Image courtesy of The Imperial New Delhi
The best hotels in Delhi are among the best in all of India. They include glamorous palaces inspired by the city’s rich history and architecture, Ayurvedic-focused wellness retreats and contemporary enclaves catering to business and leisure travelers alike. A group of Fora travel advisors visited in early 2025 to familiarize themselves with Delhi’s luxury hotels. Below, we cover their insights and recommendations, explain the difference between staying in Old or New Delhi and share a few tips for visiting the city.
Staying in Old vs. New Delhi
Old Delhi — or simply, Delhi — in Northern India is a hyper-dense city of maze-like streets and a mix of 17th-century Mughal and modern architecture. It’s urban sprawl at its most definitive — exciting to explore, but perhaps chaotic for accommodations. “Sensory overload” is often thrown around when describing Old Delhi, but it’s here that you’ll find many of the greater Delhi area’s most historic monuments, like the imposing Red Fort and the gorgeous Jama Masjid mosque. New Delhi, founded in the early 1900s, retains Old Delhi’s buzzing energy, but has an orderly layout. Broad tree‑lined boulevards, grand European façades — a remnant of the British occupation of India — and well-planned neighborhoods define New Delhi.
Virtually all the best hotels in Delhi — especially Delhi’s five-star hotels — are in New Delhi. The area is notably more modern, with familiar amenities like a lineup of shops, Indian and international restaurants (New Delhi’s foodie scene is amazing), museums and services. You’ll still find impressive landmarks and sites throughout New Delhi, notably the striking Lotus Temple, a masterful exhibit of contemporary design, and the India Gate, which memorializes Indian soldiers killed during World War I. Indira Gandhi International Airport, where you’re likely to fly to, is also located on the outskirts of New Delhi.
As Old Delhi can be difficult to navigate and hotel options are limited, most Fora Advisors recommend staying in New Delhi. This way you can enjoy an excellent range of accommodations and safely visit Old Delhi’s landmarks and streets by day (ideally with a guide).
The best hotels in New Delhi
Read on for our hotel picks in the greater Delhi area.
The Imperial New Delhi
Image courtesy of The Imperial New Delhi
The Imperial is one of the best hotels in India, not just Delhi. It opened in 1936 as one of the city’s first grand hotels, designed for visiting VIPs. The hotel is only a block away from Connaught Place — the center of New Delhi — or 30 minutes from the airport with traffic.
“The Imperial is a true haven in the chaos of India — a place to properly breath, feel safe and be beyond taken care of,” Fora Advisor Rochelle Hathaway said. “There is no other option in New Delhi that can hold a candle to The Imperial.”
The hotel underwent extensive renovations in the 90s, keeping true to its original style — somewhere between Victorian and Art Deco, but with Indian influences. Italian marble floors, Persian rugs, crystal chandeliers, exotic hardwoods, historic art, manicured courtyards set the stage for an elegant stay in the city. There are 280 rooms and suites, even the smallest of which are spacious and thoughtfully decorated.
“The rooms glow with natural light and have the faintest smell of rich wood,” Rochelle said. “It transports you back in time, yet the crisp white linens bring you back to the full scope of the luxury this hotel provides.”
Fora Advisors on the familiarization trip praised the hotel’s impeccable service.
“I had previously ripped a pair of pants I had turned in for laundry service,” Rochelle said. “When they were returned, a seamstress had fixed my pants, a request that I had never made, but was ever so grateful for.”
There are eight restaurants and bars at The Imperial. Each of its nine rooms boast handpainted murals. Fora X Advisor Kay Hart said that if you choose to stay at a different luxury hotel in Delhi, at least make a dinner reservation at The Spice Route. The menu celebrates dishes and spices associated with ancient trade routes. 1911 serves Indian-European fusion. San Gimignano is a semi-formal Italian restaurant. And The Attrium serves pastries, light bites, tea and coffee.
“Don’t miss afternoon tea in the Atrium — it’s an experience in itself,” Fora Advisor Glenn Tudor, of TudorTravels said. “Dress up a little, settle in and enjoy a timeless moment in one of India’s most iconic spaces.”
The Imperial also has an elegant spa, beauty salon, fitness center, outdoor pools, a luxe boutique and a yoga sanctum.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Lodhi (New Delhi)
Image courtesy of The Lodhi
The Lodhi is a striking example of contemporary architecture near Humayun’s Tomb, a monument to the 16th-century Mughal Emperor, in a quieter corner of New Delhi. Clean, geometric walls rise out of manicured gardens, while classic Indian motifs like jaali screens and scalloped archways accent the design. Inside, grandiose common spaces with eccentric décor and sophisticated art give way to similarly refined but hip rooms and suites (many of the latter include private plunge pools).
