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Looking for the best 5 star hotels in Delhi? You have come to the right place!
Delhi is the capital of India, and it has some incredible luxury 5 star hotels. I’ve stayed in many of these properties and because I now live in Delhi, I have visited the others. Sometimes I go in for a drink, a meal or a social event, but I am very familiar with the locations and reputations of these hotels. I will not steer you wrong!
If it’s your first trip to Delhi, read my suggestions for easy first day in Delhi itineraries.
The Best 5 Star Hotels in Delhi: Quick List
In a hurry? Here are my 3 top picks of luxury 5 star hotels in Delhi:
- Leela Palace New Delhi – exquisite hotel, arguably the best hotel in Delhi
- The Imperial New Delhi – Delhi’s finest heritage hotel with a fantastic location for tourists
- JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi – the best airport hotel
Don’t Stay by the Airport or in Gurugram Unless You Have To
Unless you have a particular reason for being near the airport, or in the suburb of Gurugram, don’t stay there. On a map and by kilometers, these areas don’t look far from central Delhi, but this is very deceiving!
Delhi is a mega city with terrible traffic. If you stay by the airport or in Gurugram, you will end up spending hours each day travelling back and forth. Even by Delhi metro it takes time from these areas.
Instead, choose a hotel in South or Central Delhi. Most of the 5 star properties are located in these areas anyway. South Delhi in particular is the greenest and nicest part of the city. You’ll be able to easily explore the top places to visit in Delhi from these areas.
If you do have to stay in Gurugram or by the airport, don’t worry! I’m familiar with those hotels too, and I have listed the best ones for you.
The Best Luxury 5 Star Hotels in Delhi
Delhi has plenty of exceptional 5 star luxury hotels. Many are centred around the diplomatic area of South Delhi. The most affluent and greenest neighbourhoods are located here. This is an excellent area to stay in. Lots of sites and attractions are in South Delhi, and it’s well connected by Delhi metro.
Out of all the 5 star hotels in Delhi, these are the best ones:
1. Leela Palace New Delhi
The Leela is India’s premiere luxury brand, and the Leela Palace in Delhi is one of finest luxury hotels in the city. The hotel exudes classical Indian opulence, and staff are extremely attentive.
With a gorgeous outdoor pool, fitness centre, one of the best spas in Delhi, 4 restaurants and a bar, the problem is you may not want to leave the hotel to see the city. This really is an exceptional property.
It’s located in the Diplomatic Enclave, the greenest part of New Delhi. Delhi’s luxury mall the Chanakya and one of the best parks for recreation and picnicking, Nehru Park are within walking distance. This is a very good location for tourists and business travellers.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Leela Palace New Delhi
From $260 USD
2. Taj Palace, New Delhi
This is a large, grand hotel, part of the Indian Tata group of companies. It sits on six acres of gardens in the Diplomatic Enclave and has some of the cleanest air in Delhi. Besides the swimming pool, 4 restaurants, a cocktail bar, tea lounge, spa, business and fitness centres, there’s even a 9 hole mini golf course.
Rooms are luxurious, though slightly dated. Even still, this is an excellent hotel with very attentive staff. Many heads of state have stayed here.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Taj Palace, New Delhi
From $230 USD
3. Taj Mahal, New Delhi
This is an excellent luxury hotel for solo female travellers and families. The hotel has special rooms for women with video phone, female housekeeping staff and a dedicated female concierge. Parents will appreciate the kid friendly programs and babysitting.
I prefer this Taj property to the Taj Palace, New Delhi. It’s located in Lutyens’ Delhi, a better area for walking and exploring the city. The most amazing sites in Delhi, like India Gate, Lodhi Garden and Khan Market are all very close.
Taj Mahal, New Delhi has all the amenities a luxury hotel should: business centre, swimming pool, spa, fitness club, 3 restaurants, tea lounge, wine bar and cocktail bar.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Taj Mahal, New Delhi
From $270 USD
4. Shangri-La Eros New Delhi
Shangri-La Eros is great for business travellers and diplomats because of its location near many embassies. It’s a large property with extensive business facilities including secretarial service, 3 restaurants, cafe, bar, spa, fitness centre and swimming pool.
