Suzanne Wanders Delhi contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links below, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I use and trust. Read my disclaimer for more information.
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Delhi’s rich culture and history is by staying in a heritage hotel. From culturally rich interiors with traditional artwork and antiques to impeccable service that pampers every guest, staying in a heritage hotel in Delhi is truly an unforgettable experience.
If this is your first time in Delhi, start your visit with an easy first day in Delhi.
Beautiful Heritage Hotels in Delhi
The Indian Ministry of Tourism classifies heritage hotels as ones built prior to 1950 that have maintained distinctive cultural characteristics, and traditional architecture.
Delhi has several beautiful heritage properties meet this criteria and reflect the city’s Mughal or British Raj past. A stay at any one of these hotels will be a very special experience.
1. The Imperial New Delhi $$$
If you have the budget, the Imperial is where you should stay. It’s the best 5 star heritage hotel in Delhi. It was built by the British Raj and is full of charm from this era while honoring Indian culture. When it was built in 1936 it was the tallest building in Delhi.
The hotel boasts several places to dine, including one of Delhi’s most famous restaurants, the Spice Route, and a lovely atrium that serves a high tea buffet. There’s also 3 bars, a spa offering traditional and Ayurvedic treatments, fitness centre, salon, bakery, and quite possibly the most stunning hotel pool in Delhi.
The hotel location is superb. It’s very central, within walking distance of several important sites and the many restaurants, shops and cafes of Connaught Place. This is a walkable area, by Delhi standards. The Delhi metro is close by, and you can easily grab an auto rickshaw or Uber to go anywhere in the city.
If you are a solo female traveller, the Imperial has Eliza rooms on a dedicated female only corridor with special linens, toiletries and bathrobes. Female staffed room service is available and airport pick up with a female escort can be arranged.
🚩 Check prices and availability at the Imperial New Delhi
2. The Claridges New Delhi $$$
While often included in Delhi’s heritage hotel segment, the Claridges in not technically a heritage hotel. It opened in 1955, five years after the 1950 cut off by the Ministry of Tourism. However, this is a beautiful property, and one that has a very loyal repeat clientele.
With just over 150 rooms, the Claridges feels intimate but still has all the amenities of the largest hotels. There’s a spa, 6 restaurants, one of Delhi’s best bakeries, Ye Old Bakery, a dance club, mixology bar, fitness centre, and a lovely outdoor swimming pool.
The hotel exudes British tradition and luxury, not exactly Indian, but still historic. Some rooms even have Jacuzzi tubs.
The location is excellent, right in the greenest and nicest part of New Delhi, within walking distance of Delhi’s most beautiful park, Lodhi Garden and popular Khan Market with all its shops and restaurants.
🚩 Check prices and availability at the Claridges New Delhi
3. Maidens Hotel $$
The Maidens isn’t quite as luxurious as the Imperial or the Claridges, but it’s still a charming 5 star hotel and the prices are a bit more budget friendly.
It was built by the British Raj in 1903 and is Delhi’s oldest luxury hotel. It’s located in the Civil Lines area of Central Delhi, where much of the British lived back then. This is where the elite of Delhi society stayed.
You won’t be able to walk to any sites from here, but the metro is only a 5 minute walk up the street, so you can easily go anywhere in the city.
Maidens Hotel is a smaller property with 55 rooms and really has that colonial heritage feel. This was the first heritage hotel I stayed at in Delhi, and I loved it, especially the large guest rooms. There are 2 restaurants (including a lovely terrace for breakfast), a bar, fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Maidens Hotel
4. The Ambassador $$
The Ambassador is a smaller luxury hotel with less than 100 guest rooms. It was built in 1945 by the British Raj and has an art deco vintage decor.
Out of all of Delhi’s heritage hotels, the Ambassador has the best location for exploring the city. Many of Delhi’s top attractions are within a 3 km radius, and you’ll be next door to upscale Khan Market with numerous shopping and dining options. This is one of Delhi’s loveliest and most prestigious neighbourhoods.
It’s a 5 star property with 2 restaurants, one lounge, fitness centre and spa. Guests can enjoy high tea on the terrace and the hotel is pet friendly. The only thing lacking is a swimming pool, but guests have pool privileges at the Taj Mahal Hotel with free transfer.
🚩 Check prices and availability at the Ambassador
5. Lutyens Bungalow $$
This is a wonderful heritage bed and breakfast with an incredible location beside Lodhi Garden. You’ll be able to walk to several important Delhi sites like Safdarjung Tomb, while staying in the greenest part of the city.
The bungalow is one of several designed by Edwin Lutyens, the chief architect for the British Raj whom Lutyens’ Delhi is named for. The property was renovated several years ago but has maintained the original architecture and style.
Rooms are simple, but elegant and comfortable, each with ensuite bathroom and private entrance. A home cooked breakfast is included which you can enjoy in the lovely gardens or beside the swimming pool.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Lutyens Bungalow
6. Haveli Dharampura and Golden Haveli $$
These are two havelis (mansions) from the 1880s in the most historic part of Delhi, Old Delhi. Both have been lovingly restored from near ruin to luxury boutique hotels.
In fact, Haveli Dharampura is a UNESCO awarded heritage property. Staying in one of these gorgeous Mughal style havelis will be a very unique experience, they are the only two in Delhi to be converted into hotels.
Haveli Dharampura is the main haveli, where guests can enjoy breakfast in the gorgeous Mughal style restaurant, Lakhori, Old Delhi’s only fine dining restaurant, and experience cultural activities like classical Indian dance performances and kite flying with high tea. Golden Haveli is the sister property, just 50 metres away.
Be aware that this part of Delhi, although extremely important historically, is congested, dirty and noisy. I do not recommend staying here for more than one or two nights. It’s fantastic for exploring the sites of Old Delhi on foot, but if you’re going to be in Delhi for longer than a day or two, move to a South Delhi hotel for the rest of your stay.
🚩 Check prices and availability at Haveli Dharampura and Golden Haveli
The Wrap-up on Beautiful Heritage Hotels in Delhi for a Memorable Stay
Staying in a heritage hotel will help you experience Delhi’s rich history. From stunning architecture to the personalized service, these hotels offer a glimpse into India’s past while offering modern comforts and amenities.
Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind stay, choosing a heritage hotel in Delhi is sure to leave you with lasting memories of your trip.
Looking for more? You might also like…
- Delhi Walking Tours: The Best Local Companies to Book With
- Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Delhi: Three Great Options
- 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
