Image courtesy of The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
The best hotels in India are destinations in themselves, celebrating local culture with impressive architecture, historic and contemporary. Many boast amazing restaurants, world-class spas inspired by Indian tradition and lavish rooms; some offer curated excursions to India’s most coveted sites.
“India provides opulent experiences and stays in heritage hotels, blending cultural richness with exclusivity,” Fora X Advisor Sujeeth Ponnuswamy said.
In early 2025, a group of Fora travel advisors visited India to familiarize themselves with India’s luxury hotels and most notable cultural sites, joining a few advisors who reside in-country. Here are their hotel recommendations, insights and tips.
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra (Uttar Pradesh)
Image courtesy of The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
The Oberoi Amarvilas in Uttar Pradesh, a province in Northern India, is a luxurious, Mughal palace-like hotel built around a tranquil courtyard pool. Handcrafted details like teak panelling, jaali screens and grand, scalloped archways establish a sense of majesty. But all of this is second to Amarvilas’ best feature — it’s next door to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
“If you're planning a trip to India, the Taj Mahal is a must-see, and to make the most of your visit, you’ll want to stay as close as possible,” Fora Advisor Glenn Tudor, of TudorTravels, said. “The views from the Oberoi are absolutely stunning, especially at sunrise when the monument takes on a magical glow in the soft morning light.”
An advantage of staying at Amarvilas is that hotel staff will shuttle you to the entrance of the Taj Mahal on a golf cart, Fora Advisor Judy Tudor, also of TudorTravels, said. Every room (and many of the common spaces) at the hotel offers direct views of the landmark.
“The Oberoi Amarvilas is hands down one of the most remarkable hotels in all of India, and the only place worth staying when visiting the Taj Mahal,” Fora X Advisor Kay Hart said. “There is truly nowhere else I would even entertain for a client in the immediate area.”
Expansive rooms and suites feature king-size beds, marble bathrooms, handmade artisan furniture, butler service and optional balconies with unobstructed views of the Taj Mahal. Some suites have private plunge pools and dedicated golf-cart transfers to the Taj Mahal. Kay recommended going for the rooms with a balcony so you can enjoy breakfast (complimentary, if you book with Fora) with views. Common spaces like the hotel’s courtyard pool area are masterfully designed to be an oasis in an otherwise chaotic city.
“Your jaw will be on the floor when you enter the property,” Kay said.
Image courtesy of The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
Amarvilas’ dining and wellness options are excellent.
“The Lounge serves excellent cocktails and the restaurant, Esphahan, serves authentic Mughal cuisine — it was one of the most memorable from the whole trip,” Fora Advisor Alexandra Vigilante Chamberlin said.
Kay added that the thali slow-cooked lamb dinner at Esphahan is the best in the Golden Triangle (Jaipur, Agra and Delhi).
The hotel’s spa melds Ayurvedic with bespoke Western therapies, a rarity among the best hotels in India, as many spas focus on Eastern traditions. There’s also a well-equipped fitness center.
Fora Advisor Jenn King — along with virtually all Fora Advisors who visited the property — recommended staying two nights here. This way you can spend one day admiring the Taj Mahal, and another enjoying all of the Oberoi’s amenities.
The Imperial New Delhi (Delhi)
Image courtesy of The Imperial New Delhi
The Imperial is arguably the best hotel in New Delhi. That’s no easy achievement, as India’s capital has plenty of standout accommodations. Art Deco, Mughal and Lutyens — English architect Sir Edwin Lutyens designed much of New Delhi in the early 1900s — influences form a grandiose palace just outside Connaught Place, the city center,where you’ll find many of the best things to do in Delhi.
“There’re properties that give first impressions and then there’re places that give everlasting impressions — The Imperial flawlessly accomplishes both,” Fora Advisor Rochelle Hathaway said.
The hotel is a favorite among visiting VIPs. Art-decorated halls form a timeline of India and Old Delhi during and after the British occupation. The collection is museum worthy, and there are over 5,000 pieces dating back as early as the 17th century.
“There's something that you breathe in the moment you step foot in the lobby; it captures your attention and salutes its history: This place is a treasure,” Rochelle said. “Each smile: welcoming. Each new step uncovers another valued piece of art.”
