Luxury

India is a welcoming country and has been for centuries. And, even in today’s era it is as hospitable as it was in the past. Travellers from all over the world are made to feel right at home in this incredible country. Making the country special is the fact that it has a wide range of options of stay. Be it the vibrant cities, tourist hotspots, scenic beaches, remote hill stations, offbeat places or any place you would like to explore in India, there are always options.

From 5-star hotels, heritage hotels, luxury properties and boutique hotels, guests have comfortable accommodations equipped with world-class amenities. And, even this wide variety the choices are very pocket-friendly. In fact seven of the world’s 10 cities with the least expensive five-star hotels are in India. This affordable luxury is one of the reasons India is a hot favorite among luxury-seeking travellers.

Here are the cities in India with the most affordable luxury stays.

Chennai

Chennai is the least expensive city for a five-star stay in the world, the results declared, with the starting price of an upscale hotel room at GBP34/ INR3,530 per night. The city has some terrific business hotels, with several top-voted hotel restaurants at the Top Restaurant Awards. There’s lots to sightsee, and if you have more time on your hands, Chennai also has many sweet deals from farmstays to quick getaways.

The Best Options for stay in Chennai: Radha Regent, Taj Coromandel, The Leela, The Park

Bengaluru

Bengaluru nabs the third spot. The baseline for a five-star stay is the same in both cities, and about Rs1,000 more than Chennai, at GBP41/ INR4,260. India’s IT hub has super business hotels of course, many top-voted restaurants. (Incidentally, ITC Windsor recently became the world’s first hotel to receive the LEED Zero Carbon Certification.) Plus for those getting out of the city, there are amazing homestays, wonderfully offbeat getaways nearby, and even more great stays to consider if other South Indian cities are on your itinerary.

The Best Options for stay in Bengaluru: Hotel Regaalis, Southern Star, Taj MG Road, The, Leela Palace, The Park, Villa Pottipatti

Agra

Agra comes in at number 4 on the list of the best budget luxury stays in India at GBP42/ INR4,360 per night. With the Taj Mahal in the neighbourhood, it’s a popular choice for a destination wedding of course though there’s plenty else to do too including restored Mughal gardens.

The Best Options for stay in Agra: The Park, Crystal Sarovar Premiere, Hotel Grand Imperial, Howard Plaza - The Fern, ITC Mughal, Jaypee Palace, Radissin Blu, Ramada, Royal Regent, Royal Residency, Taj Gateway. Tajview, Agra - IHCL SeleQtions, The Lalit, The Oberoi Amarvilas, Trident, Utkarsh Vilas

Kolkata

Kolkata makes its place on the list of luxury budget stays in India with an average tariff at GBP50/ INR5,200 per night. The City of Joy as it is called is east India's vibrant cultural hub. Home to exquiste architceture, arts, crafts, music 

The Best Options for stay in Kolkata: The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata, The Oberoi Grand, The Park, The Peerless Inn

Delhi

The colorful capital city of Delhi is the fahas stellar hotel deals not to mention star restaurants and ample getaways: here’s a big fat hotel guide to road trips from the capital.

Mumbai comes in at #7 at GBP52/ INR5,400 per night. Visitors to India’s cultural capital are spoiled for choice when it comes to city hotels, superb restaurants and beautiful weekend resorts.

Jaipur

Jaipur is the eighth least expensive city for a plush stay at GBP56/ INR 5,800. Two of the city’s newest hotels made it to the 2021 Hot List. Both have excellent dining options, alongside the city’s more established eateries, and they’re only the latest in a slew of great hotels in Jaipur and Rajasthan (which has many lesser-known gems).

India has a rich legacy of hospitality, where guests are welcomed as Gods. This tradition continues till date and to prove it there are abundant options of luxury boutique hotels. Visitors in India have now the choice of staying at the small heritage hotels, treehouses, villas, camps, palaces, cottages, and forts. Enjoy comforts of home, up in the mountains, in cities, along the shores in the countryside and dotted on the diverse landscape.

Boutique hotels in India have increased in considerable numbers. Apart from luxury, boutique hotels are well known for providing unique experiences and personalized services to the travelers.

Of the many options, we list the top luxury boutique hotels in India.

1. Imperial Hotel, Near Connaught Place, Delhi

The Imperial is an iconic property in the capital city Delhi. The 5-star hotel built in 1931 is reminiscent of the days of British Raj. Experience the charm of art Deco-inspired architecture, sprawling lawns and magnificent luxuries.

Similar to Delhi, The Imperial Hotel is a mix of history with the modern world. The hotel has been the site of many important instances in history. It is an art gallery, museum and hotel all in one. The dining and spa experiences are truly unrivalled. Fulfill your fantasies for a pampering vacation in India, with your stay at the luxury boutique hotel.

