Think heated infinity pools, pine-scented forests, and colonial comfort.
Must experience:
- Outdoor Jacuzzi in the snow
- Guided nature walks through cedar forests
- Starlit dinners on the terrace
Perfect for: Couples, luxury trekkers, and wellness travelers.
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Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kerala
Location: Kumarakom | Type: Backwater Heritage Resort
Why it’s loved:
Set on the edge of Vembanad Lake, this resort features villas built in the traditional Kerala style, complete with private pools and canal access. Even Prince Charles has stayed here.
Must experience:
- Traditional Kerala lunch on a banana leaf
- Houseboat cruise through the backwaters
- Ayurvedic spa therapy with lake breeze
Perfect for: Slow travelers, honeymooners, and culture seekers.
Related: Explore Ayurvedic Resorts in Kerala for a Healing Experience
ITC Grand Chola, Chennai
Location: Chennai | Type: Modern Heritage-Inspired Luxury
Why it’s grand:
One of largest luxury hotels in India, built like a Chola temple. It features over 600 rooms, ornate architecture, and some of Chennai finest restaurants.
Must experience:
- Buffet at Madras Pavilion
- Explore the interiors styled after Dravidian temples
- Use of eco-friendly tech throughout the hotel
Perfect for: Business travel, weddings, and modern heritage lovers.
The Leela Palace, New Delhi
Location: Chanakyapuri, Delhi | Type: Contemporary Indian Luxury
Why it stands out:
Combining Indian royal aesthetics with modern opulence, The Leela Palace offers unmatched service and stunning rooftop dining with city views.
Must experience:
- Fine dining at Le Cirque or Megu
- A spa session at ESPA
- The art collection and floral arrangements in the lobby
Perfect for: Elite business stays, city-based luxury, and indulgent weekends.
The Leela Goa
Location: Cavelossim Beach, Goa
Type: Luxury Beach Resort
Why it’s popular:
Sprawled over 75 acres, The Leela Goa offers an elegant mix of Indian heritage and Portuguese influences, with a private beach, golf course, and lagoon-facing suites. It’s perfect for travelers seeking both seclusion and 5-star indulgence.
Must experience:
- Sunset cocktails at Yali Lounge
- Ayurvedic therapies at the award-winning spa
- A Goan seafood dinner under coconut palms
Best for: Honeymoons, family vacations, and upscale beach breaks.
Related: Explore for Honeymoon Best Resorts in Goa for Couples
Ahilya by the Sea, Goa
Location: Dolphin Bay, Nerul
Type: Boutique Seaside Villa
Why locals adore it:
This luxurious, home-style retreat feels more like staying in an artist’s villa than a hotel. With just a handful of rooms, vintage décor, and sea views, it’s Goa’s best-kept secret for peaceful escapes.
Must experience:
- Breakfast under a banyan tree
- A dip in the infinity pool facing the Arabian Sea
- Curated art pieces in every suite
Best for: Quiet travelers, artists, couples, and wellness seekers.
CGH Earth Brunton Boatyard, Kochi
Location: Fort Kochi, Kerala
Type: Colonial Heritage Hotel
Why it stands out:
Set on the waterfront in historic Fort Kochi, this hotel reflects Kochi’s Dutch, Portuguese, and British past. With high wooden ceilings, period furniture, and harbor views, it offers an immersive colonial-era experience.
Must experience:
- Sunset views over the Chinese fishing nets
- Spicy Kerala cuisine at The History restaurant
- Walkable access to Kochi’s art galleries and cafés
Best for: History lovers, slow travelers, and cultural explorers.
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The Tamara Coorg
Location: Kabbinakad Estate, Coorg, Karnataka
Type: Plantation Eco-Luxury Retreat
Why it’s unique:
Perched high in the Western Ghats, this luxury resort blends modern design with Coorg’s wild, misty landscape. The chalets are surrounded by coffee plantations and waterfalls, making it a perfect mountain hideaway.
Must experience:
- Guided plantation walks with coffee tasting
- Meditation deck in the forest
- Stargazing from your private balcony
Best for: Nature lovers, eco-luxury travelers, and couples.
Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa, Chennai
Location: Covelong Beach, Chennai
Type: Seaside Luxury Resort
Why it’s iconic:
Built on the ramparts of a 17th-century Dutch fort, this seaside escape combines historical charm with beachy relaxation. Its palm-fringed pathways lead to villas and sea-facing cottages.
Must experience:
- Spa treatments with ocean views
- Sundowners at the Upper Deck restaurant
- Morning beach walks just steps from your room
Best for: Weekend getaways, coastal weddings, and history-meets-luxury stays.
Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino, Gangtok
Location: Gangtok, Sikkim
Type: Mountain Resort
Why it’s loved in the Northeast:
Surrounded by forested hills and styled with monastery-inspired décor, this resort is both peaceful and full of luxury touches. It’s also the only legal casino in Sikkim—offering a bit of Vegas in the Himalayas.
Must experience:
- Spa therapy with Himalayan herbs
- Early morning views of Kanchenjunga
- Tibetan architecture and themed suites
Best for: Luxury mountain stays, unique casino experiences, and offbeat travel.
Barefoot at Havelock, Andaman Islands
Location: Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island
Type: Eco-Resort
Why it’s extraordinary:
Nestled within a tropical rainforest, this resort sits just steps from Radhanagar Beach, one of Asia’s best. Built with sustainability in mind, it’s minimalist, raw, and deeply connected to nature.
Must experience:
- Kayaking through mangroves
- Snorkeling in turquoise waters
- Dinners under starlit skies with jungle ambiance
Best for: Eco-travelers, couples, divers, and beach purists.
SwaSwara, Gokarna
Location: Om Beach, Gokarna
Type: Wellness Retreat
Why it’s unique:
Part of CGH Earth, this retreat goes beyond comfort—it offers a transformational experience rooted in Ayurveda, yoga, and mindful living. No TV, no alcohol, just nature, healing food, and self-reflection.
Must experience:
- Daily yoga sessions and art therapy
- Spa treatments tailored to your dosha
- Long walks on Om Beach
Best for: Spiritual travelers, solo retreats, and wellness seekers.
The Elgin, Darjeeling
Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal
Type: Heritage Hill Hotel
Why locals recommend it:
A former British summer residence, The Elgin is all polished wood, colonial fireplaces, and mountain charm. It has served guests since the days of steam trains and tea plantations.
Must experience:
- Traditional high tea with Darjeeling views
- Cozy evenings by the fireplace
- Vintage furniture and timeless hospitality
Best for: Heritage travel, quiet romance, and literary inspiration.
Windflower Resort & Spa, Mysore
Location: Mysore, Karnataka
Type: Urban Wellness Resort
Why it’s popular:
Located just outside the city center, this resort offers a peaceful sanctuary with Ayurvedic spa therapies, yoga, and views of the Chamundi Hills. It’s well-known among locals for weekend wellness breaks.
Must experience:
- Open-to-sky bathrooms with rain showers
- Therapeutic oil massages
- Peaceful garden walks and bird watching
Best for: City detox, family weekends, and spa-focused stays.
21. The Oberoi, Mumbai
Location: Marine Drive, South Mumbai
Type: Urban 5-Star Hotel
Why it’s iconic:
With its sleek glass walls facing the Arabian Sea, The Oberoi blends modern minimalism with world-class hospitality. It’s a favourite for corporate guests, diplomats, and celebrities alike.
Must experience:
- Oceanfront breakfast at Fenix
- Cocktails at Eau Bar overlooking the Queen’s Necklace
- Impeccable butler service and spa treatments
Perfect for: Luxury business travelers, couples, and solo city explorers.
22. Trident, Nariman Point (Mumbai)
Location: Adjacent to The Oberoi, Marine Drive
Type: 5-Star Business Hotel
Why locals love it:
Efficient, polished, and with the same sea views as its luxurious neighbor—Trident offers great value without compromising on service. Business guests especially praise its seamless check-in and conference facilities.
Must experience:
- Sunset views from the Bay View rooms
- Italian dining at Frangipani
- Fast access to South Mumbai’s cultural hubs
Best for: Business travel, solo stays, and workations with style.
23. The Leela Palace, Bengaluru
Location: Old Airport Road, Bengaluru
Type: Luxury Business + Leisure Hotel
Why it’s beloved:
A sprawling, Indo-Saracenic structure surrounded by gardens, this palace-like hotel in the IT capital is a favourite for both business meetings and luxury weddings.
