India isn’t just about vibrant culture and diverse landscapes; it’s also home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. From royal palaces turned into heritage resorts to ultra-modern 5-star retreats nestled in nature, India’s top luxury hotels are crafted for those who seek world-class comfort and memorable experiences.

In this curated guide, RedCarpetLife takes you on a journey through India's most iconic and extravagant stays, where luxury isn't just a promise, it's a lifestyle.

Before we reveal the most luxurious 5-star hotels across India, let us first understand what makes a hotel experience truly unforgettable. A stay becomes memorable not just because of a 5-star rating but because of the emotion, comfort and attention to detail it delivers.

What Makes a Hotel Truly Unforgettable and Luxurious?

A luxury hotel is not just a place to rest. It is a complete experience that touches every sense. From a warm welcome to highly personalised service where staff remember your preferences without being told, everything feels thoughtfully curated. Quality linens, elegant room decor and even signature scents make a difference you can feel.

Location is another key aspect. Whether nestled by the beaches of Goa, in the royal heart of Rajasthan or against the peaceful backdrop of the Himalayas, the setting of a luxury hotel adds depth to your stay. Exceptional dining, wellness spas and carefully crafted activities all contribute, but it is the emotional connection that defines true luxury. A truly unforgettable hotel leaves you with stories to cherish and a longing to return.

Top Luxury 5-Star Hotels in India 

1) Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

State: Rajasthan

Expected Price per Night: ₹60,000 INR (approx. $695)

Total Size: Approximately 4 acres (floating on Lake Pichola)

Rooms: 83 luxurious rooms and suites

Highlights:

• Built in 1746 as a royal palace
• Accessible only by boat
• Marble architecture with intricate carvings
• Signature butler service and curated royal dining
• Panoramic views of Lake Pichola and City Palace
• One of the most romantic hotels in the world (CN Traveler, Travel+Leisure)

Set like a gleaming jewel in the middle of Lake Pichola, the Taj Lake Palace is not just a hotel — it's a floating heritage marvel. Originally the pleasure palace of Maharana Jagat Singh II, this 18th-century masterpiece is now one of the world’s most iconic luxury stays. From the moment you board a boat to approach the white-marble façade, the experience feels exclusive and cinematic.

Spanning approximately four acres, the palace boasts 83 rooms, each crafted with rich textiles, antique furniture, and breathtaking lake views. The palace offers immersive royal dining, traditional music under the stars, and spa experiences inspired by ancient Indian wellness practices. The stay here is not just about luxury — it’s about living a story woven through Rajasthani royalty and timeless grandeur.

2) The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

State: Rajasthan

Expected Price per Night: ₹55,000 INR (approx. $637)

Total Size: Over 30 acres, including wildlife sanctuary

Rooms: 87 rooms and suites

Highlights:

• Inspired by Mewar palace architecture
• Semi-private pools and lakeside views
• Personalised butler and curated cultural evenings
• Lush courtyards, domes, and fountains
• Frequently ranked as one of the best hotels in the world

Located along the serene banks of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas is where regal heritage meets flawless hospitality. Spread across more than 30 acres, the hotel is built on the historic hunting grounds of the Maharana and brings a slice of royal India to life through its domes, hand-painted frescoes, and landscaped gardens.

Guests can take a boat ride to arrive in style, enjoy private dining under canopies, or simply relax by their room’s semi-private pool. Every element of this property celebrates the spirit of Rajasthan while delivering world-class modern luxury.

3) The Leela Palace, New Delhi

State: Delhi NCR

Expected Price per Night: ₹42,000 INR (approx. $487)

Total Size: 9 acres in Diplomatic Enclave

Rooms: 254 rooms and suites

Highlights: 

• Blend of Indian royalty and Lutyens architecture
• Rooftop infinity pool with panoramic city views
• Award-winning spa and gourmet fine dining
• Art installations and crystal chandeliers throughout
• Frequent choice for heads of state and celebrities

The Leela Palace in New Delhi is a symbol of opulence and political prestige. Located in the city’s elite Diplomatic Enclave, this modern palace blends traditional Indian design with European elegance. From its double-height lobby to its curated art gallery featuring Indian masters, the hotel sets a tone of grandeur from the moment you enter.