Trivia: The luxury hotel has a bar, Patiala Peg form where the measure for a larger measure of 75 ml pegs instead of the usual 60 ml ones was coined. The bar was frequented by the Viceroy of India during the British colonial rule.

2. Tree of Life Resort & Spa, Near Jaipur

A new addition to the popular boutique hotels in India, The Tree Of Life Resort and Spa in Jaipur is a pleasant escapade. It stands apart, as it an oasis of calm. The lavish resort recreates the charm of a typical Rajasthani village with the modern luxuries to make your stay comfortable.

Set on the foothills of Aravalis, the resort imbibes the royal traditions of Rajasthan. Rose-hued walls, clear blue pools and royal villas are dotted on the sprawling grounds. Indulge in day-spa pampering, poolside lounging and gorging on delicious platters of multi-ethic dishes. Get a taste of village life, indulge in elephant rides and mountain treks. Create cherished memories of your vacation.

Trivia: The hotel highlights the green beauty of the Aravalis which is quite different form the image you have when you think of the desert state.

3. Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambore National Park

Wildlife adventures in India are one of the best experiences of the country. Oberoi Vanyavilas is a one of its kind luxury tented camp offering a wild escapade in the Ranthambore National Park. The luxury boutique hotel in India offers comforts with equal dose of adventure.

Oberoi Vanyavilas reflects the style of the safari encampments. One of India’s first luxury tented camps, it offers a faultless Ranthambore experience. Enjoy the roar of the big cats, the melodies of birds and lush green. The resort is definitely a perfect spot to unwind. Go for game drives or safari. The resort acts as your own home, even in the wilderness.

Trivia: The authentic jungle camp in Ranthambore is known for its esteemed luxuries apart from the thrilling adventures.

4. RAAS Devigarh, Near Udaipur

RAAS Devigarh is one of the best choices you make to enjoy a royal vacation in Rajasthan. Housed in an 18th century fort palace overlooking the brilliance of the village of Delwara, Devigarh is a testimony of the Rajputana magnificence.

Remarkable from the inside as it is from the outside, the luxury boutique hotel in India can be counted among the world’s best in this niche. Soak in the bliss of pleasures of the Rajputana royalty without missing on the modern day luxuries. Stay in the majestic suites, dine like royalty and be pampered to wonderful spa experiences. The hotel is quite close to the village of Delwara, which offers amazing architecture, art and activities.

Trivia: Devigarh Palace was the primary location for shooting of the film Eklavya. The film was chosen as India's official entry to the Oscars for nomination in the Best Foreign Film category for the year 2007.

5. Samode Safari Lodge, Bandhavgarh National Park

Luxury vacations out in the wild are just the thing for the Samode Safari Lodge. Get ready for a first-hand experience of the Indian jungle in the Bandhavgarh National Park. It is one of the few places in the world where you can still see wild tigers in their natural habitat.  Samode Safari Lodge offers a thrilling adventure-filled vacation with unmatched hospitality and luxury in the heart of wilderness.

In the heart of tiger country, guests can enjoy quite a relaxing getaway.  Enjoy the fresh air of greenery, spot local wildlife and enjoy nature. Spa treatments, delicious gastronomy, a heated swimming pool, and cooking classes are only some of the other temptations.

Trivia: Madhya Pradesh was where the tales of Jungle Book were imagined and the boutique resort rec-creates the thrill.

6. Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling

Would you not love to wake up to aroma of fresh tea and views of misty hills? The Glenburn Tea Estate in Darjeeling offers a charming getaway. The delightful retreat is set above the banks of the River Rungeet in the sleepy hill station of West Bengal. The Prakash family owns the tea planation and have turned it as one of the finest luxury boutique hotels in India.

The 1600 acres tea estate promises an experience like never before. Enjoy the colonial architecture, modern pleasures and bliss. Enjoy a number of outdoor activities like camping, hiking and rafting. Learn about the workings of a tea estate. Take home fond memories of the relaxing stay.

Trivia: The Glenburn Tea Estate was started in started in 1859 by a Scottish family by the name of Glenburn. It offers a first-hand experience of tea making.

7. Casa De Goa Boutique Resort

Created of all fantasies you have of Goa, Casa De Goa Boutique Resort is one of the popular luxury boutique hotels in India. Tucked away in the Calangute Beach, the resort is away from crowds. The private property comprises of  luxury vacation villas which are perfect for exclusive holidays in Goa.

The tropical house relaxes your senses. Enjoy the comfort of your lodging. Food and every other service is personalized accommodating all your needs. The privacy of the resort is its biggest draw. Enjoy an uninterrupted honeymoon or vacation with your family. You return to your home with fond memories of your stay here.

Trivia: The renowned Conde Nast Traveller includes Casa De Goa Boutique Resort in “The 25 Best Beach Villas in the World” for the exquisite design and attention to detail.