This is a great hotel for foodies. The breakfast buffet is massive (it took me 3 days to discover it all), there’s an all you can eat dim sum lunch, and the Shangri-La Eros also hosts the 3D dining experience Le Petit Chef, two of the most unique food experiences in Delhi.
The hotel well located for exploring, very near India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan and Jantar Mantar, the ancient observatory.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Shangri-la Eros New Delhi
From $200 USD
5. The Imperial New Delhi
Without a doubt, this is Delhi’s finest and most iconic heritage hotel. It’s a beautiful, luxurious property without feeling ostentatious. For tourists this hotel is ideal. It’s in a very walkable area of Connaught Place, close to many sites like Janpath Market and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. Numerous restaurants, cafes, shops and the Delhi metro are all within easy walking distance.
Even though the Imperial has everything – 4 restaurants, 3 bars, a bakery, spa, fitness centre, salon and business services, it still feels intimate. And the outdoor pool is stunning, the most beautiful in Delhi.
I love the art collection, the ladies only rooms, and the all you can eat high tea buffet. The Imperial is also home to one of the best and most famous restaurants in Delhi, the Spice Route.
🚩 Check prices and availability at the Imperial New Delhi
From $300 USD
6. ITC Maurya
This is a favourite hotel of visiting dignitaries. It’s one of Delhi’s very best 5 star luxury hotels, located in the diplomatic enclave next to Central Ridge Forest, known as the lungs of Delhi. The area is very good, but it’s not within walking distance of any sites.
If you’re concerned about air quality, this is a good choice. The hotel is LEED certified, and uses an advanced air purification system, giving this hotel some of the cleanest air in the city.
Two of Delhi’s most famous restaurants, Dum Pukht and Bukhara are here, as well as a spectacular rooftop restaurant and bar, tea lounge, bakery, Fabelle chocolate shop, bar, swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, salon and business centre. The lobby is home to the famous domed mural by Krishen Khanna.
🚩 Check prices and availability at ITC Maurya
From $225 USD
7. The Claridges New Delhi
This is one of the few 5 star Delhi hotels that has a very loyal repeat clientele. I love how intimate the Claridges feels (it’s a smaller property with just over 150 rooms), but has everything the largest hotels have. Plus the location is superb, right in the greenest and nicest part of New Delhi, within walking distance of Lodhi Garden and Khan Market.
The property was built in 1955 just after India’s independence. It is traditional and luxurious, favouring a British Raj vibe. Some rooms even have Jacuzzi tubs.
You won’t have to venture far for anything you need. The Claridges has a spa, golf simulator, 6 restaurants, one of Delhi’s best bakeries, Ye Old Bakery, a dance club, mixology bar, fitness centre, swimming pool, and business services.
🚩 Check prices and availability at the Claridges New Delhi
From $250 USD
8. The Lodhi
The Lodhi is Delhi’s finest contemporary hotel. This is the best choice for anyone who wants to maintain a rigorous fitness regimen while in Delhi. In addition to a well equipped gym, the Lodhi has tennis courts, a Pilates studio, squash courts, a lap pool and spinning studio. The spa even has a Turkish hammam.
It’s located in a very historic part of South Delhi, within minutes of world heritage site Humayun’s Tomb and lesser known Mughal sites like Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah. This area is not terribly walkable (it’s traffic congested), but it’s easy to grab an auto rickshaw and go anywhere.
Besides the fitness and spa facilities, there are 4 restaurants (including Indian Accent, one of the best restaurants in India), a bakery, lounge, salon and business services.
🚩 Check prices and availability at the Lodhi
From $345 USD
9. Hyatt Regency Delhi
This is one of Delhi’s best 5 star business hotels. It’s terrific for tourists also, but I always see a lot more business people than tourists in this hotel. They have some of the largest conference rooms of any Delhi luxury hotel.
The location is very good, in the middle of the city on the main ring road (South Delhi), close to many government offices, and right beside a metro station. The hotel has 5 restaurants, a bar, bakery, swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, salon and extensive business services.
