Luxury Hotels & Resorts In India

India has its fair share of luxury hotels and resorts however do they really provide a luxurious stay or its all just hype and marketing gimmick? In this review series by ReviewItIndia.com, our team of editors hop on the journey to stay in luxury hotels and resorts all over the India to tell you the real truth behind them. This is a curated list of personal (fully paid from our own funds & not sponsored) luxury stays experiences in India which will keep on growing as we cover more and more properties across India to bring you the real story behind them so do bookmark this page. If there is any luxury hotel or resort which you would like our team to visit and review or if you have any feedback related to our review series, feel free to send an email to support@reviewitindia.com with your suggestions.

Click on the hotel/resort name below to read the detailed review of the property if the review is not below the name.

The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore

The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata

Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Shimla

Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa Benaulim

MAYFAIR Palm Beach Resort, Gopalpur

Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa, Chennai

The Lodhi Delhi

Vivanta Surajkund

JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort Hotel Hotel & Spa

Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg

Radisson Jass Shimla

The Gateway Hotel Ambad Nashik

Radisson Hotel Agra

The LaLiT Great Eastern Kolkata

The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Set up in breathtaking landscape beside lake “Pichola”, this Oberoi property is made up of fairytales, experiences which you can never forget. We were promptly picked up from Udaipur airport and driven to the other side of lake from where their in house boat was ready to take us across the lake to the property whereas our luggage came by car from the other side by road. Upon arrival at property, we were given a traditional welcome with tikka and mala. We selected the premier room with semi private pool access and enjoyed a lot. From food to each staff to all the on site and off site experiences, everything was done without hassle. All in all, we had a great stay and can expect them to provide the same to everyone.

Taj Bangalore (Airport)

Situated just outside of the Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, this Taj property saves you from the hectic traffic of the city and relax luxuriously just outside the airport itself. While the rooms are just OK and food is too, you get complete silence proof rooms to sleep. We were driven from airport to hotel in just a minute by their in house vehicle and were quickly checked in to our airport view room. We had dinner in one of the in house restaurants, ambience was OK so was the food. We slept a good night sleep and then checked out quickly before they drove us to airport again under a minute 🙂 Overall, it was a nice transit stay near one of the busiest airports of India.

Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala

Situated at around 2 hours of drive from Mangalore airport, the location of this Taj beachside property is a hidden gem. We were picked up by their in house vehicle and driver from the airport promptly and then driven to the property. The driver was one the nicest we have got in our trips so far in India. We were travelling with a toddler and he anticipated all her needs without us telling him to stop here and there for rest and refreshments. When we arrived the property, we were given a warm welcome by everyone at front office. Check in was done quickly and we were taken to our private pool villa which was good though was not maintained properly including the pool. Upon complain, they tried to clean everything but maybe due to the location and less footfall, it was not easy to maintain. We enjoyed the location, beach, food and our interaction with staff very much. Our private dining set up was good too. One of the few hotels where we felt like family members when every staff waved goodbye to us during checkout. If you are looking for a nice peaceful family holiday in Kerala, this is the place to be.

Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin

This Taj property is situated at the Malabar coast of India in Kerala and while at the property, just sitting in your room, watching from your window all types of ships coming and going from the port is definitely an experience that takes you back to colonial era. So we were picked up from Kochi airport by the in house car and driver of hotel who was courteous enough to explain about the city en-route to the hotel. Upon arrival at the property, we were greeted by the GM and checked in quickly to our sea view room. We then went for city tour and bought local sarees and ornaments which you can only find here. Thereafter we had a lovely candle light dinner on the deck, gazing at the backwaters and ships. Next morning, we had breakfast on Yacht which took us near the port and ships along the backwaters. It was an experience which we will never forget. Staff was good, food was good and the next day speed boat transfer to Taj Kumarakom was an adventure in itself. It was a great stay overall, nothing to complain at all.

Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa, Kerala

So we were transferred from Taj Malabar Cochin to Taj Kumarakom by a speed boat which took us around 40 minutes whereas by road, it would have taken us double the time so for the thrill of it, we opted for speed boat transfer. And it was an amazing experience, going by the route residents still take by the ferry boats and experiencing the life alongside backwaters. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a traditional welcome and coconut water. The check in formalities were quickly completed and we were taken to our villa which had private pool inside. While rustic and a bit too old for our liking, the villa was good enough for a relaxing stay though lighting could be improved. The pool was good too though could be more cleaner. We had a private candle light dinner with a local dance performance and it was great. However the food was standard and could be better including the south Indian delicacies. The staff was not interested in making our stay better except a couple of them at restaurant and house keeping. We checked out and were transferred by their in house vehicle and driver to the airport. And then we got the shock. We received a message that said they messed up during billing at checkout and did not charge us approx Rs.600 for a food order even though we paid over 50,000 for 2 days stay. They said they will charge the associate in error if we did not pay up (LOL can you imagine) so we paid online to their bank account this amount and this remains the only instance in our life so far where a hotel followed us for any amount post checkout and threatened recovering that money from their own employee. All in all, this hotel can be avoided as there are better alternatives nearby.

The Oberoi, Bengaluru

Situated in the middle of a hectic Bengaluru city, this property gives you the calm you will need after navigating through the mad traffic of the city. We were picked up by the in house vehicle and driver of the hotel from airport and spent a good amount of time in traffic jams on roads and finally arrived at the hotel after feeling exhausted but as soon as we entered the hotel, the refreshing sight of a century old raintree in compounds of the hotel coupled with the calmness of the welcoming staff made us feel at home right away. The suite was modern with iPad control, the food was great and staff did everything we asked them for but just that. Staff unlike other superior Oberoi properties we stayed in, was happy in doing what we asked but not trying to do something from their end which makes the stay more luxurious but overall it was a good stay at heart of Bengaluru city.

Ri Kynjai – Serenity By The Lake

Situated a bit far from Shillong city (before reaching it from Assam side) alongside the beautiful and breathtaking Umiam lake, the view is all that you will get here. We opted for the highest category of rooms they have which is “Lake View Cottage” and view was awesome. But other than that, it’s not worth the price we paid. No proper cleanliness, bugs in the room and room too cold to sleep in winter. Food was average too. Staff was OK. Overall, if you wish to stay for view then you can but other than that, there is nothing much to experience here.

The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort, New Chandigarh

The newest addition in the Oberoi properties in India, this luxury property is situated at the outskirts of Chandigarh. This property has the best of all Oberoi properties in India and even more modern facilities including temperature controlled automatic WC in the bathroom! What else you need when its so much cold during winters in north India. The tent style cottages with and without private heated pools along with impeccable food and good service makes you feel like king. A nice Oberoi property to relax and unwind from your hectic schedule when you are in and around Chandigarh.

Jiva Resort Cherrapunjee

Due to the lack of luxury properties in Cherrapunjee, we selected the one which looked closest to those standards. And while staff, food and Internet can surely be improved, the location was breathtaking on a cliff with clouds hovering alongside you outside the window. And our suite had a huge king size bathtub, overlooking the mountains and clouds out of the glass window. This was the only luxury we felt over there, other than the location, you can opt for another property too.

Taj Ganges, Varanasi

Old rooms, staff who does not care, food is just OK and AC and Internet just works. It’s hardly a star hotel but it’s in a good location of Varanasi and get bookings due to the Taj brand. It could be an option for a overnight business stay but for a staycation, there are many options in Varanasi that’s worth the money.

Radisson Blu Hotel Indore

Nice hotel in the cleanest city of India. When we arrived, we were quickly taken to our suite where the check-in formalities were done. The suite had nice city view and was on the top floor. Overall, the staff was courteous, food was good, location was perfect and sleep quality was good too.

The Leela Palace Chennai – Seaside Modern Palace Hotel

A royal stay in a seaside palace! What more you could ask for a dreamy vacation. We were promptly picked up from Chennai airport and driven in a luxurious car to the property where we were given traditional welcome (they can arrange more grand welcome for an extra cost). We were quickly escorted to our sea facing suite, decorated with not only flowers and balloons but with frames of our pictures around the suite. It was a surprising experience on a quick stay.

Diphlu River Lodge

Ever since we heard the Royals of UK go here, we always wanted to visit and review this. We had the opportunity of doing that in winters. Booking was handled by their head office and the transfers were promptly arranged by them too. We booked 3 days and on arrival, we felt a bit letdown with the river facing cottage because it was not what we expected for the huge price they charge even considering they are operational only half an year. There could be more cleanliness and a room service at least because if you stay for 3 days, you may not want to go to dining area every time of the day. But having said that, we loved the food, so fresh with local ingredients, I rarely eat 3 times a day but here I did not miss a meal. Kudos to the team on that. And then after dinner, there is a guard who shows you torchlight and escorts you to your cottage even though the beautiful light of stars are more than enough. Nature wise, you cannot find a place better than this though if you are paying so much you expect few things: courteous front desk, smiling welcome and checkout, a better Safari vehicle and maybe, just maybe a wi-fi if possible. Overall a good stay but I believe everyone will find it a bit less value for money and the effort it takes to reach here.