The Imperial’s service and rooms are exemplary. The best ones have separate living and dining rooms, plus butler service and panoramic views of either the hotel’s gardens or New Delhi’s skyline. Dining options include European 1911, Italian San Gimignano and Spice Route, a Fora Advisor favorite that emphasizes dishes and spices once traded along the ancient Silk Road. Don’t miss the Ayurvedic spa, heated outdoor pool or a curated tour of the hotel’s art collection.
Fora Perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Six Senses Fort Barwara (Chauth Ka Barwara, Rajasthan)
Image courtesy of Six Senses Fort Barwara
Six Senses Fort Barwara is one of the best luxury hotels in India. It inhabits a centuries-old fort overlooking Barwara Lake and a small village. There are only a few dozen suites spread across spacious grounds, complete with historic palaces and temples. It has an exclusive, peaceful vibe that contrasts with India’s cities.
“Staying in a palace or a restored home is easy to find in India, but staying in a restored 14th-century fort — well, that is unique to Six Senses Fort Barwara,” Kay said.
The property took over a decade to restore. While contemporary elements like solar power and rainwater filtration — the Six Senses brand is eco-conscious — bring Fort Barwara into the 21st century, the hotel also preserves many of its original features, like plaster reinforced with a local molasses, intricate jaali details and the ramparts.
“You are sleeping inside a 700-year-old fort with cutting-edge sustainability and wellness programs,” Fora Advisor Stephanie Bloom said. “It has a calm, almost spiritual energy with the help of the property's private 280-year-old temple and Moghal-era architecture.”
Fort Barwara is three hours from Jaipur in the Golden Triangle. The hotel facilitates airport transfers as well as excursions into Ranthambore National Park, a tiger sanctuary. You can also walk to the nearby town of Chauth ka Barwara to immerse yourself in rural India. Cultural immersion is a major theme of the resort, and every evening, there’s a (real) Hindu prayer ritual held on the property. Fora Advisors described the experience as intimate and authentic.
Each of the resort’s suites has private terraces; some have plunge pools overlooking Lake Barwara or nearby hills. Historic accents add flavor to otherwise contemporary rooms; think jaali screens that divide sleeping and living areas, scalloped archways on mirrors and a mix of vintage and modern hardwood furniture. Equally rejuvenating are Six Senses’ wellness offerings. Spa treatments are derived from Ayurvedic traditions, but there are also hydrotherapy circuits, yoga, fitness classes and meditation sessions.
Image courtesy of Six Senses Fort Barwara
“I love Six Senses because it's a wellness resort that doesn't make you feel like you're at a wellness resort —- unless that's the vibe you're seeking,” Alexandra said. “You can have a lovely, relaxing escape at a gorgeous property by a gorgeous pool if that's all you're seeking.”
“I especially love this for a couple where one loves history-centric experiences and the other wants to take a cooking class as a cultural adventure,” Kay added.
There’s something for everyone at this resort. Kay also recommended staying at least two nights so you can enjoy an excursion into Ranthambore National Park to see tigers and then have (at least) a day to enjoy the resort’s rejuvenating amenities. If you prefer a contemporary resort with similar wellness amenities, consider Six Senses Vana, near the Tibet border.
Fora’s IHG Destined partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur (Rajasthan)
Image courtesy of Fora Advisor Jenn King
Rajvilas is the second (of three) Oberoi appearances amid the best hotels in India. (The hotel group is arguably India’s most famous, and has branched out to other destinations. They operate one of the best hotels in Marrakech, Morocco, for instance.) This location feels like its own destination
“It is rare to find a property that so effortlessly blends luxury, romance heritage and family-friendly luxury,” Stephanie said.
Rajvilas sits on 32 acres of landscaped gardens and a water-feature-laden courtyard. Marble walls, detailed balconies and grand elephant statues are inspired by the royal residences of Rajasthani’s past maharajas. The quiet vibe and greenery make it almost impossible to accept that you’re staying in the buzzing heart of Jaipur, near iconic landmarks like the Amber Fort. Between the atmosphere and location, it’s easy to see why Rajvillas is arguably the best hotel in Jaipur.
“I especially loved all the peacocks roaming the grounds and the small temple open to guests for short ceremonial prayer,” Stephanie added.
Rooms boast elegant details like four-post beds, garden decks with flower beds and marble bathtubs. Modern room amenities — flatscreens, air conditioning (a must in Jaipur outside of winter) and complimentary Wi-Fi — ensure comfort. Dining is composed of a mix of Northern Indian and international cuisine, including an afternoon tea service. There’s a high-end spa, yoga, Indian cooking classes and guided tours of the Red Fort — one of the best things to do in Jaipur — and the historic core of Jaipur (a.k.a. the Pink City).