“The Lodhi felt like a hidden sanctuary in the middle of all the action,” Fora Advisor Judy Tudor, also of TudorTravels, said.
The Lodhi’s wellness amenities are exemplary, with a spa menu inspired by local and international traditions. Along with a spa sectioned off by a small bamboo garden, there’s a hammam and salon. If you prefer to be active, there are squash and tennis courts, plus a gym.
“Treat yourself to one of their Ayurvedic spa treatments and take a slow morning walk through nearby Lodhi Gardens for a quiet glimpse of local life,” Glenn said. (The Lodhi Gardens are a public park teeming with greenery, fountains and historic temples.)
Dining at The Lodhi is spotlighted by Indian Accent, which India-based Fora X Advisor Sujeeth Ponnuswamy noted is one of the best Indian restaurants in Delhi. The restaurant’s six-course tasting menu puts a contemporary spin on classic Indian cuisine.
“At Indian Accent, we had one of the most creative Indian meals we've ever tasted,” Glenn said. “Every dish was playful but deeply rooted in familiar flavors.”
She recommended booking in advance, as Indian Accent is one of the most popular restaurants in the city. The Lodhi is also home to Élan, which serves a variety of modern Asian dishes (sushi, dim-sum, dumplings). Perbacco specializes in Italian cuisine and wines. The Safari Lounge offers cocktails and small bites in a posh, artful setting.
Fora Perks include a complimentary massage, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Oberoi, New Delhi
Image courtesy of The Oberoi, New Delhi
The Oberoi is one of the few five-star hotels in New Delhi not immediately surrounded by urban development. But it’s still located near the heart of the city. The hotel overlooks the Delhi Golf Course, Humayun’s Tomb and its own tree-lined grounds. Though it opened in the 1960s, it underwent dramatic interior renovations in 2018 to bring it in line with the best hotels in Delhi.
“The Oberoi is a modern, polished experience that doesn’t sacrifice warmth,” Judy said. “We loved the stunning views of greenery in all directions from our room, and the service felt seamless and intuitive.”
Marble floors, warm hardwoods and jaali details are juxtaposed with vibrant fabrics, colorful accent walls and Indian art in bright rooms and suites. Your attention is purposefully drawn toward large windows that capitalize on the view.
“If you stay here, book a room with a view of Humayun’s Tomb,” Glenn added. “It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and looks like a miniature Taj Mahal.”
The hotel has three restaurants, two of which have a Michelin pedigree — Dhilli, an Indian restaurant, and Baoshuan, a contemporary Chinese restaurant (they’re famous for their dim sum). There’s also 360°, which celebrates international cuisine.
The Oberoi Group also operates one of the best hotels in Jaipur if you’re touring Northern India’s Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur). Notably, the Jaipur location is spread across several acres within a castle-like compound in the heart of the city.
Fora Perks include a complimentary lunch or dinner, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi
Image courtesy of The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi
The Taj Mahal Hotel is one of New Delhi’s most design-forward properties. It puts a new-age spin on Lutyens-era grandeur and sophistication (British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens held a significant role in designing New Delhi). Every room boasts fun pops of color, elegant (and sometimes whimsical) décor and a mix of contemporary and vintage furnishings. The best rooms and suites offer panoramic views of Delhi’s historic skyline, plus access to an exclusive lounge.
The hotel is a few blocks from both the India Gate and Delhi Golf Club. Its dining lineup consists of fine Northern Indian and Chinese restaurants, plus an elegant café. There’s a gym, outdoor pool and the J Wellness Circle, a high-end spa with Ayurvedic treatments.
Fora Perks include complimentary roundtrip private airport transfers, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Leela Palace New Delhi
Image courtesy of The Leela Palace New Delhi
The Leela Palace New Delhi is one of the best hotels in Delhi if you prefer a balance between location and approachable rates. It’s much closer to the airport than the hotels above, but that also means it’s further from some of Delhi’s most notable landmarks. It is, however, within Delhi’s more business-focused district. What isn’t sacrificed: luxurious amenities, service and design. Grand marble corridors with extravagant chandeliers and sculptures welcome you. The rooms have sophisticated charm and vintage décor, but common areas — restaurants, the fitness center, the spa — feel more contemporary.