If you love French pastry and baked goods, this is the hotel for you. The Hyatt Regency bakery, Sidewalk, is exceptional. The pastry is one of the reasons I attend a weekly meeting at this hotel.
🚩 Check prices and availability at the Hyatt Regency Delhi
From $180 USD
10. The Oberoi New Delhi
Oberoi hotels are beautiful, luxurious and comfortable in a very Indian way. Oberoi is my favourite Indian hotel group; I have stayed in several and they are all exceptional.
All rooms overlook the greenery of the Delhi Golf Club or Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO), and the hotel uses a state of the art air filtration system, giving it some of the cleanest air in Delhi.
The location is not very walkable (it’s in a high traffic area), but it’s a very historic part of the city full of Mughal ruins, and it’s easy to get an Uber or auto rickshaw. There are 3 restaurants, cigar lounge, one of the best rooftop bars in Delhi, Cirrus 9, a pastry shop, swimming pool, spa, fitness centre and business services.
🚩 Check prices and availability at the Oberoi New Delhi
From $210 USD
11. Maidens Hotel
Maidens Hotel is part of Delhi’s colonial history. It was built by the British Raj in 1903 and is Delhi’s oldest 5 star luxury hotel. This was the first heritage hotel I stayed at in Delhi, and I was impressed by the spacious guest rooms and intimate feel of the hotel (there are only 55 guest rooms).
The hotel is a little dated, but still very charming and the service is excellent. Plus it’s more budget friendly than most of the luxury 5 star hotels in Delhi.
It’s located in the Civil Lines area of Central Delhi (where much of the British Raj lived back then). You won’t be able to walk to any sites from here, but the metro is only a 5 minute walk up the street, so you can easily go anywhere in the city. There are 2 restaurants (including a lovely terrace for breakfast), a bar, fitness centre, swimming pool and business services.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Maidens Hotel
From $180 USD
12. Haveli Dharampura and Golden Haveli
These are two beautifully restored havelis (mansions) in Old Delhi that are now boutique hotels. Haveli Dharampura is the original, where the restaurant and cultural events take place. Golden Haveli is the sister property 50 metres away. The havelis of Old Delhi are almost all dilapidated, and these are the only ones that have been converted into boutique hotels.
Although not technically 5 star because they lack all the amenities (swimming pool, several restaurants, etc.) they are both luxurious.
Guests can enjoy breakfast in the gorgeous Mughal style restaurant, Lakhori, the only fine dining restaurant in Old Delhi, and experience cultural activities like classical Indian dance and music, kite flying with high tea, and pigeon flying.
I don’t usually recommend staying in Old Delhi. It’s noisy and congested and hotels are low budget. But staying in one of these havelis for a night or two will be a special experience, and you’ll be able to easily explore the sites of Old Delhi.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Haveli Dharampura and Golden Haveli
From $200 USD
13. Le Meridien Delhi
This is a good 5 star hotel with one of the best locations in Delhi, especially for tourists. It is a very easy walk to Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, and many other important Delhi sites.
It’s located in the same area as the Shangri-La Eros. Out of the two hotels, the Shangri-La Eros is better, but the prices are usually higher. However, check first because sometimes they’re around the same. Ask for a refurbished room, and try to go earlier for breakfast because the restaurant is small and there’s queues at the busiest times.
This is still a very good hotel, and the location is terrific – close to sites, numerous shops, restaurants, the metro and in one of the best and greenest parts of New Delhi. The hotel has 4 restaurants, 2 bars, a swimming pool, spa, salon, fitness centre and business services.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Le Meridien Delhi
From $190 USD
14. The LaLiT Delhi
The LaLiT Delhi offers great value for a luxury 5 star hotel. While not quite as luxurious as the Oberoi or Taj Palace, this hotel is much more affordable, and guest rooms are amongst the largest in Delhi.
The hotel has a very central location, within walking distance of the shops and restaurants of Connaught Place, several popular sites like Jantar Mantar and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (one Delhi’s most famous temples), and many government ministries, making it popular with business travellers. The LaLiT Delhi has 5 restaurants, a bakery, spa, fitness centre, swimming pool and a small art gallery.