Fora Perks include a complimentary lunch or dinner, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
Image courtesy of The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai is the port city’s most iconic hotel. Its striking façade, a mix of Gothic revival and historic Indian architecture, was completed in 1903 and overlooks the Gateway of India Mumbai, a massive tower signaling the entrance to Mumbai’s harbor.
“When it comes to hotels in India, homegrown luxury brands —- like the Taj Hotels Group, a longstanding favorite — shine with their heritage-rich designs and signature Indian hospitality,” Fora X Advisor Ankita Patel said. “In Mumbai, the Taj Mahal Palace stands as a historic landmark with grand architecture and impeccable service.”
A high-rise tower was added to the hotel grounds, offering a choice between historic (but regularly updated) and modern hotel rooms. Many offer views of the Arabian Sea. The hotel has nearly a dozen restaurants and bars that serve a variety of cuisines from Southern Indian to Chinese. There’s also an Ayurvedic-meets-Western spa, event spaces for corporate travel, a heated outdoor pool and fitness center.
Fora Perks include a complimentary lunch or dinner, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Aman-i-Khas (near Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan)
Image courtesy of Aman-i-Khas
Aman-i-Khas is a tented safari retreat — think lavish glamping in a gorgeous setting — 20 minutes from the entrance to Ranthambore National Park. It’s surrounded by thick forest, with occasional views of the nearby hills. The vibe is private and peaceful, but with a side of adventure. It’s one of the best hotels in India if you prefer a less conventional luxury hotel stay. The nearest town is also around 20 minutes away, though the nearest major airport is in Jaipur, around three hours away.
Each of the 11 air-conditioned tents are inspired by a 19th- and 20th-century safari aesthetic. They measure nearly 1,200 square feet and have separate sleeping, living and dining areas, plus bathrooms with freestanding soaking tubs and showers. Canopied patios allow you to enjoy the forest setting. Tent furnishings are exquisite, and challenge the definition of what “camping” can be. All stays include meals and drinks, minus alcohol. Stays also include daily expert-led jeep safaris into the national park. When you’re not exploring, enjoy open-air spa treatments, cool off in private plunge pools and savor Indian cuisine in the dining tent or on the resort’s Machan platform, which honors old traditions where hunters would enjoy open-fire meals on elevated platforms to escape jungle predators.
Aman also has a great hotel near Jaipur, if you’d prefer to stay closer to India’s urban highlights without sacrificing a natural setting.
Fora Perks include a $100 resort credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Raffles Udaipur (Rajasthan)
Raffles Udaipur is a regal resort on a 20-acre private island within Udai Sagar Lake, about 20 minutes outside the city. It’s reached by complimentary boat transfer (there’s a bridge, too, but it’s mostly reserved for hotel operations). The resort is modeled after European countryside estates, but with Rajasthani architectural influences. In fact, much of Raffles Udaipur has an East-meets-West theme, like a mix of Roman and Indian frescos throughout the resort grounds. There are a little over 100 rooms and suites, most with lake and garden views. Given the property’s size and isolation from the mainland, there’s an exclusive atmosphere, and you don’t have to worry about other guests crowding your space.
The resort’s spa features holistic treatments, a sauna, steamroom, fitness center, badminton courts and both a heated pool and hot tub. The treatment rooms are massive — or you can reserve a couple’s Presidential Suite with an exclusive sauna, steamroom and balcony. Dining options include Indian and European menus in elegant, formal settings. Raffles Udaipur also curates activities like safaris in Northern Indian wildlife preserves, lakeside yoga and hiking.
Fora’s Accor Preferred partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Rajmahal Palace RAAS Jaipur (Rajasthan)
Image courtesy of Fora X Advisor Tessa Carro
Rajmahal Palace is an excellent hotel in Jaipur once owned by the city’s royal family (staying here comes with complimentary access to Jaipur’s royal palace). It’s also the only true boutique hotel on this list; there are only 13 rooms at Rajamahal Palace. Each is uniquely styled, many pay homage to former VIP guests like Queen Elizabeth II or Princess Diana. Gardens surround the hotel and an Art Deco-style pool offers respite from Jaipur’s heat.
“Rajmahal Palace is a retro dream, great for boutique hotel lovers,” Alexandra said. “It’s steeped in history, and the small size makes it perfect for couples and honeymooners.”