The rooftop infinity pool offers unmatched views of the capital, while the hotel’s fine dining options include Indian, Japanese, Italian, and contemporary global cuisine. The Leela Palace is a destination in itself, combining luxury with culture, and elegance with exclusivity.

4) Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

State: Rajasthan

Expected Price per Night: ₹50,000 INR (approx. $580)

Total Size: 47 acres of gardens

Rooms: 78 heritage rooms and suites

Highlights: 

• Former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur
• Palace suites with four-poster beds and vintage décor
• Elephant polo and royal buggy rides are available
• Marble corridors and peacock-filled gardens
• Celebrated for its rich history and grand hospitality

Often referred to as the Jewel of Jaipur, Rambagh Palace was once the residence of the Maharaja and has now been lovingly restored by the Taj group. The palace is filled with regal touches, from antique furniture and heritage artworks to butler service and grand archways.

Guests are treated to a royal experience with services like palace tours, traditional performances, and candlelit dinners in the Mughal Gardens. Rambagh doesn’t just offer a luxurious stay — it offers an intimate peek into the life of Rajasthani royalty.

5) The Tamara, Coorg

State: Karnataka

Expected Price per Night: ₹35,000 INR (approx. $406)

Total Size: Over 180 acres of rainforest

Rooms: 56 cottages and luxury suites

Highlights: 

• Eco-resort nestled in the Western Ghats
• Private wooden cottages with valley views
• Plantation walks, yoga, and waterfall trails
• Carbon-neutral design and organic produce
• Ideal for nature lovers seeking quiet luxury

The Tamara Coorg is where sustainability meets indulgence. Surrounded by lush plantations and rich biodiversity, this luxury resort is a haven for mindful travellers. Elevated cottages with glass walls offer panoramic views of the hills and coffee estates.

Guests can enjoy curated experiences like coffee tasting, treks to hidden waterfalls, and spa rituals rooted in Ayurveda. The Tamara delivers a tranquil, luxurious escape without compromising on ecological responsibility.

6) ITC Grand Chola, Chennai

State: Tamil Nadu

Expected Price per Night: ₹30,000 INR (approx. $348)

Total Size: Over 1.5 million square feet

Rooms: 600 rooms and suites

Highlights: 

• Inspired by the architecture of the Chola dynasty
• One of the largest luxury hotels in India
• LEED Platinum certified for sustainability
• 10+ dining venues including Avartana and Ottimo
• Lavish spa, poolside cabanas, and grand banquet halls

Blending imperial grandeur with green innovation, ITC Grand Chola is an architectural marvel. Carved pillars, domed ceilings, and expansive courtyards recreate the majesty of Tamil heritage while offering every modern comfort imaginable.

Whether you’re in Chennai for business or leisure, this hotel offers an elevated experience. With award-winning restaurants, a luxurious spa, and unmatched hospitality, ITC Grand Chola defines sustainable extravagance.

7) The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

State: Maharashtra

Expected Price per Night: ₹50,000 INR (approx. $580)

Total Size: Over 2.6 acres overlooking the Arabian Sea

Rooms: 285 rooms and suites

Highlights: 

• Built in 1903, a historic Indian landmark
• Faces the Gateway of India
• Preferred by global dignitaries and celebrities
• Features luxury brands, art collections, and grand ballrooms
• Known for unmatched hospitality and rich legacy

The Taj Mahal Palace is more than a hotel — it is a living piece of Indian history. Overlooking the Arabian Sea and standing next to the Gateway of India, it has hosted everyone from George Bernard Shaw and Barack Obama to The Beatles. The iconic red dome and Indo-Saracenic architecture instantly command attention.

Inside, you'll find a blend of Indian elegance and global sophistication. Rooms feature timeless art and antique furnishings. Guests are treated to signature experiences, from authentic Indian thalis at Masala Kraft to sunset views by the pool. The Taj Mahal Palace embodies the charm of old-world India with the luxury and service of today’s finest hotels.

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India’s luxury hotels are not just places to stay but destinations in themselves. From the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai to the serene grandeur of The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, each of these five-star hotels offers a unique blend of culture, elegance, and comfort. Whether you seek royal heritage or modern opulence, these unforgettable stays promise the best of Indian hospitality.