I’ve visited this LaLiT and stayed at several LaLiT hotels when travelling around India. They are always lovely properties with attentive staff. To be honest, I usually stay at LaLiT properties when the Oberoi is out of my budget.
🚩 Check prices and availability at the LaLiT Delhi
From $180 USD
Luxury 5 Star Hotels Near the Delhi Airport
If you want to stay near the Indira Gandhi International Airport, these are the best 5 star hotels to choose from. Most airport hotels are in Aerocity, just 3.5 km away from the airport. Aerocity has lots of shopping and restaurant options and is connected to Delhi by metro. You can be at the airport in 10 minutes by car.
I’m also going to tell you about another favourite luxury hotel of mine, which is close to the airport but not in Aerocity.
15. JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi
JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi is one of the best luxury hotels by the Delhi airport. The beds are extremely comfortable and the hotel is pet friendly – a bonus for me since I usually travel with my dog.
Because the hotel is located in Aerocity you can be at the international and domestic terminals in minutes, and there’s lots of dining and shopping options within walking distance. The Delhi metro has a station in Aerocity so you can easily get into Delhi for sight-seeing.
The hotel has 3 restaurants, a bar, swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, business services, and offers airport transfers.
🚩 Check prices and availability at JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi
From $250 USD
16. Andaz Delhi
If want to eat and drink well, but not venture far from your hotel, the Andaz Delhi in Aerocity is where you should stay. This hotel has two excellent and popular restaurants, and one of the best specialty bars in the city, Juniper. It’s also home to Khubani, one of Delhi’s most luxe clubs that regularly hosts live Sufi nights.
This Hyatt property has the largest guest rooms in Aerocity. Besides the restaurants and bar, there’s a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, business services, it’s pet friendly, and airport transfers are available. The centre of Delhi is 30 minutes away by metro and the airport is less than 10 minutes by car.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Andaz Delhi
From $130 USD
17. Pullman New Delhi Aerocity Hotel
Pullman New Delhi is one of the best luxury hotels in Aerocity, but it’s connected to the more budget friendly Novotel, and the two hotels share the pool, gym and restaurants. If you are looking for more exclusivity, stay at the JW Marriott instead.
Guest rooms are very comfortable with big bolster style pillows and soaking tubs. There are 5 restaurants, a bar, swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, business services and salon. Airport transfers are available.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Pullman New Delhi Aerocity Hotel
From $150 USD
18. The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences
The Leela Ambience is an outstanding hotel, one of Delhi’s very best luxury properties. It’s actually in Gurugram, but only a 20 minute drive from the airport. I’ve stayed at this Leela hotel several times and it’s always exceptional.
The hotel is literally steps away from one of Delhi’s best malls, Ambience Mall Gurugram, so if you want to explore a little without dealing with the Delhi mayhem, it’s perfect. For golf enthusiasts, the hotel has a 9 hole golf course.
Everything at the Leela is top notch – from the super comfortable beds to the extensive selection at the breakfast buffet. Staff are helpful and extremely polite. The hotel has 4 restaurants, a bar and cigar lounge, lobby cafe, swimming pool, mini golf course, fitness centre, spa, business services and offers airport transfers.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences
From $110 USD
One Last Thing… Booking A Room During Wedding Season
Luxury 5 star hotels are popular venues for weddings in Delhi. If you are visiting Delhi during wedding season (October to the end of February), I recommend you request a room on a higher floor away from the banquet halls. Indian weddings are amazing to experience, but not as much fun to listen to when trying to sleep.
The Wrap-up on Luxury 5 Star Hotels in Delhi – The Very Best 2024
I know picking a hotel in a mega city can be challenging, but these hotels are all terrific and well located for exploring everything Delhi has to offer. There are other 5 star hotels in Delhi, but I only listed the very best – the ones I would (and have) stayed at, or would suggest to friends and family.
Looking for more? You might also like…
- Delhi Walking Tours: The Best Local Companies to Book With
- Where to Buy Authentic Gifts and Souvenirs in Delhi
- How to Get From Indira Gandhi International Airport into Delhi
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