The Leela Kovalam, a Raviz Hotel

Beautiful setting, good rooms, great sea view and then it stops there. If you compare this with any other Leela hotel, you will be disappointed. Check in takes time, staff aren’t that happy to serve you and it just feels like a city hotel. We checked out in one day instead of two and stayed at the nearby Taj property.

Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa, Kovalam

After been disappointed with the Leela hotel above, we wanted to have a rest of good holiday time here and hence booked the presidential villa with pool and it truly was luxurious! Staff was awesome, food was super and everyone seem to care a lot for their guests happiness. So when in Kovalam, stay in Taj.

Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, Uttarakhand

A complete disappointment though we were very excited to go here when it started. You will have better safari and stay experience in normal jungle lodges here than this. While some staff do try to make your experience better, it feels like a corporate city hotel experience. Not worth the money they charge.

Taj Swarna, Amritsar

We stayed here when it was newly launched. It is grand and we had the best SPA experiences in India here, even better than the Oberoi’s famed spas. Food could have been more local and better but other than that, we had a good stay in Taj Swarna Amritsar.

Lemon Tree Hotel, Dehradun

Situated inside Pacific mall Dehradun, this hotel is a good choice for Dehradun city stay. You get to visit the mall anytime and their typical lemon smell throughout the hotel corridors will make you fall in love with the surroundings 🙂 Food and breakfast experience could have been better and despite few hiccups in room, the GM was more than willing to take our feedback and do the things as necessary.

Taj Bengal

A bit too old for our liking but you get the royal feeling when you stay at Taj Bengal. Staff was OK OK but food was great and location is good too. But with other luxury options in Bengal, we will surely opt for them instead of Taj Bengal.

Renaissance Lucknow Hotel

A good looking hotel nearby Taj Mahal Lucknow (the Taj Hotel) and you get a different feeling by staying at the top most floor suite which they reserved for us, the good things end there. Staff are just OK and do not ask for your feedback even once during stay, let alone at the time of checkout. It feels more of a metro city no feeling robot kind of hotel. There are better options in Lucknow.

Fairfield by Marriott Lucknow

While four star, this is better than the five star hotels available in Lucknow so luxury travelers can select this. Staff care for you, listens to your feedback and do the changes instantly. Food is awesome, room is OK and price is very reasonable for the value you get so we liked this stay better than Renaissance.

Vivanta Guwahati

Guwahati was in search for a good luxury hotel when Taj opened Vivanta here. We went to see the location and service plus experience 2 days stay. Booking process was smooth and the hotel management responded to our queries well in time. They arranged for airport pick up and picked up promptly on arrival even though we were delayed. Check in was good and our suite was well lit, decorated and spacious. We had hill view suite (or whatever view is left of it). Hotel arranged for local sightseeing, romantic dinner and provided great care and service to us. We also went for swimming in the big pool which is great too. Overall, a very nice and luxury stay experience in Guwahati.

Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi

An iconic building in the hands of Taj at an iconic place, you expect royalty, right? We did too when we booked to celebrate our anniversary here. They offered BMW airport pick up only so we booked expecting more royalty. But nothing was royalty. Upon arrival, we got out of the car, pushed the gate and went inside. No welcome, no drinks and not hot towels. Nothing. Robotic check in, old room and a sorry card later, nobody except the F&B manager wished us happy anniversary. To add icing to the cake, we were promised a free breakfast next morning but was charged for it (which was removed when we confronted the duty manager). Such a disappointing experience, go at your own risk.

The Gateway Resort Damdama Lake Gurgaon

Good place way from hustles and bustles of Gurugram. Nice rooms, OK staff and good food. You can plan a couple of days get away close to Gurugram here. Nothing extraordinary and luxurious but OK enough for 2 days relaxation in their large premises consisting of park, play area and romantic dinner outings.

Taj City Centre Gurugram

Another robotic city hotel. Our suite was nice though but the service left us disappointed. No welcome, no wishing and nobody to drop us to airport till last moment even though they knew we needed airport drop. Casual, taken for granted behavior of staff knowing that being a central city hotel, they will get clients regardless of the service. Can be avoided.

