Luxury hotels in India
India is home to some of the best charming and boutique hotels in the world. While the latter are part of a concept created in the US in 1984, the former belong to the country's historical heritage: palaces, merchants' houses, old forts, etc. Witnesses of a glorious past, they have been renovated and transformed into luxury hotels to welcome today's traveller and offer him an unparalleled experience in an architecture that is often centuries old.
A maze of courtyards, patios, vast spaces, colourful gardens, refreshing fountains, labyrinthine corridors and staircases, exquisite cuisine... all of these are assets to give the traveller a change of scenery and unique experiences. And the refined atmosphere of these hotels accentuates their unique character.
Here are some of these luxury hotels in India.
The Imperial | New Delhi
A city icon. Proud residence that shines through its glorious past, its character, its elegance. Opened in 1931, the Imperial is one of Asia's finest hotels, offering a wonderful blend of Victorian, Colonial and Art Deco styles.
Silver tea sets, table linens from London, Italian marble floors, teakwood furniture from Burma, original Daniells & Frasers designs on the walls, gardens and red turbaned waiters: all here recalls the refined ambience of an early 19th century British mansion in the heart of Imperial Delhi.
It is a unique blend of old and new that has managed to preserve its past aura while adapting to modern comforts to offer its guests unforgettable memories.
Rambagh Palace | Jaipur, Rajasthan
Former princely residence converted into a luxury hotel, flagship of the Taj Hotels Group, the walls of the palace plunge the visitor into the sumptuous, extravagant and refined universe of the Rajput princes. Rather than creating something new, the palace restorers have chosen to preserve as much heritage as possible and bring the past to life down to the smallest detail.
Gilding, sculpted arches, frescoes, mosaics, pink marble and portraits of the royal family adorn the interiors and evoke the memory of the close ties that united the Maharaja to the emissaries of the British crown.
From the festive atmosphere of yesteryear, the Rambagh Palace has lost nothing. Even today, the surroundings of the immense swimming pool dressed in mosaic welcome parties and receptions.
Oberoi Udaivilas | Udaipur, Rajasthan
Named India's best hotel of the year 2022 and the world's best in 2015, the place lives up to its ranking: the countless services and phenomenal facilities would undoubtedly have satisfied the most demanding of maharajas.
Surrounded by twenty hectares, the hotel stands on the shores of Lake Pichola. Designed to recall the seven lakes of Udaipur and inspired by the traditional palaces of India, the complex made up of domes, turrets and corridors is articulated like an extraordinary labyrinth.
Mixtures of precious wood, marble and silk, the many buildings accommodate rooms from 55 to 250 square meters for the largest suite.
Taj Mahal Palace | Mumbai, Maharashtra
Wanted and designed by Jamsetji Tata, father of Indian industry, the hotel opened in 1903 and was a huge success: the maharajas flocked there, as did the architects and actors of Independence.
A symbol of India's international influence and taste for luxury, the hotel is part of Indian history and has hosted many of the world's "who's who" (Margaret Thatcher, Jacqueline Onassis, Douglas Fairbanks, Bill Clinton, etc.).
In other words, each of the 565 rooms and suites has its own story. Built with materials from around the world, including steel pillars used in the construction of the Eiffel Tower, the hotel is a mixture of Mughal and Victorian architecture, very fashionable at the beginning of the 20th century in India.
Oberoi Amarvilas | Agra, Uttar Pradesh
The 109 rooms as well as all the common areas of this luxury hotel overlook the famous Taj Mahal, wonder of the world.
Down to the smallest detail, the Mughal-inspired architecture is remarkable and surprising. Flagship of the Oberoi group, this hotel benefits from all the excellence in terms of decoration and service that one would expect from it.
The rooms, with a rather sober decoration, are spacious and equipped with the latest technology. In a finely crafted decor, the restaurants offer traditional Indian cuisine with local dishes and dishes from other regions, in a cozy atmosphere to the sounds of the Santoor, a traditional Indian instrument.
Devi Garh | Delwara (near Udaipur), Rajasthan
On the road to Udaipur, in the heart of the Aravalli Mountains, the Devi Garh raises its imposing stature of white marble.
From this former Rajput fort built in the 18th century and fallen into disuse in the aftermath of Independence, the Indian decorator Lekha Poddar has made a luxury hotel where noble and precious materials immerse the visitor in the refined universe of the Maharajas of Udaipur.
The establishment offers 39 suites, minimalist retreats decorated with marble and semi-precious stones, in a traditional Rajput architecture to which all modern comforts have been added. Indian or European cuisine, the menu promises a culinary experience of incomparable quality, to be savored on the lawns of the fort.
Taj Lake Palace | Udaipur, Rajasthan
Built in the 18th century on an islet of approximately 4 acres located in the center of Lake Pichola, the palace offers a magnificent white marble exterior. Surrounded by courtyards shaded by cypresses, gardens and fountains, it stands out against the magnificent backdrop formed by the Aravalli and Udaipur mountains.
Offering unparalleled service and facilities, this exceptional hotel will suit the discerning traveller looking for a calm and romantic retreat in an enchanting setting.
Interiors combine old world opulence with contemporary sophistication. The rooms, decorated with the finest silks and the myriad of gastronomic dishes offered, guarantee a refined and unique stay and experience.
Mihirgarh | Rohet (near Jodhpur), Rajasthan
The owners have realized their dream: to create a sandcastle, a haven of peace where the glorious past rubs shoulders with contemporary chic. In 2009, like a mirage in the middle of the desert, about 60 km from Jodhpur, Mihir Garh appeared.
The place houses nine suites of approximately 160 square meters each with a private swimming pool or jacuzzi. In a style that is both royal and rustic, the interiors are neat such as the luxurious bathtubs surrounded by mud walls and the superb swimming pool which overlooks the rugged landscape. Horse riding, bird watching, exploration of the nearby village and participation in culinary workshops are among the activities on offer, as are picnics by the lake and barbecues by the fire.