The hotel’s four restaurants and three bars serve a range of gourmet Indian and international cuisine. Wellness and recreation amenities include a multilevel spa, fitness center and a heated rooftop swimming pool with panoramic city views. The Leela Palace also has an Indian art collection valued at over $5 million.
Fora Perks include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Pullman New Delhi Aerocity
Image courtesy of Pullman New Delhi Aerocity
Pullman New Delhi is a stylish hotel in New Delhi’s Aerocity district. It’s one of the best hotels in Delhi if you prioritize proximity to the airport, as the hotel is part of the larger Indira Gandhi International Airport complex. Dedicated workspaces, access to Delhi’s business districts (Worldmark, Cyber City) and relaxing amenities like a high-end spa and diverse restaurants facilitate — and offer respite from — business travel.
Of all the luxury hotels in New Delhi, Pullman is arguably the most contemporary. Sleek furnishings, heavy use of LED lighting, hip art and décor largely replace Indian design motifs. But Delhi’s historic landmarks are still within 30 minutes by car.
Fora’s Accor Preferred partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Roseate, New Delhi
The Roseate is a gorgeous hotel surrounded by gardens, tranquil water features and abstract sculptures and architecture. It feels like an art installation and balances authentic Indian design with an avant garde style. The Roseate only has a few dozen rooms. The vibe is calm, a testament to architect Khun Lek Bunnag’s intention to create an exclusive urban retreat.
“This gem of a hotel provided the perfect hospitality for a last night before an international flight out (usually occurring at odd hours in the middle of the night),” Fora Advisor Jenn King said. Jenn added that the hotel is only 15 minutes from the airport (there’s a complimentary 24-hour shuttle, too).
Chic rooms feature a style that appears minimalist, but reveals intricate details upon closer inspection. A therapeutic spa promises relaxation and rejuvenation with holistic treatments. And two restaurants serve elevated cuisine. Kiyan specializes in European hors d’oeuvres; Chi Ni has an East Asian flare.
Fora Advisors’ tips for traveling to Delhi, India
Read on for more insights on visiting Delhi.
Delhi is a gastronomic adventure in the making
Image courtesy of The Leela Palace New Delhi
Savoring the local dining scene is arguably one of the top things to do in Delhi. Few places in the world host better Indian food, and the international dining scene — especially Chinese and East Asian cuisine — is excellent.
“While in Delhi, we were blown away by the dining scene — there are so many incredible options,” Judy said.
Indian Accent, mentioned above, and Dum Pukht were her favorites.
“Dum Pukht felt like dining in a royal court,” Glenn said. “It was indulgent and full of flavor — the kind of meal you don’t rush.”
Delhi is extremely hot in summer; visit in fall, winter or spring
Delhi’s average temperature in summer is just below 100℉. Sujeeth recommended visiting any time between fall and spring for a more temperate visit.
Spend at least 2–3 days in Delhi
Delhi’s cultural landmarks alone warrant at least a day or two to explore. Sites like the Red Fort, India Gate and Humayun’s Tomb are all close to one another and can be seen in a day. But if you also want to sample a diverse range of the city’s incredible gastronomy, an extra day or two makes sense.
See the Taj Mahal in Agra
Image courtesy of Fora X Advisor Tessa Carro
Take a day trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal, a massive 17th-century mausoleum dedicated to the favorite wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The journey takes around four hours each way, but the palace-like monument is well worth it.
“You cannot make it all the way to Delhi and not go to Agra to see the Taj Mahal!” Rochelle said. “It’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World for an absolutely good reason.”
Guided tours of Old Delhi ensure safe exploration
Guided tours are wise in India, and especially in labyrinthian areas like Delhi. Beyond confusing streets and shaky traffic law enforcement, it’s not uncommon for travelers — especially women — to be harassed or hassled by some locals. Along with providing a secure visit to landmarks and other attractions, guided tours offer deeper insights.
“Taking a rickshaw tour through Old Delhi was another fun experience,” Rochelle said. “I got to get my finger on the pulse of what daily life looked like here while still feeling mostly protected by the moving element of the rickshaw.”
Book your stay at the best hotels in Delhi through a Fora Advisor for a seamless experience
The best hotels in Delhi prefer to work directly with travel advisors and their on-the-ground partners. This ensures you get the accommodation and experiences you want. If you’re planning a trip to India, using a travel advisor is highly recommended. They’ll organize all the logistics, streamline the booking process and provide support in the unlikely event things go awry.
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