As the land of Kings, Queens, Maharajas, and Maharanis, India is no stranger to royal splendor and magnificence. Since the end of the Princely Era (there were over 564 princely states before Independence), many of the palaces of these kingdoms have been converted into contemporary luxury heritage hotels offering a state-of-the-art hospitality experience.
In addition, to the above, in major modern Indian cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur, super-opulent modern luxury hotels have emerged to cater to a high-end style and comfort-savvy travelers from across the globe.
In this article, we will give you a run-down of some of the best 7 star facilities equipped luxury hotels in India that offer a level of experience that surpasses that of an average 5-star hotel. For clarity, it would be appropriate to refer to them as 7-star hotels. For the record, however, there does not yet exist an official or universally agreed mechanism for rating a hotel or resort as 7-star.
Before we get into our list of the 11 top handpicked 7-star hotels in India, let’s look at some features of a 7-star hotel.
- A Royal Experience: it is not just a luxury experience you are getting, but a treatment that was given to erstwhile royalty.
- A 5-star hotel is usually a business or leisure-focused accommodation. Whereas, a 7-star hotel is a high-culture and high-leisure oriented stay in the manners of Kings, Queens, Sheikhs, and mega celebrities.
- A high level of privacy and exclusivity with a very exclusive clientele.
- Luxurious Transport: Limousines, choppers, helicopters, and private jets.
- Unparalleled location and access to experiences that may not be open to the general public.
Top 11 7-Star Luxurious Hotels In India
Contents
- 1. Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
- 2. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
- 3. Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
- 4. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
- 5. Leela Place, New Delhi
- 6. Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
- 7. The Imperial, New Delhi
- 8. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
- 9. Aman-i-Khas, Ranthambore, Rajasthan
- 10. The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
- 11. Udaivilas, Udaipur
1. Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
The Oberoi Amarvilas is the greatest hotel and resort in the city of the Taj Mahal, Agra. No other competitor even comes close to the kind of exclusivity, personalized service, opulence, and proximity that this legendary accommodation offers.
It is located a mere 600 meters from the Taj Mahal and offers you unhindered views of the Wonder of the World—a feature that no other luxury hotel can boast of. All you have to do is open your room window or walk to your terrace to marvel at the great symbol of eternal love.
Built in the same Indo-Saracenic Style that of the Red Fort of Agra and the Taj Mahal, the Oberoi Amarvilas is snuggled in sprawling landscaped gardens and lawns in the Mughal tradition, reflecting pool, fountains, and towering pavilions.
Amenities: multiple restaurants, heated swimming pool, spa, gym.
Cost: Suites start at $750 per night per unit.
2. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
The “Blue City” Jodhpur is famous for its palaces, Havelis, forts, and the Blue-color old quarter of the city. Built by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, Umaid Singh, this iconic palace that is named after him is located in the Banipark area, Circuit House Road, in the heart of the city.
The Umaid Bhawan Palace offers 347 suites and rooms, and a part of the palace also houses a museum showcasing the history of the royal family. It is set on 26 acres of landscaped gardens and orchards.
The construction of the Umaid Bhawan Palace was completed in the 1940s and it took almost 20 years to build this magnificent residence. It is still one of the largest private residences in the world. Umaid Singh commissioned a style that was a slight departure from the classic Indo-Saracenic tradition, with supplementary design and artistic influences borrowed from Tudor, Lutyens Delhi, and the Italian Renaissance. This is why this iconic building is such a visual delight with a giant Royal Durbar, a vaulted Banquet hall, and an imposing lobby.
Notable amenities at the hotel include an indoor swimming pool, four tennis courts, a library, a ballroom, 24-7 in-room dining and room service, personalized butler service, concierge, and a J Wellness Spa.
Amenities: J Wellness Circle Spa offers a range of massages, Yoga, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a 24-hour business center, a yoga facility, billiards and pool tables, squash courts, and golf.
Cost: Rooms and suites start at $850 per night.
3. Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
The Taj Rambagh Palace is the former residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his Queen Gayatri Devil. It was built originally as a royal guest house and hunting lodge in “Pink City” of Jaipur. It was later removed as a residence for the Maharaja. It now houses what is rated as one of India’s most opulent luxury accommodations.