MAYFAIR Lagoon

Strategically located, nice looking resort in the city of Bhubaneswar. But the good things end there. Staff is lacking the training, the hotels though rustic, also feels too old. Need improvement in rooms as well as more training to staff to make it a good luxury experience.

MAYFAIR Spa Resort & Casino, Gangtok

We arrived on 1st Jan but that is no excuse for lack of service and staff training. As is the case with MayFair for us, only 1 or 2 staff is good and rest are just doing their duty. They don’t love it and make you feel it so welcome was not good, decoration of our villa was OK but it was not clean. It was very cold and the heating is not sufficient so it was a disappointment. Overall, could have been a lot better stay but even then, is it a luxury? We doubt.

MAYFAIR Himalayan Spa Resort

Situated in Kalimpong overlooking majestic Himalaya, the setting of the hotel is perfect however rooms are old and too cold, extra heater was provided on request but this isn’t sufficient. Staff like every Mayfair, not interested in doing a lot for you or making your stay luxury, this could just be a transit stay.

MAYFAIR Waves, Puri

Location is perfect and staff is just OK, rooms are old but can be put up with. Not luxury but definitely an option when visiting Puri for darshan and being just on the beach which is just a small walk away.

Tree of Life Resort & Spa, Jaipur

A bit away from main Jaipur city, this was a hidden gem when we visited. Upon arrival, our pool villa was not ready (was being decorated and previous checkout was late) so we were given a normal villa to freshen up after welcome drinks in restaurant. Within an hour, we were escorted to our luxurious pool villa which was superbly decorated, beats the major chains of hotels in decoration hands down! The pool was amazing in the backside, we enjoyed a lot. Then we had 2 private dinners and a massage in our own villa where they have set up already which was as amazing as the overall stay. We also went to see the city and get a camel ride through the adjoining village. Overall a great luxury stay if you just wish to enjoy the peaceful time with your loved ones.

The Rangers Reserve Corbett

We have been to so many places but if you compare different stays, you will never be happy so we go everywhere as if it is our first holiday and stay without any expectations. If you want a peaceful deep in jungle location with comfortable stay and OK food, this is the place to be. Immerse yourself in natural surroundings, enjoy the peaceful time and refreshing air and lovely views with your loved ones. Relax and rejuvenate. You will love it. It is a not a city kind of luxurious hotel but you will love it if your sole purpose is to relax with your loved ones in a peaceful environment. We went with our full family and everyone from seniors to kids loved it. Overall a good stay, approach road is bad but if you hire them for pick up and drop, they can pick you up from anywhere and drop you anywhere. A thumbs up from us.

Clarkes Hotel Shimla

The biggest advantage of this old yet charming 5 start property is that it is bang on the start of mall road. You can walk to eat, shop and enjoy along with the locals on mall road if you stay here. Add to it, the top class service, nice food and good heating, it’s the place to be if you wish to be in the city yet enjoy some luxury.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Mysore

Mysore has yet to be developed as a stand alone tourist attraction so most of the hotels including five star properties in the city feels like transit hotels and this is no different. Located at the outskirts of Mysore city, this property has a nice look, OK service & food and you can have a comfortable night or two transiting or exploring Mysore. Not the five star luxury you expect from a big chain but it’s OK.

Evolve Back, Coorg

There are many luxury options in Coorg and Evolve back certainly presents itself as one of them. We booked a private pool villa and arrived when it was raining. Welcome as just OK, property seemed worn out and villa while rustic, needed some renovations for sure. What we loved though is rain pouring from top of roof in an area of villa where there were plants, it was nice. Pool could be better and cleaning could be improved. Staff was just OK and food was good. For the price they charge, there are certainly better options for luxury in Coorg.

Evolve Back, Kabini

After experiencing Evolve Back’s Coorg property, we visited Kabini property. A much better welcome here, private pool villa was much better than the Coorg property too. It had a tree house besides the private pool with great views of Kabini river. It certainly felt luxury. We had some great private dining experiences and a morning Jungle safari and evening boat safari, both were just OK and timepass. Overall, a good option to spend a couple of days if you are around in the area.

Gir Serai – IHCL SeleQtions

We seriously did not expect this much luxury when this trip to Gir Serai was planned. This is a hidden gem by Taj. While the property seems bit old, it is more than covered by the great staff and their service. Truly amazing people, amazing check serving amazing food, great drivers and guides to help you with your local sightseeing including seeing the great might Lion at the nearby Gir jungle, it was an amazing luxury experience at Gir Serai. Kudos to the staff, keep it up guys, definitely worth a revisit.

