One of the world’s oldest cultures and civilizations, India also has abundant reserves of natural and modern beauty. It’s a land rich in contrasts, stretching from the Himalayas and Rajasthan’s deserts to mountain ranges and sandy beaches. As grand as India is as a country, so is its hospitality, and while one might not associate India with luxury, that’s slowly changing. The country now has luxury resorts and hotels that have been earning global acclaim for their grandeur. The most expensive hotels in India offer unique experiences and range from chic and sprawling beach resorts to restored heritage palaces and even plush glamping retreats.
So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway, a royal retreat, or an indulgent cultural experience, there’s something for everyone here, with these places having changed the very definition of luxury. What’s more, they’ve housed many of the world’s most prominent and wealthiest people, and slipping into their impeccably high thread count sheets has become a statement in itself. Their mantra is “sky’s the limit,” epitomized by their stays’ sheer opulence. Check out the allure of India’s enchanting expensive escapes.
Table of contents
- The Raj Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Windamere Hotel, A Colonial Hotel, Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans
- Rajmahal Palace RAAS, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, Rajasthan
- Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Aman-i-khas, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan
- Sujan The Serai, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Six Senses, Fort Barwara, Rajasthan
- Which region in India is home to the most number of expensive hotels?
- Which hotel brand is the topmost in India?
- Which was the first luxury hotel in India?
The Raj Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan
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The Raj Palace is a former Maharaja’s 1727-built palace in ‘Pink City’ and epitomizes old-world opulence and undiluted decadence. This majestic palace is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of The World brand. What’s more, it sits in what is one of India’s most visited cities, Jaipur.
Moreover, the regal and opulent vibe is evident throughout, including the serene mosaic-tiled azure swimming pool. The massive Swapna Mahal dining room is one to behold, with gilded furniture straight out of Versailles. You’ll spy Edwardian-style chairs, massive crystal and glass chandeliers, walls made entirely of mirrors, and high ceilings everywhere you see. Despite the formal look, many upscale amenities exist, like the swimming pool, a decadent spa, and many renowned restaurants. What’s more, afternoon tea takes place in the fountain courtyard, which will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
All 50 rooms and suites have their own feel and look. However, they all share design elements like traditional Rajasthani archways and Italian marble bathrooms. This hotel was made for splurging, which is evident in the prices, as the cheapest rooms cost USD 400-500/night. In fact, even the cheapest suites cost USD 800/night, with the Presidential Suite costing a whopping USD 17,000/night! In fact, the private presidential suite is a four-floor apartment with two private entrances and a private rooftop terrace with a jacuzzi and sweeping city views. It even houses a museum showcasing the palace’s grandeur and India’s rich heritage.
So, it’s no wonder that the Indian government awarded the Raj Palace “The Best Heritage Hotel of India.” Additionally, the World Travel Awards even awarded the hotel “The Leading Heritage Hotel of the World” seven times consecutively.
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Windamere Hotel, A Colonial Hotel, Darjeeling, West Bengal
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Imagine a luxurious heritage property set amidst Northeastern India’s tea gardens – that’s the Windamere Hotel in Darjeeling. This former Victorian boarding house has seen Scottish and English tea makers looking to make a fortune from Darjeeling tea. Nestled at Observatory Hill right in the heart of the town, Windamere was once described as ‘one of the three jewels of the Raj.’
Guests are welcomed with both Hindu and Tibetan traditions. But the immediate views of the lush walled gardens, complete with wooden benches, ‘ll take your breath away. Not only are there endless viewing spots over the Himalayas, but there’s also the fresh mountain air. The food here is as perfect as the property itself, and freshly brewed Darjeeling tea is available anytime. The 1930s Windamere bar and the quaint lounge with crackling coal fires are cozy. However, fancy Darjeeling dining doesn’t get any better than at the onsite dining room here. Calming 1940s music plays in the background, and sublime food appears one after the other. Thus, you’re in absolute culinary heaven, with daily lunch and dinner menus changing.