Must experience:
- Relaxing in the rooftop infinity pool
- Shopping at in-house boutiques
- Pan-Asian cuisine at Zen
Perfect for: Urban retreats, family events, and premium business travel.
24. Taj MG Road, Bengaluru
Location: MG Road, Bengaluru
Type: City Business Hotel
Why it’s a favorite:
A trusted name in the heart of the city. The Taj MG Road has long been the hotel of choice for visiting professionals and locals looking for weekend staycations.
Must experience:
- Dinner at the legendary Memories of China
- Early morning strolls at Ulsoor Lake
- Weekend brunches at the all-day dining outlet
Best for: Centrally located stays with easy access to everything.
25. Hyatt Regency, Pune
Location: Viman Nagar, Pune
Type: Premium Business Hotel
Why it’s top-rated:
Proximity to Pune Airport and the business zones of East Pune makes this one of the best urban hotels in the city. It’s sleek, quiet, and offers a well-rounded luxury experience.
Must experience:
- Relax at Arogya Spa after a workday
- Dine at Zeta for a farm-to-table meal
- Try weekend stays with poolside brunches
Best for: Business travel, airport access, and high-end transit stays.
26. ITC Maurya, New Delhi
Location: Diplomatic Enclave, Delhi
Type: Luxury Hotel with Heritage Themes
Why it’s significant:
Home to the famous Bukhara restaurant, this ITC flagship property is known for hosting world leaders, including Obama. It balances regal decor with contemporary comfort.
Must experience:
- Bukhara’s dal and kebabs
- Stay in a Grand Presidential Suite (if you’re lucky!)
- Relax in the Kaya Kalp Spa
Perfect for: Political, corporate, or historic indulgence.
Book Your Dream Stay: Top 12 Luxury 5-Star Hotels in Mumbai
27. The Claridges, New Delhi
Location: Lutyens’ Delhi
Type: Heritage Boutique Hotel
Why it’s adored:
Set amidst Delhi’s diplomatic greens, The Claridges exudes an old-world charm that larger hotels in India often lack. It’s also home to Dhaba, one of the city’s favorite Punjabi restaurants.
Must experience:
- Outdoor breakfast under bougainvillea
- High tea at The Claridges Garden
- Retro-chic rooms with vintage accents
Best for: Boutique comfort, culture lovers, and peaceful city stays.
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28. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa
Location: Benaulim Beach, South Goa
Type: Luxury Beach Resort
Why it’s classic:
This Taj property is beachfront luxury at its finest. Spread across 56 acres with manicured lawns, private villas, and beach access, it offers all the elegance Goa is known for.
Must experience:
- Sunset dinner on the beach
- Yoga on the lawns every morning
- Golf and spa packages for slow living
Best for: Honeymoons, beach weddings, and upscale family vacations. Plan the Perfect Honeymoon: Top Luxury Resorts in India
29. Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg
Location: Madikeri, Karnataka
Type: Mountain Resort
Why locals return:
Set in the middle of a 180-acre rainforest, this resort offers panoramic views of the Coorg hills, fire-lit rooms, and birdsong at dawn. Perfect for those looking to disconnect.
Must experience:
- Traditional Kodava meals
- Rainforest walk with naturalists
- Evening bonfires in your villa’s courtyard
Best for: Nature immersion, eco-luxury, and weekend romance.
30. Amanbagh, Rajasthan
Location: Alwar, near Sariska Tiger Reserve
Type: Luxury Boutique Retreat
Why it’s unforgettable:
Part of the global Aman group, Amanbagh is nestled in a remote valley and designed like a modern Mughal palace. It offers a meditative blend of Ayurveda, architecture, and exclusivity.
Must experience:
- Private yoga sessions at sunrise
- Organic farm-to-table Rajasthani cuisine
- Excursions to abandoned Mughal ruins nearby
Perfect for: Offbeat luxury, wellness journeys, and intimate retreats.
Final Thoughts
If you Visit best hotels in India aren’t just places to sleep—they’re places that stay with you. Whether you’re sipping coffee on a Coorg hillside, unwinding in a colonial suite in Darjeeling, or watching the Arabian Sea sparkle from your Mumbai room, these 30 timeless properties represent the heart of Indian hospitality.
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