“For many of our guests, the capital city of Delhi is the first stop on their itinerary through India. Having arrived after a long international journey, it’s the place you’ll want to sink into to rest, recharge and adjust to India time.
The following day, you’ll want to be well located for shopping opportunities and for exploring the sights. While not quite as characterful as the palaces and havelis on offer in Rajasthan, here are our top 10 hotels in Delhi for your inspiration.”– Madeleine Hann, Co-Founder
Co-Founder Madeleine Hann with recent guests of Indian Excursions, at The Oberoi, Gurgaon in Delhi
The Oberoi, New Delhi
- Price guide: ₹₹₹₹
- We recommend: Premier Plus Room
An iconic hotel in Delhi loved by visitors and Delhiites alike, The Oberoi, New Delhi recently reopened its doors after an extensive two-year, $100m renovation, and promises to be the most elegant luxury hotel in the capital. Interiors have been designed in a contemporary interpretation of Lutyens Delhi, and the hotel is equipped with state-of-the-art “Clean Air” technology which offers its guests the cleanest air in the city, on par with global standards. All rooms and suites feature large windows which frame unmatched views of the Delhi Golf Course on one side and the historical Humayun’s Tomb on the other. With teakwood floors, walk-in closets, luxury Italian marble bathrooms and butler service, there’s no better place to indulge in Delhi than the new and improved Oberoi.
The Premier Plus Room at The Oberoi, New Delhi, affords access to the exclusive lounge
Lobby area at The Oberoi, Delhi
The Lodhi, New Delhi
- Price guide: ₹₹₹₹
- We recommend: Lodhi Deluxe Suite
Formerly under the Aman group, The Lodhi was taken over in 2013 and retained its reputation as one of the finest luxury hotels in the city. Best suited to those seeking understated and contemporary luxury, the atmosphere at The Lodhi is hushed; the décor sleek and minimal. The suites are the size of a small apartment, boasting a sitting area, workstation, dressing room and spacious bathroom. Best of all, they each come with a private plunge pool – fantastic for relaxing in after a day of sightseeing. The Lodhi is one of few hotels in Delhi to offer two-bedroomed suites as well, making it a perfect choice for families or groups wishing to stay together. India’s best restaurant, Indian Accent, has also recently moved into The Lodhi.
The exterior of The Lodhi Hotel, Delhi
The private plunge pool at The Lodhi, one of the finest luxury hotels in Delhi
The Oberoi, Gurgaon
- Price guide: ₹₹₹₹
- We recommend: Premier Room
From its location on the outskirts of the city, it’s not immediately obvious why The Oberoi, Gurgaon is one of our top 10 hotels in Delhi, though stay here for a night or two and you’ll soon agree! Having opened its doors in 2011, The Oberoi, Gurgaon is one of the most beautiful hotels in the capital, illustrating India’s 21st-century style of high sheen luxury (it even boasts a luxury shopping mall with Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo and Burberry). Conveniently just twenty minutes from the airport, it’s a great choice if you’re arriving late or have to be up early for an onward flight. While the hotel boasts two restaurants, a delicatessen, a bar and India’s only Cigar Lounge, our favourite outlet is amaranta; a speciality Indian seafood restaurant. The outdoor swimming pool is larger than Olympic sized, and the spa is open 24 hours a day.
Accommodation at The Oberoi Gurgaon, Delhi
The lobby at The Oberoi, Gurgaon is full of light, height and colour
The Maidens, Delhi
- Price guide: ₹₹
- We recommend: Premier Room
The Maidens is one of few heritage hotels in Delhi. It dates back to the early 1900s when it was built by the British. Exuding colonial charm and elegance, there is a large collection of photographs from the days of the Raj. As compared to more modern offerings in Delhi, the Maidens boasts spacious rooms in a classic style with gorgeously high ceilings. The sprawling gardens and shady trees allow you to escape the buzz of the city while remaining within easy access of its sights and shopping areas.
Exterior view of the colonial Maidens hotel in Delhi
Premier Room at the Maidens, Delhi
The Claridges, Delhi
- Price guide: ₹₹
- We recommend: Club Room
A great four-star option with character, The Claridges fuses old world charm with contemporary facilities and a prime location. Seemingly an oasis of calm away from the bustle of the city, The Claridges is in fact in the heart of the capital, near Connaught Place and India Gate. Facilities at The Claridges include an Ayurveda spa, large swimming pool, an art gallery, and a selection of in-house dining options including Dhaba (a Punjabi-themed restaurant serving traditional Indian cuisine) and The Claridges Garden (where you can enjoy lunch or a light bite on the lawn in a private gazebo).