The digs here are divided across the central house, villas, and cottages, with the 1880s-built Ada Villa in the main building being the most impressive. In fact, every suite here is named after a notable former guest, including the Princess of Siam, Chogyal of Sikkim, and Begum Aga Khan. The most expensive, however, are the Tinkerbelle’s Cottage and Peppers & Little Peppers Whole Cottages, which cost USD 240-280/night (without taxes). These cottages stand out because of their uninterrupted views of the Himalayan range and their spectacular sunrises.
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Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans
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On a serene private stretch of Radhanagar Beach on the Andamans’ Havelock Island sits a verdant jungle lair looking straight out of Lost. This is the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans, which epitomizes the laid-back good life of these gorgeous islands. Getting here is a mission that sets this resort apart – you have to fly, take a ferry, and drive across bumpy archipelago roads to get to this Taj outpost.
Furthermore, the hotel is an eco-conscious traveler’s dream, as it was built with minimum impact on its surroundings. What’s more, even the food is special; the chef at Settlers restaurant spent months traveling the islands and discovering local dishes. The infinity pool set high up in the foliage is spectacular, with ocean views through the treeline. In fact, it’s all about fun on the water here, and Taj arranges for everything from deep sea fishing to scuba diving and even night kayaking through mangroves to spy bioluminescence. Sigh.
White wooden steps lead to standalone huts with U-shaped thatched roofs, which draw inspiration from the home of the local Jarawa people. However, the similarity ends there, with every ‘hut’ featuring plush beds, swanky bathrooms with standalone bathtubs, and patios. The rates start at USD 520 for the most basic Deluxe Villa, going up to a cool USD 1850 for the Grand Luxury Two Bedroom Pool Villa. The tropical tour de force, though, is the TATA suite with a private elevator and butler, a first-level swimming pool with beach views, and – get this – beach access!
Did we tell you about the occasional Bollywood star who might be spotted here? Yep. Wah, Taj! indeed.
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Rajmahal Palace RAAS, Jaipur, Rajasthan
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Rajmahal Palace RAAS Jaipur, with an arresting Art Deco rose pink exterior, sits right in the heart of Jaipur. The 1729-built palace was originally a suburban getaway for Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It was even the former home of Jaipur’s now-queen, the iconic Maharani Gayatri Devi. Despite boasting a contemporary appearance, the resort retains the original Rajput architecture. The riot of colors of the bespoke wallpaper, with motifs of Mughal miniatures, carnations, and peacocks, gives the entire place the vibe of a Wes Anderson set!
Just like other luxurious Rajasthan resorts, RAAS Jaipur boasts vast, lushly landscaped outdoor grounds, which is also where the outdoor pool is. What’s more, it’s a foodie’s dream come true, thanks to the three restaurants, the Orient-Occident, 51 Shades of Pink, and the Colonnade. However, the impressive Polo Bar’ll sweep you off your feet. It features polo-inspired decor and pays homage to Jaipur’s long and celebrated polo history, serving fine spirits, grapes, and cocktails. Additionally, there’s even Champagne High Tea served at the Upper Lawns. Do you want to do an exclusive wedding with a select guest list? This is the ultimate destination for a lavish yet intimate celebratory get-together.
With just 13 suites and 2 apartments, staying here is as upper-crust and swanky as it gets. Even on weekdays, the smallest room, Sukh Nivas, costs USD 400/night, with the suites costing between USD 650-1,200/night. However, the Maharaja and Maharani Suites are even more lavish, with a space measuring a whopping 2,628 sq ft. The price? A heart-stopping USD 3,610/night. Oof!
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The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, Maharashtra
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The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, is undoubtedly one of Mumbai’s best hotels. This red-domed wedding cake of a majestic structure stands like a sentinel over Mumbai’s harbor, the Gateway of India. Not only is it one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, but it’s one of its most memorable stays. In fact, we spent our wedding night here!
“Everything about our stay at the Taj was perfect, whether it was the luxe bathroom with the deep bathtub, the plush beds, or the heavenly breakfast we had next morning – perfection!”
