Beautiful Heritage Hotels in Delhi for a Memorable Stay (2026)
Delhi has beautiful heritage hotels where guests can experience the rich history and culture of India.
The Indian Ministry of Tourism classifies heritage hotels as ones built prior to 1950 that have maintained distinctive cultural characteristics and traditional architecture, and there are several very special ones in Delhi.
Beautiful Heritage Hotels in Delhi
My absolute favourite heritage hotel is the Imperial, New Delhi, but I think Maidens Hotel is fantastic if you don’t want to spend as much while still getting an authentic British Raj heritage experience.
- The Imperial, New Delhi (luxury): The finest heritage hotel in Delhi. If you have the budget this is where you should stay. It is an exquisite hotel with impeccable service and a fantastic location for Delhi first timers. It was built by the British Raj in 1936 (it was the tallest building at the time), but honours Indian culture. The Imperial hosts the best high tea in Delhi and has the most beautiful hotel pool in the city.
- The Claridges New Delhi (luxury): While often included with Delhi’s heritage hotels, the Claridges in not technically a heritage hotel. It opened in 1955 (after the 1950 cut off). However, this beautiful property exudes British tradition with art-deco luxury. It’s not exactly Indian in style, but it is historic and has an excellent location in the greenest and nicest part of New Delhi, within walking distance of Lodhi Garden.
- Maidens Hotel (luxury): Maidens Hotel isn’t quite as luxurious as the Imperial or the Claridges, but it’s still a charming 5 star hotel and prices are more budget friendly. It was built by the British Raj in 1903 and is Delhi’s oldest luxury hotel. It’s located in the Civil Lines area of Central Delhi, where much of the British lived back then. You won’t be able to walk to the sites from here, but the metro is very close and you can easily take an Uber or auto rickshaw.
- The Ambassador (luxury): This is a smaller luxury hotel with less than 100 guest rooms. It was built in 1945 by the British Raj. The hotel’s public areas and some guest rooms have an art vintage decor. Rooms are a little dated, but the location is superb. It’s in one of the loveliest and most prestigious neighbourhoods in Delhi within walking distance of Lodhi Garden and Khan Market. Guests have use of the pool at the Taj Mahal Hotel.
- Lutyens Bungalow (mid-range): A wonderful bed and breakfast with an incredible location beside Lodhi Garden. You’ll be able to walk to several important Delhi sites like Safdarjung Tomb, while staying in the greenest part of the city. The bungalow is one of several designed by Edwin Lutyens, the chief architect for the British Raj whom Lutyens Delhi is named for. Breakfast is included and there’s a swimming pool.
- Haveli Dharampura and Golden Haveli (luxury): I don’t usually recommend hotels in Old Delhi, but these two beautifully restored Mughal style havelis (mansions) from the 1880s offer a unique opportunity to experience history and culture. Haveli Dharampura is UNESCO awarded, and these are the only Old Delhi havelis converted into hotels. This part of Delhi is extremely historic, but also congested and dirty. If you’re staying more than a night or two in Delhi, I recommend one of the other heritage hotels instead.
Last Words on Beautiful Heritage Hotels in Delhi for a Memorable Stay
Staying in a heritage hotel is a wonderful way to experience Delhi’s history without giving up modern comforts. The architecture, atmosphere and service make these hotels much more than just a place to sleep.
Personally, I think the Imperial is the very best, but Maidens, the Ambassador and Lutyens Bungalow all offer something different. And if you want to experience Old Delhi’s Mughal history, the restored havelis are best.