Club Room at The Claridges, Delhi
Garden area at The Claridges
The Imperial, New Delhi
- Price guide: ₹₹₹
- We recommend: Heritage Room
The Imperial is a classic, something of an icon, and, for many of our guests, their first choice of accommodation in Delhi. Driving down the palm-lined driveway, you know you’ve reached somewhere special! Like the Maidens, The Imperial is one of very few heritage hotels in Delhi, dating back to the days of the Raj when it was initially built by Sir Edwin Lutyen’s assistant, Bromfield (in 1931). The hotel is bursting with unusual memorabilia, art and antiques – we recommend a guided tour of the property to take it all in.
Dining at The Imperial, Delhi
Heritage Room at The Imperial, New Delhi
The Leela Palace, New Delhi
- Price guide: ₹₹₹₹
- We recommend: Premiere Room
The Leela Palace, New Delhi is described as ‘Delhi’s palace hotel’. It’s the place to stay for travellers who love opulence and contemporary luxury. Nestled in the lively but green Diplomatic Enclave, The Leela is well-suited to those looking to experience Indian glamour and tasteful indulgence; from ornate crystal chandeliers and decadent fresh flower displays to antique-style furniture and lavish upholstery. The hotel boasts a world-renowned spa and the only rooftop infinity pool in the capital. Four award-winning restaurants all fight for your attention: Japanese, Italian and Indian, with breakfast taken in the modern Qube restaurant overlooking the gardens. All in all, the service and surroundings at The Leela will release your inner Maharaja or Maharani.
The striking lobby at The Leela Palace, Delhi
Grande Deluxe Room at the Leela Palace, Delhi
Trident, Gurgaon
- Price guide: ₹₹₹
- We recommend: Deluxe Pool View Room
Conveniently just twenty minutes from Delhi airport, the award-winning Trident is Indian Excursions’ top choice for those who’d like to escape the bustle of the city. Perhaps you’re arriving on a late-night flight, or departing on an early one. Or, having already visited the capital on a previous occasion, prefer to avoid the city centre. The property sprawls across seven acres of beautifully kept gardens, walkways, courtyards and fountains. A striking water feature set at the heart of the hotel creates a fresh and airy feel. The Trident offers all the facilities one expects from a five-star, including four international cuisine restaurants, a bar, a stylish pool area and a spa.
Deluxe Pool View Room at The Trident, Gurgaon
The lobby at The Trident Gurgaon, Delhi
ITC Maurya, Delhi
- Price guide: ₹₹₹
- We recommend: Deluxe Suite
Well located in New Delhi’s diplomatic enclave, the stately ITC Maurya has long been the favourite of Heads of State, royalty and business leaders from across the world, including President Obama. Lush, comfortable rooms and five-star amenities are complemented by some of the best gastronomic offerings in India, including one of Delhi’s most sought-after restaurants – Bukhara, and the much applauded Dum Phukt. This flagship property of the ITC group is also one of the greenest hotels in the world, having won awards for its responsible practices.
The exterior of the ITC Maurya Hotel, Delhi
Ashoka Suite at the ITC Maurya, Delhi
Hotel Palace Heights, Delhi
- Price guide: ₹
- We recommend: Deluxe Room
Hotel Palace Heights is a boutique hotel offering sleek rooms and an excellent restaurant (Zaffran), located in the heart of bustling Connaught Place. This shopping area initially opened in 1931 and was named after the Duke of Connaught. Its Palladian archways and stuccoed colonnades were designed as a deliberate contrast to the noises and chaos of a traditional Indian bazaar. Its arcades and pavements spill over with paan kiosks, bookstalls and shoeshine boys, while the eclectic mix of shops is interspersed with eateries and cinema halls. Though no longer Delhi’s premier shopping area, its shaded arcades are pleasant to stroll through.
The popular Zaffran restaurant at Hotel Palace Heights, Delhi
Deluxe Room at Hotel Palace Heights, Delhi
If you’d like to experience a stay at one of our Top 10 Hotels in Delhi, do get in touch. As experts in tailor-made tours of Rajasthan and the surrounding areas (including, of course, Delhi!), we are an ideal fit to create your exciting Indian getaway. We’ll design every detail to suit your tastes, schedule and budget.
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