WOW Travel
You feel like a modern-day royal as you pull up to the 1903-built white-gray-and-red structure in front of Mumbai’s harbor, with traditionally dressed doormen welcoming you. The eminent guest roster includes the likes of Barack Obama and GB Shaw. The sumptuous lobby has hushed elegance, with the bewitching signature Taj scent of the delicious scent of spices and florals. The gleaming oval blue pool is the best in all of Bombay (yes, Bombay, it’s a vibe), peppered with orange-and-pink color-blocked chaise lounges. A gin cart makes the rounds – it’s simply heavenly. Enjoy afternoon teas at the stunning Sea Lounge, complete with tinkling piano music, followed by cocktails. Plus, indulgence is a way of life here with luxury boutiques like the Raj-era institution Burlington’s to everyone’s favorite Louis Vuitton. Of course, there’s a massive spa and a dozen restaurants, including a palatial Starbucks.
Despite looking seemingly huge, both the older and modern wings have just 55 rooms and suites between them! Moreover, they’re all decorated in different Angle-Indian, European, and Mughal styles. The lower-end room rates might begin at USD 500/night, but the average price of the suites is USD 1,800/night. The Presidential Tata Suite, though, is one of the country’s most exclusive accommodations and is priced at a jaw-dropping USD 25,000/night!
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The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, Rajasthan
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The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, Rajasthan, is the mothership of all Oberoi hotels in India. The ethereal resort is an ode to the city’s traditional palaces and is as glamorous and heavy-hitting in sight as it’s epic in scale. It sits on the former hunting grounds of the Maharana on the waters of Lake Pichola and is a flowing tale in sandstone and marble.
A short boat ride from the hotel’s dedicated jetty brings you to the tree-fringed shore, where a golf cart ferries you across the sprawling grounds and rose petals are showered on you. The region’s craftsmanship is evident in the form of miniature portraits, handpainted wall murals, reflecting pools, elaborate brass doors, and mirrored mosaics. Décor is a subtle blend of Indian Western, right from Persian rugs to leather armchairs. The service is highly anticipatory, with staff creating unscripted personal additions that guests have come to rave about. Besides the excellent spa, Aside from the spa (excellent), there is a gamut of activities ranging from came rides, turban tying, henna painting, and cooking to sunset boat trips and romantic lunches on the lake.
Room rates begin at USD 700/night, while the semi-private pool ones cost an average of USD 900/night. The private pool suites take the cake, especially the lavish two-bedroom Kohinoor Suite, which has a private pool overlooking the Aravali Hills, the lake, and the city palace. Even the dining experience that comes with this USD 13,000/night suite is special. That’s because you can dine privately under the candlelit lakeside dome studded with fresh marigold flowers.
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Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad, Telangana
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A palatial 1894-built hilltop retreat, which was the former home to the Nizam of Hyderabad, is now the magnificently inimitable Taj Falaknuma Palace. A golf cart or a horse carriage (for VIPs) transports you across the serene grounds studded with fountains and trees. Moreover, a shower of rose petals welcomes you within the neo-Palladian structure with late-Victorian interiors, complete with glittering chandeliers.
This impressively preserved time capsule has structures arranged in the shape of a scorpion, and you’re sure looked after like royalty. There’s a free daily heritage guided tour that’s led by the palace’s resident historian, which also takes you to the 6,000-books-huge library of the Nizam. The highlight is the exquisitely crafted and opulent palace of Mahboob Ali Khan, which boasts a 100-guest dining table and a massive billiards table. Modern touches in the form of the gorgeous pool set amongst lush gardens and the well-designed and luxurious Jiva Spa certainly make staying here memorable. Of the two restaurants, Adaa is where you can dig into delicious Hyderabadi cuisine. Furthermore, evenings should be reserved for enjoying signature cocktails and hookah at the upper-level Jade Bar. Did we mention activities like private dining experiences with city views and horse-drawn chariot rides? Yes!
With just 60 rooms and suites, this palatial retreat is as exclusive as it gets to staying in Hyderabad. The average room rates are as much as USD 950-1,200/night, but the stately duplex Nizam Suite takes the cake. Boasting a private pool, a 2,000 sq. ft. area, and a butler, it costs a whopping USD 7,500 per night to stay here.
