Overflowing with rich cultural experiences, historical monuments, and an alluring, albeit frenetic, energy, the unique attractions of India’s bustling capital have spellbound generations of travellers across the centuries. The ever-present anchor of the multitude of kingdoms and empires that have risen and fallen around it, Delhi boasts a layered architectural legacy and an international cultural tapestry that few capital cities can rival.

Marked by the lofty creative ambition of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, Old Delhi’s winding and streets and ornate buildings invite explorers to lose themselves in the grandeur of a bygone age. Standout monuments such as the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid dominate a labyrinth of bustling streets, bright with the resplendent colours of traditional cuisines and textiles.

New Delhi, on the other hand, built by the British, feels like a different world. Populated by tree-lined boulevards, state-of-the-art museums and the Presidential Palace, this formal colonial metropolis showcases the vibrancy of modern Indian culture, offering fine dining, innovative contemporary art and much, much more. 

Humboldt Travel creates tailor-made trips to India, capturing the endless magic of this destination and taking you to all the hidden spots. With accommodations to suit all tastes – as varied and colourful as the city itself – here are our favourite Delhi stays to include on your luxury journey to India:

The Imperial

An icon of heritage luxury, The Imperial, situated in New Delhi, is the epitome of high-end Indian hospitality. Renowned for its elegance, historical significance and its timeless service etiquette, this eight-acre oasis of indulgence evokes the unrestrained opulence of a palatial 19^th century estate. Perfectly placed for exploring New Delhi’s attractions by car or on foot, The Imperial is the perfect spot for those seeking to enjoy the utmost comfort in the heart of the Indian capital.

With a signature aesthetic that seamlessly blends, art deco magnificence, Victorian formality and traditional Indian artisanship, rooms at The Imperial invite discerning travellers to take a journey through this city’s rich heritage. Many accommodations overlook the hotel’s lovingly curated gardens, offering guests a uniquely peaceful escape from the unceasing hustle and bustle that surrounds.

Boasting three restaurants, a Mughal-inspired coffee house, an in-house patisserie and a diverse menu of wellness treatments, a stay at The Imperial is a multisensory journey. Drawing on centuries of traditional practice, the award-winning hotel spa offers a range of indulgent body treatments and Ayurvedic healing.

At The Imperial, your stay is more than just travel, it is transcendence.

The Lodhi

For those who like their luxury with all the elegance of modern art, The Lodhi offers a hotel experience oozing with sleek contemporary sophistication. Designed by the visionary architect Kerry Hill, the hotel’s striking design incorporates elements of India’s rich cultural heritage into its amalgam of lofty ceilings and smooth masonry.

Set amidst lush gardens and overlooking iconic landmarks like the Tomb of Humayun, each of the Lodhi’s expansive suites offers an exquisitely crafted oasis of relaxation boasting its own private plunge pool. Consistently voted as India’s Best Luxury Hotel, a stay within this decadent fusion of past and present offers guests a dynamic cultural experience. Housing art exhibitions co-curated in collaboration with the renowned Apparao Galleries, visitors to the Lodhi are enveloped in the vibrant creative energy of India’s capital city.  

Shaped by the hotel’s signature fusion approach, fine dining at the hotel combines international techniques with local ingredients while the spa and wellness offering blends traditional practice with cutting edge scientific innovation.

Combining the wisdom of the ancients with the ambition of the visionaries, a stay at The Lodhi is a sensual experience that is second to none.

The Leela Palace

Located in the heart of Delhi’s Diplomatic Enclave, The Leela Palace offers travellers a regal sanctuary that combines the best of contemporary styling with home-grown Indian artistry. A stone’s throw from the city’s business district and major historic landmarks, the characteristic elegance of the Leela brand has made this sleek hotel one of New Delhi’s finest.

Each day at the Leela begins with a lavish breakfast at The Qub, where you can feast like a Mughal aristocrat on delicious global cuisine made from organic local produce. Stroll through peaceful outdoor spaces, treat yourself to a masterfully crafted cocktail at The Liberty Bar, or unwind from a long day of exploring in the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool, enjoying sweeping views of the city.

With rooms designed to pay homage to India’s rich cultural heritage, Leela accommodations contain brasswork by renowned Indian artists, curated luxury amenities and rich bespoke furnishings with the larger suites offering private balconies with stunning vistas and their own private plunge pools.

For those seeking unparalleled comfort in the heart of New Delhi, The Leela Palace is the perfect spot.

Contact one of our dedicated specialists today to discuss your tailor-made luxury adventure in India.

Simon Williams

Simon Williams is Director of Humboldt Travel. Humboldt Travel is a luxury travel company specialising in tailor made holidays to Latin America, Africa and Asia. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.