India’s booming economy over the last decade has thrown up quite a few billionaires, not to mention the shooting incomes of upscale corporate honchos. Scores of domestic as well as global elites often visit different parts of the country on both leisure and business travel. Naturally, the hospitality sector has done its bit to keep pace with this burgeoning growth with the hotel segment playing a major role in this boom. Take a look at some of the most opulent hotel properties in the country that cater to the refined tastes of those who can afford these luxuries.
Four Seasons, Mumbai
(A venture of Four Seasons Hotels, Inc., a Canadian-based international luxury, five-star hotel management company)
The Four Seasons has earned a loyal cult following of sorts with its uber modern splendour. Everything about the hotel seems to be inspired by a penchant for satisfaction. For instance, the chefs here count amongst the few in the world who are allowed to cook the lethal Japanese fugu blowfish. Four Seasons also holds the distinction for building Aer, which is the highest open air lounge in the country.
Contact Info:
Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai
114 Dr. E. Moses Road
400 018, Worli, Mumbai
Telephone: 91 (22) 2481-8000
Fax: 91 (22) 2481-8001
The Leela Palace, New Delhi
(A venture of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts)
Styled like a palace, ‘The Leela’ makes for a perfect lavish dwelling. The most coveted accommodation here is the huge Maharaja Suite fanning out over some 4,425 square feet of area. This is followed by the Royal Suite with Pool, Grande Suite with Pool, Luxury Suite, Executive Suite, Royal Club, Royal Premier Room, and Grand Deluxe Room. For dining, there is a world of scrumptious culinary delights to be sampled at the hotel’s six celebrated restaurants.
Contact Info:
The Leela Palace New Delhi
Chanakyapuri, Diplomatic Enclave
New Delhi 110023
Tel: +91 (11) 3933 1234
The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai
(Owned by the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces division of the TATA Group)
Easily one of the most famous addresses in Mumbai, the ‘The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower’ is the site of two 5 star hotels under the Taj Group. The Taj Mahal Palace is the older of the two and has become an iconic landmark in its more than a century old history. With the addition of the ‘Tower’ wing in the 1970s, this opulent property reached the pinnacle of its glory and has been going strong ever since. The hotel’s elite guest list boasts eminent names such as Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Jacqueline Kennedy, and ‘The Beatles’. Guests can take their pick from across 560 lavish rooms, which includes 44 opulent suites.
Contact Info:
Apollo Bunder
Mumbai - 400 001
Maharashtra, India
Telephone: +91 22 6665 3366
Facsimile: +91 22 6665 0300 /08/09
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
(Run by the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces division of the TATA Group)
Richly steeped in the history of a royal past, the Rambagh Palace makes for a regal experience. The ambiance is indescribably lavish and artfully captures the royal character of a bygone era. After all, the hotel is an erstwhile palace and there are 79 rooms here which used to be home to kings and princes. One of the most desirable quarter here is the Peacock Suite, while the five onsite restaurants serve some of choicest of fine wines and culinary wonders.
Contact Info:
Bhawani Singh Road
Jaipur - 302 005
Rajasthan, India
Telephone: +91 141 2211919
Facsimile: +91 141 2385098
Royal Orchid Beach Resort & Spa, Goa
(A venture of the Royal Orchid Hotels chain)
Royal Orchid Beach Resort & Spa, Goa
(A venture of the Royal Orchid Hotels chain)
Sprawling over some 5 acres of stunning beachfront property, the Royal Orchid Beach Resort & Spa makes for a paradisiacal experience. By way of accommodation, the hotel has 73 rooms under the categories of Club Room, Suite Room, and Royal Suite Room. Royal Orchid Beach Resort & Spa offers a plethora of services such as golf, spa, yoga, and poolside breakfasts to name a few.
Contact info:
Uttorda Beach, Salcette,
South Goa 403 713, India
Telephone: +91 832 2884 400 to 06
Fax: +91 832 2884 407
The Leela Kempinski, Gurgaon
(A joint venture by The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, and the Swiss based Kempinski Hotels)
This is yet another spectacular property located hardly a 20 minute drive away from the International Airport. Especially a hit with well heeled foreigners as well other luxury guests, the hotel boasts award winning restaurants, huge wedding arrangement facilities, and a plethora of high end services. The Leela is an overwhelmingly large hotel with 322 rooms and suites. Guests visiting for long stays can also choose from amongst 90 residences. These residences are designer apartments attached to the hotel and are available in one, two, and three bedroom versions.
Contact Info:
Ambience Island,
National Highway 8
Gurgaon 122 002
Telephone: +91 (124) 477 1234
Fax: +91 (124) 477 1235
The Park, Chennai
(A venture of ‘The Park Hotels’ under the Apeejay Surrendra Group)
This ultra luxurious property stands at the erstwhile location of the highly celebrated Gemini Film Studios. There are 214 rooms here divided into the classifications of Deluxe Rooms, Luxury Rooms, Studio Suites, Deluxe Suites, Premier Suites, and ‘The Residence’. The decor has been diligently planned and makes for a very serene ambiance. The five onsite restaurants with diversified settings serve some of the finest gourmet cuisines.
Contact Info:
Mr. Lemuel Herbert
Associate Vice President & Area General Manager
601, Anna Salai, Chennai 600006, India
Telephone: +91 (0)44 4267 6000
Fax: +91 (0)44 4214 4100
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
(Run by the Oberoi Group)
Relive Rajputana royalty at this fantasy like place complete with reflection pools, landscaped gardens, sprawling courtyards, and gurgling fountains. Majestic domes and pavilions as well as intricate artefacts and mirror work have been liberally used. Accessed by a boat ride across Lake Pichola, the royal experience here starts from the moment you reach the place. Take your pick of accommodation from across the categories of Premier Rooms, Premier Room with Semi Private Pool, Luxury Suite with Private Pool, and Kohinoor Suite with Private Pool.
Contact Info:
Oberoi Contact Centre
Email: reservations@oberoigroup.com
Telephone: +91-11-2389 0606
Facsimile : +91-11-2389 0500
The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambore
(Run by the Oberoi Group)
Nestling between the Aravali and the Vindhya mountain ranges and sharing its boundary with the rich wildlife stocked Ranthambore National Park, ‘The Oberoi Vanyavilas’ makes for an unforgettable experience. Luxury tents complete with wooden floors, king size four poster beds, outdoor sunbathing decks, and lots of other lavish amenities make one’s stay unforgettable. The resort spans over some 20 acres of wonderfully done up landscape and remains the first luxury jungle resort in India.
Contact Info:
Ranthambhore Road, Sawai Madhopur - 322001,Rajasthan, India
Telephone: +91 7462 22 3999
Facsimile: +91 7462 22 3988.
The Imperial, New Delhi
(Owned by the Akoi family)
Built in 1936, ‘The Imperial’, with its old world colonial charm emerges as a time warp taking you back to the days of the ‘Raj’. The rich British character of the hotel has been seamlessly blended with modern day luxury and this has enabled the ‘The Imperial’ to bag awards such as Asia Spa India Award 2012 and Traveler’s Choice 2011 Award by Tripadvisor to name just two.
There are 190 stunning rooms and 45 suites to choose from for a stay at ‘The Imperial’.
Contact Info:
The Imperial
1, Janpath
New Delhi 110 001
India
Telephone: +91-11-2334-1234 / 41501234
Email: luxury@theimperialindia.com
This information has been presented after diligent research and will definitely come in handy when you plan your trip to India. However, by no means does this article claim to be the final word on luxury hotels in India. We are just attempting to make your trip all the more easy by presenting relevant information about some of the star hotels in India that have been consistently popular among guests.