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Aman-i-khas, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan
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Imagine a glamping experience to be one of the most expensive sites in a country – that’s the Aman-i-khas for you. Tucked in the village of Sawai Madhopur near Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, this magnificent camping experience draws inspiration from the lavish Mughal hunting parties of the old. The unique blend of Mughal ruins, nature, and the Aman brand’s signature pampering and service certainly make the pre-dawn wake-up calls for the safaris worthwhile in winter. In fact, there are plenty of activities to keep one occupied.
One might think that with just 10 tents, the property would be smaller, but no such luck here. A cozy entrance courtyard gives way to an elevated terrace with the spa, the library lounge, and the dining tents. What’s more, they overlook a sunken stone-enclosed patio, complete with a fire pit. It’s the perfect place for socializing under the stars. From here on, two pathways lead to the stays sprinkled amidst a grassland, evoking the vibe of an authentic but luxurious bush experience. In fact, they even have their own organic herb and veggie gardens, and you can enjoy breakfast at the guava farm on the property! Plus, the outdoor pool is inspired by the traditional Rajasthani stepwell – it’s nothing like you’ll ever see in your lives.
When it comes to accommodations, Aman is glamping at its best. The 10 white pyramid-roofed tents all boast nouvelle-colonial decor, plush king beds, marble bathtubs, hot showers, free Wi-Fi, and full electricity. What’s more, they’re incredibly spacious, just like the magical, expanding tents from Harry Potter! But what’s really impressive is that every tent is assigned a Batman, a personal butler for the entire stay. It completely justifies the USD 1,800/night price for the accommodations.
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Sujan The Serai, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
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There are just six Relais & Châteaux properties in India, and the elegant Sujan The Serai in Jaisalmer in Rajasthan is part of that elite bunch. This upscale and highly exclusive boutique hotel sits on a 100-acre private estate in the heart of Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, an hour from the city of Jaisalmer. In fact, the desert national park is one of the top things to do in Jaisalmer. This luxurious desert camp is reminiscent of the royal Rajput caravans and reflects Rajasthan, its culture, and its people.
The amenities
Like all Relais & Châteaux properties, The Serai is well-designed, with separate spaces designed for different purposes. Local craftsmen have painstakingly carved plunge pools, sandstone walls, and an inverted stepwell amidst the indigenous desert scrub, which is where the extremely inviting swimming pool lies. At the end of a long day of exploring 12th-century Rajasthan or enjoying Sujan-arranged camel safaris or desert drives, it’s certainly a welcome amenity. The lounge tent has a well-stocked bar from where you can order cocktails while reading novels or enjoying board games.
In the evenings, there are sundowners with Manganiyar folk musicians serenade you with ancient melodies under a starry desert sky. Of course, they have a menu that changes every day and comprises everything from delicious Western dishes to sumptuous local delicacies. In fact, they have a ton of other unique experiences ranging from cooking classes and stargazing to bird-watching and even desert treks. That said, the standout amenity here is the highly acclaimed Sujan Spa, one of the main reasons discerning travelers descend here. Aside from relaxing massages and treatments, everyday yoga classes help one disconnect from the bustling world outside.
The rooms
All tented suites boast luxurious bathrooms, air-conditioned bedrooms, and terrace lounges, but the luxury tented suites even boast private candlelit plunge pools. While the entry-level suite costs USD 850/night, the plunge pool ones cost USD 1,200/night. The standout, though, is the Royal Tented Suite, which sits in an exclusive, walled-off compound and has its own dining tent and lounge, spa, and heated pool. Oh, and it costs USD 2,000/night.
You might also want to check out the best hotels in Jaisalmer if you’re here on a longer trip.
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Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
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In the far reaches of Northern India, in the Garhwal Himalayas, sits the celebrity-favorite Ananda in the Himalayas. Tucked amidst surreal and gorgeous Sal forests, this luxury destination spa property is India’s first destination spa and focuses on blending international spa therapies with Ayurveda and yoga practices. In fact, The Telegraph rated it one of the world’s best spas in 2003 and 2007, while Travel + Leisure magazine rated it the world’s no. 1 destination spa in 2008. So, it’s not surprising that Ananda has a long list of eminent former guests, including Ananda has been frequented by many famous guests, including Deepak Chopra, Kate Winslet, Oprah Winfrey, Bill and Melinda Gates, and even Charles III and his wife Camilla.