Nestled in 47 acres of lawns with strutting peacocks, the Taj Rambagh boasts 78 royal suites and deluxe rooms, furnished with mahogany furniture and royal antiques, which were previously used by the Maharaja and his family. It is located a mere 15-minute drive from the main Jaipur train station.
A fine exhibit of Indo-Saracenic architecture, the Taj Rambagh Palace is tastefully adorned with hand-carved Jaali (latticework), giant cupolas, sandstone balustrades, and cenotaphs. It offers a legendary combination of historical charm, heritage, personalized royal service, and unmatched luxury.
It is amenities galore at the Taj Rambagh Palace: an indoor pool, steam and saunas, a whirlpool, a spa, a golf putting green, and a yoga pavilion.
Amenities: Exclusive royal butlers, spa, concierge services, polo bar, fine-dining restaurants, J Wellness Circle, Horse carriage rides, vintage car rides.
Cost: Suites start at $770 per night per unit.
4. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
The “City of Lake” Udaipur is one of the world’s most romantic destinations, known for its grand palaces, havelis, lakes, and historical charm. The Taj Lake Palace, a summer retreat for the Maharana of Udaipur, is located in the middle of the scenic Lake Pichola.
You get 360-degree views of the city of Udaipur (often likened to Venice), and the surrounding hills of the Aravalli Range. It is operated by the Taj Group, one of India’s well-known hospitality brands.
The Taj Lake Palace was built in 1743 and is modeled after the Taj Mahal of Agra with its white marble from Rajkot (same as that of the Taj Mahal). It was converted into a luxury hotel in the 1960s. It offers 66 luxury suites and rooms.
One of the highlights of a stay at the Taj Lake Palace is romantic boat rides in the Lake and witnessing the sunset. Services and facilities include a bard, a spa, a fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Amenities: Romantic private boat rides in Lake Pichola, multiple specialty restaurants, swimming pool, spa, gym.
Cost: Rooms start at $700 per night per unit.
5. Leela Place, New Delhi
The regal Leela Palace is located close to the Diplomatic Enclave in New Delhi (Africa Avenue) and is surrounded by parks and embassies. The Lodhi Gardens and Dilli Haat are located close by, and the airport is only 30 30-minute drive.
A mirrored Venetian-themed lobby with fine Persian rugs and shining silk sofas greet you as you step foot in the Leela Palace. It is housed in a contemporary building set in a sprawling garden, designed according to the Indian Feng Shui philosophy (Vastu principles).
There is a rooftop pool that gives you great views of Delhi’s cityscape. The double-storey spa has seven treatment rooms. There is also a stylist-run salon, a fitness center, a steam room & sauna, a wellness café, and several specialty restaurants.
Amenities: Spa, Salon, Fitness Center, Wellness Café, Sauna, Steam room.
Cost: Rooms and suites start at $300 per night per unit.
6. Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
The Taj Mahal Palace is an important historical landmark that was built in the early 20th century as British India’s first modern 5-star hotel to provide hospitality to visiting dignitaries and royalty. Known by the Mumbaikers as “the Taj,” it is a beloved part of the culture and history of this great city.
The Mahal Palace has one of the best addresses in all of Mumbai overlooking the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea. It is the flagship of the splendid Taj Group which is locked in a perpetual struggle with the Oberoi Group for the title of the best luxury hotel chain in India.
Its architectural design is described as “Saracenic Revival Architecture” due to its ornate Baroque exterior modeled after the legendary buildings of the Mughal Empire. Its construction was inspired by a taunt when the owner Jamsetji Tata was denied access to a hotel that was exclusive to Europeans.
The Taj Mahal Palace comes with a splendid outdoor swimming pool, a renowned Asian restaurant, a spa, a bar, and quite a few hotel shops.
Amenities: 9 restaurants and bars, J Wellness Spa, Swimming Pool, 24-hour room service
Cost: Rooms and suites start at $420 per night per unit.
7. The Imperial, New Delhi
The Imperial New Delhi is strategically located on the crossroad of New Delhi and the old legendary Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi). The Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s House) and Connaught Place (colonial-era shopping and business district) are located within walking distance.
