As India becomes more of a business center for global companies, the quality of the lodging throughout the country is improving. Some of the amazing hotels in top cities like Mumbai and Kolkata are stunningly expensive. India knows luxury and these hotels prove it.
1. The Leela Palace, New Delhi
Price: Rs 63,000
While the Maharaja Suite at the Leela Palace in New Delhi may cost a small fortune, it’s certainly worth it. You will have over 4,300 square feet to yourself, featuring gold-leaf ceilings, two living rooms and even your very own gym. There is even a butler pantry and dining room, as well as a spa and a study full of rare books bound in leather. Along with the room, you get full use of a Rolls Royce Phantom, the ultimate in luxury.
2. Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi
Price: Rs 65,000
Swarovski Crystal chandeliers adorn the Tata Suite in the Taj Palace Hotel, making it one of the most luxurious suites in the city. With multiple rooms, personalized butler service and a steam room, the suite is simply impressive. The entire hotel is a study in modern luxury and has served as a place to stay for VIPs from around the world.
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3. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Price: Rs 82,500
Rambagh Palace was once an actual palace and many of the suites are rooms which belonged to the maharaja. The luxurious rooms are replete with the elegance of a time gone by. Built in 1835, the palace was used by royals for over a century. In 1972, the palace was converted into the impressive hotel that it is today. Staying here allows guests to get a taste of what it is really like to live like a king.
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4. Park Hyatt, Chennai
Price: Rs 110,000
Park Hyatt is a five star hotel featuring more than 200 luxury rooms and suites. Unlike other hotels on this list, the Hyatt offers a more modern feel and provides a range of contemporary art to decorate both rooms and the lobby. Guests can relax in the beautiful courtyard in the center of the hotel and enjoy the lily pond or take in the amazing view from the rooftop infinity pool. There are also several restaurants featuring stunning food from around the globe and plenty of space for business meetings.
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5. ITC Sonar, Kolkata
Price: Rs 125,000
The Presidential Suite at the ITC Sonar overlooks beautiful water garden, which all guests can enjoy as they stroll around the grounds. Located on 16 carefully cultivated acres, the hotel features a golf course, tennis courts and even a track for jogging. If you prefer to just relax, the spa is the perfect place to visit.
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6. LaLiT, New Delhi
Price: Rs 150,000
LaLiT, New Delhi is centrally located, making it one of the top luxury hotels for business travelers. While it offers all the usual amenities for businesses, the staff at the hotel go the extra mile. You can do just about everything you need to in this hotel, from shopping and meeting to eating and sleeping.
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7. The Oberoi, Gurgaon
Photo: oberoihotels.comPrice: Rs 176,000
The Oberoi is a business hotel designed to provide an enjoyable place to stay for visiting CEOs and other business people. Some of the top suites include private pools and a 24 hour butler, but even the lower cost rooms are impressive. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from within the hotel, as well. In fact, conference rooms, banquet spaces and global restaurants ensure that you don’t even have to step outside the luxury hotel if you don’t want to.
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8. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Price: Rs 200,000
If you prefer to save money, you can skip the Presidential Suite with its private swimming pool and Jacuzzi and custom Versace dishes. The hotel also offers 60 incredible rooms featuring luxury furnishings. Throughout the palace, world class art is displayed. The Palace Library offers one of the most impressive Holy Quran collections in the country.
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9. The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Price: Rs 250,000
When it comes to amazing views, the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra cannot be rivaled. Here, you can look out your window at the Taj Mahal itself. This is not the only view you have, however. The entire resort is a picture of beauty, with fountains and reflection pools, as well as terraced lawns. Inside is even better and you will find the palatial décor is exactly what is required to make you feel at home.
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10. Ananda in the Himalayas, Tehri Garhwal
Price: Rs 450,000
Tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, Ananda is a retreat designed to soothe the soul. Here, you can take a range of courses, including yoga and tai chi to discover the way to bring mind, body and soul together. The resort features specialized treatment rooms, nutritionists and an incredible 24,000 square foot spa area to help you relax and reconnect with yourself.
India might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of luxury hotels, but the country has perfected the art. With so many palaces converted into hotels, it’s not hard to imagine how royalty once lived.