Culinary experiences center on The Colonnade, where you can enjoy Rajasthani classics and international dishes. If you want cocktails and lite bites, 51 Shades of Pink is a chic lounge with a bold pink color palette (in honor of Jaipur’s historic core, the “Pink City”). Fora X Advisor Wendy Wallace recommended visiting Rajmahal Palace for high tea or dinner at The Colonnade, even if you aren’t staying there.
The Leela Palace Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
Image courtesy of The Leela Palace Chennai
The Leela Palace at Chennai is one of Southern India’s most extravagant waterfront hotels. Indo-Saracenic architecture accentuated by marble colonnades, jharokha-inspired windows (arch-shaped windows with ornate accents) and garden courtyards welcome you. The palace hotel occupies about five acres where the Adyar River joins the Bay of Bengal, away from Chennai’s main beach area. The location is clean, quiet and exclusive, but is still only 30 minutes from the nearest airport (MAA).
The hotel’s best suites have marble bathrooms and panoramic sea or city views, but even the entry-tier rooms are thoughtfully decorated. Dining options include international, Southern Indian (known for its spicier profile) and Chinese menus, plus a sophisticated library-like bar and vibrant lobby lounge. The ESPA spa, arguably the best in Chennai, has an extensive range of Ayurvedic-based and tech-forward spa treatments, including a hydrotherapy circuit. A huge outdoor pool overlooks the bay, and live music is a mainstay in the neighboring courtyard.
Fora’s Preferred Platinum partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur (Rajasthan)
Image courtesy of The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
The Oberoi Udaivilas is another lakeside luxury property in Udaipur, and one of the best hotels in India if you want a waterfront setting. Unlike Raffles Udaipur, it’s near the city — but it’s on a peninsula and surrounded by Mughal-inspired walls and a protected wildlife reserve (part of the resort grounds). The sounds of birds and other animals replace urban noise. City Palace, Udaipur’s most famous historical landmark, and other attractions are still only a few minutes away by car — you can also see the palace from the resort.
Many rooms open up to canal-like pools, where sapphire water contrasts with manicured greenery and grand sandstone courtyards. All have private terraces, marble bathrooms and historic artwork. The Oberoi spa offers Ayurvedic treatments. Dining menus mostly feature international cuisine and a few Rajasthani favorites (like tandoori lamb and bhatti da murgh, chicken marinated in a spiced yogurt).
Fora Perks include a complimentary lunch or dinner, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
SUJÁN The Serai, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)
The Serai is the lone desert choice among our picks for the best hotels in India. It’s rustic but luxurious. Ancient Rajputana caravan sites are the inspiration behind this location, exemplified by 21 air-conditioned luxury tents, all with private courtyards and plunge pools. The Serai also has an open-air spa, lounge tents, a large pool and farm-to-table dining that can be enjoyed communally or anywhere in the resort. Live traditional music enhances the atmosphere at night.
The SUJÁN brand operates a few safari-inspired retreats across India, each built around exploring a particular landmark or reserve. The Serai is the jumping-off point for touring Jaisalmer (a.k.a. the “Golden City”), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient Silk Road trading hub.
Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa (Kodagu, Karnataka)
Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa is a secluded 63-villa retreat high in the mountains of the state of Karnataka. Unlike many of the best hotels in India, this resort adopts a sleek and swanky contemporary style.
“In the hill station of Coorg (now Kodagu) — known for its misty landscapes, coffee plantations and waterfalls — the Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa offers a luxurious eco-friendly retreat,” Ankita said. “It’s a peaceful escape that brings you close to nature while indulging your senses.”
Enjoy panoramic jungle views from each villa, three pools — including a temperature-controlled infinity pool — an expansive spa and five dining venues. Guided hikes will take you around the resort’s 180-acre rainforest grounds, where relaxation (intimate dinners on watchtowers, Indian spa treatments) or adventure (offroad biking, hiking to waterfalls, wildlife observation) await.
Book your stay at the best hotels in India with a Fora Advisor
Booking hotels in India is a little different from most other parts of the world; most travelers don’t book their accommodations individually, instead opting for packages that simplify the process. A Fora Advisor takes a lot of hassle out of planning a trip to India. Fora Advisors work with local tour companies all over the world, but especially in India. For all India’s beauty and rich culture, it’s often difficult to explore safely without an expert guide. Fora Advisors can arrange all the details on your behalf — whether you’re visiting one destination in India or many.
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