The Fern Sattva Resort Dwarka

There are very few luxury stay options in Dwarka so based on our research, we selected The Fern. Roads in Gujarat are good, we drove from Porbandar airport and arrived in this beautiful looking property. We were welcomed with fresh garlands and tika and felt the divine vibe of the Dwarka city in the hotel itself. The suite was nicely decorated and staff was good too, eager to learn and please. We had a good time with a local guide who helped us explore Dwarka completely including its sea port, dolphins through a boat, beach and temples. We had a great time and it is a good option for luxury travelers.

The Oberoi, Mumbai

Typical city hotel, maybe we expected a bit too much from Oberoi having experiencing some great stays with it’s sister properties. A bit robotic experience but comfortable rooms, suites and view paired with good food and OK service made for a good comfortable stay if not luxurious.

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

The most hyped Oberoi property of all but does not live up to all that hype. Unnecessarily expensive, just for a long distance view of Taj, there are better luxury options to spend nearby. Our 2 days get away visit felt a routine, not at all luxury feeling.

The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

Now this is what we call luxury! Check in with peacocks dancing along the route to your room/villa and you are instantly hooked to the beautiful landscape this property has. Over the years, the staff quality and service of Oberoi has deteriorated but here still, staff tries their best to make sure you are happy all the time. Great decorated villa for our special day, amazing SPA, nice food, good pool and a humble staff led superbly by GM who is always there to look after the well being of it’s guests. Overall, we had a great stay and will recommend luxury travelers to visit this once for sure if nearby.

Taj Hari Mahal, Jodhpur

Too old even for a Mahal, this Taj property needs work. Staff is OK, food needs improvement and overall ambience seems dull. When you visit for a luxury stay, you expect a nice welcome, well kept room and staff on toes to help you whenever you need it. The house keeping staff was the only one who was trying hard to please us, for rest, it’s just the duty it seemed which they did OK to be honest. So not bad but not very good too. If you need something to stay at Jaipur, you can try this but if you are expecting luxury, look elsewhere.

The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa

This was a disappointing experience apart from the executive who looked after us. They book pool rooms knowing how cold it is. And then no one actually cares, it feels like more of a city hotel where you can go, take shower, order food, watch TV, sleep and checkout. They do have activities in house but each and every staff just seem to get things done rather than try to do things for us. There are better luxury stay options nearby.

The Oberoi, Gurgaon

One of the best luxury stay option in Gurugram, nearby Delhi International airport. We checked in during one of our special occasion and were pleasantly surprised with the suite decoration and the stunning pool view from our suite. The team was super attentive even though seemed over worked. We had a great experience at The Oberoi, Gurgaon and all praise the experienced GM who knows what needs to be done to make guests feel at home. A good luxury option in Gurugram for your luxury stay.

Tree of Life Resort & Spa, Varanasi

When you have earlier visited the sister property of this hotel group in Jaipur which is the best among all, you will no doubt compare the two. And in that comparison, this property stands no chance however we were glad to have found such a courteous staff & amazing service in Varanasi. Though this property is a bit outside of the main city, nearby Varanasi airport, it helps you relax more staying in peace, away from hustle and bustle of the main city. We had a great time due to the staff and it’s only because of them and their attentive service that we recommend this property for a relaxed stay around Varanasi.

The LaLiT Temple View Khajuraho

When we visited Khajuraho, we had a couple of options for trying to experience luxury stays and our team settled on the Lalit. And it was such a great decision. The day before our checkin, they called and informed us of location, asked our arrival time and food preferences. From the moment we checked in till the moment we checked out, we felt like staying with family. Every one was so friendly and attentive to our needs that they almost expected what we wanted next. If in Khajuraho and looking for a luxury stay, do not look further than The Lalit. Rooms can be a bit small and rustic but service and location compensate for everything.

Radisson Gwalior

If you just wish to go and sleep, Radisson Gwalior is for you but do not expect any luxury or any service for that matter. No welcome, nobody escorts you to your suite, no one asks for your feedback, actually no one really cares, running by it’s brand name. Do not waste your money, book a cheaper hotel with better service instead.

The Oberoi, New Delhi

Too much busy to be able to experience luxury except obviously the price of everything which makes you feel that you are in luxury. A good stay, nice staff but having stayed at all Oberoi’s in India, this does not feel like a Oberoi. Though still a lot better than the Taj Mahal Delhi with good modern rooms and suites, nice view, busy yet efficient staff and a GM that cares. 3.5 out of 5 from us.