The amenities
The aesthetically pleasing interiors are as stunning as the location. The sumptuous property includes the restored Viceregal Palace and the royal palace of Narendra Nagar, the former Maharaja of the princely Indian state of Tehri Garhwal. Everywhere you go, the old-world grandeur of the palace complements the modern buildings beautifully. Many choose a wellness program, whether it’s to up their yoga game, destress, detox, lose weight, etc. These guests have assessments with an Ayurvedic doctor when they arrive, who determines their mind/body type and characteristics and diet for the stay. The mood is very zen, with wellness guests donning white pajamas, speaking in hushed tones, attending yoga sessions, and following the prescribed Ayurveda spa menus and rituals.
Ananda also offers much beyond the wellness program, including river rafting, nature safaris, and guided tours of monasteries and temples. A special mention goes to the excursion to Rishikesh for the daily evening Ganga Aarti sunset ceremony on the banks of the Ganges, which is a spiritually uplifting experience.
The rooms
Besides the programs, you can also book 2-3 day stays here to enjoy the serenity and solitude. Valley-view rooms and suites cost USD 1,100-1,200/night, while the garden suite costs USD 2,100/night. The most expensive are the two-bedroom villas, which are the zenith of luxurious living. Costing USD 4,300/night, they boast butler-serviced pantries, bathrooms with private saunas, and private temperature-controlled pools. Sigh.
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Six Senses, Fort Barwara, Rajasthan
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Rajasthan is home to most of the most expensive digs in India, including the extremely exclusive Six Senses Fort Barwara, the first Six Senses outpost in the country. With the majestic Aravallis in the background, this 14th-century fort-turned-hotel shot to the limelight when A-list Bollywood stars Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal got married here in 2021.
The amenities
However, the property is more than just that. Originally owned by a Rajasthani royal family, the fort underwent an arduous decade-long conservation and restoration effort, incorporating two palaces and two temples within its walls. Moreover, the brand is committed to working with local communities, which is evident everywhere. For instance, the entire hotel is dotted with fresh nimbu-pani (lemonade) detox drink counters to beat the heat. You’ll even see bangle makers and block printers having set up shop in corners and local women brewing hot masala chai all day long. In fact, there’s even a small garden that grows everything from roses and guavas to vegetables.
The other end of the sensibilities is the focus on wellness in the form of the 30,000-square-foot huge Six Senses Spa, which sits in the fort’s ancient temple. It blends the ethos of Ayurveda with Six Senses’ touch and has customized treatments and wellness programs. The vibe continues to the rooms in the form of the ground-breaking ‘Sleep with Six Senses’ program in collaboration with well-known sleep expert Michael J. Breus. It provides guests with sleep trackers, with a wellness expert analyzing the results and recommending personalized treatments and lifestyle changes. Plus, the resort has the other usual luxe touches, such as a massive outdoor pool, a fitness center, multi-cuisine and poolside restaurants, and even art and heritage walks. Of course, the famous Ranthambore National Park safari is less than 30 minutes away.
The rooms
With just 48 indulgent suites, staying at Six Senses, Fort Barwara is special, with every suite reinterpreting the regal atmosphere of an era gone by. Even the entry-level suite, which is anything but entry-level accommodation, costs a whopping USD 1,034/night. The Terrace Hot Tub Suite, which costs USD 2,000/night, is superb, but it’s the higher-end royal suites that take the cake. The Raja Man Singh Pool Suite, for instance, has a private enclosed garden with a dining pavilion and pool with splendid views of the region. And – get this – it costs a cool USD 8,250/night!
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Which region in India is home to the most number of expensive hotels?
As is evident from this list, it’s the state of Rajasthan in Northwestern India, which is home to most of the country’s expensive stays. This has mostly got to do with palaces being converted to luxurious heritage hotels, which is an unparalleled staying experience.
Which hotel brand is the topmost in India?
That would be the Taj hotel group, one of India’s most iconic and luxurious hotel chains. That said, even the Oberoi group is known for its luxurious stays, like the Oberoi Udaivilas on this list.
Which was the first luxury hotel in India?
That’s the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, which was built in the year 1903.