If the name didn’t give it away, the Imperial is an imperial-looking Raj-inspired building that was built in 1931 and exudes a colonial charm with its vintage rattan furniture, antique, colonial artifacts, wheeling fans, and artworks from the turn of the century. If you want an accommodation that teleports you to the quaint world of the British Raj, the Imperial is the place to be.
Located in a seven-acre property, the Imperial is a green and tranquil escape from the 19-million-strong buzz and chaos of Delhi. Amenities include a giant outdoor swimming pool, a spa, several in-house restaurants, a sauna, and a fitness center.
Amenities: Spa, Swimming pool, fitness center, sauna.
Cost: Rooms and suites start at $ 350 per night per unit.
8. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
The Taj Falaknuma Palace was built on a hilltop overlooking Hyderabad city in 1894. It is housed in a green space stretching over 32 acres, 40 minutes from the airport, and provides a serene escape from the bustle of the city. It offers 60 luxurious suites and rooms that used to be chambers of the Nizam of Hyderabad and his family.
Its owner Nizam Mahboob Ali Khan of Hyderabad was, at the time of construction of this palace, one of the world’s richest men. The fine Nizam’s library has a collection of over 6,000 books, including many rare ones. The Jiva spa has three treatment rooms and offers a variety of therapies.
Amenities: Swimming pool, fitness center, spa, kids’ play area, J Wellness Circle.
Cost: Rooms start at $780 per night per unit.
9. Aman-i-Khas, Ranthambore, Rajasthan
Aman-i-Khas is an attempt to recreate the glory of the elaborate and regal hunting exhibition of the Maharajas of Jaipur in what is the former hunting ground of the royalty of the Kingdom of Jaipur.
This uber-luxurious camp, located on the edge of the Ranthambore National Park (one of India’s leading wildlife destinations) offers daily private jeep safaris to the abode of the awesome Royal Bengal Tiger.
The Aman-i-Khas features white luxury tents that come with all the amenities of a 5-star hotel. These include a private dip pool, a large outdoor swimming (in each of the two camps), a splendid spa, air-conditioning, 24-hour room service, concierge, all-day fine dining, and plenty of other bespoke outdoor adventure activities.
Amenities: Dip pools, guided safari tours, an outdoor swimming pool, multiple dining options.
Cost: Luxury tentds start at $ 1600 per night per unit.
10. The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
The red-brick Oberoi Rajvilas is located just outside of the city and is modeled after a Rajasthani fort with its large gardens, orchards, luxury tented rooms, and trellises. It provides a serene escape from the buzz of the city.
The Oberoi Rajvilas takes you back to the heyday of Spartan Rajput culture with its decorative hanging swords, flaming Mashal torches, reflecting pools, and antiques. This splendid hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool, several fine dining options, 24/7 room service, and concierge service.
The property actually has an ancient temple, which has been repurposed as a place for the renewal of vows. The specialty of its Spa is a relaxing Chakra-balance Himalayan Stone massage. There are daily yoga sessions conducted by a guru. Other notable facilities include a fitness studio, sauna, an outdoor swimming pool, and 24-hour room service.
Amenities: Swimming pool, bars, multiple dining options, guided tours of Jaipur.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 580 per night per unit.
11. Udaivilas, Udaipur
When seen from afar, the honey-colored Oberoi Udaivilas comes across as a mirage on the banks of Lake Pichola. The Udaivilas is set on 80 acres of land that used to be the former hunting grounds of the Maharanas of Udaipur. It is housed in a contemporary building that is built in the style of the Udaipur palace with mirrored mosaics, reflecting pools, fountains, murals, and insignias depicting the sun.
The Udaivilas offers a variety of fun bespoke activities like astrology reading, henna painting, private yoga sessions, boat rides, sunset trips, cooking lessons, and romantic lunches on the lakeside. It was rated the No. 1 Resort in India for 2022 by Travel+Leisure World’s Best Awards. Facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a signature Oberoi Spa.
Amenities: gym, swimming pool, yoga center, wellness Oberoi Spa, multiple dining options.
Cost: Rooms start at $ 600 per night per unit.
