Dinogo Readers’ Top 20 Hotels in India for 2024

The finest hotels in India for 2024 are scattered across the country—from north to south and east to west—with reader favorites across six states and the National Capital Territory. Leading the pack are local brands, particularly Taj Hotels, which has nine properties, including the iconic Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, established in 1903 and ranked as the No. 10 city hotel this year. The Oberoi Group, established in 1934, has six hotels represented, including a resort recognized as the best in the country. The top city hotel in India, as voted by T+L readers, comes from The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, a relatively newer brand with three winners this year.

Understanding the Voting Process

Annually, for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences from around the world, expressing their views on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In 2024, over 186,000 T+L readers participated in the survey, casting more than 700,000 votes across over 8,700 properties, including hotels, cities, cruise lines, and more.

Hotels were categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, inns, or safari lodges based on their location and amenities, and they were rated according to the criteria listed below:

Facilities and Amenities
Location
Customer Service
Culinary Experience
Overall Value

Respondents rated each feature as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor, with final scores reflecting the average of these ratings.

Highlights from Readers about City Hotels in India

Among the prestigious luxury hotels in India, one independent establishment also made the 2024 rankings: The Imperial New Delhi (ranked No. 4). This Art Deco masterpiece on Janpath Lane features 235 rooms and is set within eight acres of lush gardens, boasting an extensive collection of over 5,000 artworks from the 17th and 18th centuries. A reader praised it as an "outstanding hotel, from the cuisine to the staff. No complaints at all. It was one of the best experiences I’ve had."

It's no surprise that many of India's top city hotels are located in Delhi and Mumbai, which account for seven out of the ten awardees. The Taj Lands End in Mumbai—ranked No. 2 in the city category after topping the list last year—stands as the highest-rated hotel in India’s largest city, offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea from its prime location in the upscale Bandra district. The Leela Palace New Delhi (ranked No. 3) is the top choice in the capital, with each of its 254 guest rooms measuring at least 550 square feet. One survey participant, who celebrated their Golden Anniversary there, remarked, "The staff truly elevate this hotel experience. The manager made a genuine effort to engage with us, making us feel like movie stars throughout our stay."

However, The Leela Palace Bengaluru emerged as the top contender. Continue reading to discover the reasons behind its success.

Winner of the India City Hotels

The Leela Palace Bengaluru

Image courtesy of The Leela Palace Bengaluru

Bangalore is home to India's premier city hotel. Nestled in the Silicon Valley of India, The Leela Palace Bengaluru features expansive and remarkably designed meeting spaces. With its lush gardens, diverse dining options, and a luxurious spa, this hotel transforms both business and leisure trips into extraordinary experiences. As one guest described it, this is Bangalore’s "best hotel for luxury," inspired by the Amba Vilas Palace in Mysore. The hotel offers 357 rooms, but for a truly opulent experience, consider the Maharaja Suite, a lavish 3,500-square-foot accommodation furnished with plush decor and Persian rugs, complete with butler service and a BMW for airport transfers.

Complete List of India City Hotels

1. The Leela Palace Bengaluru: Located in Bangalore, India

Reader Rating: 98.59

2. Taj Lands End, Mumbai: Situated in Mumbai, India

Reader Rating: 98.29

3. The Leela Palace New Delhi: Located in New Delhi, India

Reader Rating: 98.18

4. The Imperial New Delhi: Situated in New Delhi, India

Reader Rating: 97.60

5. Taj Mahal, New Delhi: Located in New Delhi, India

Reader Rating: 97.33

6. Taj Palace, New Delhi: Situated in New Delhi, India

Reader Rating: 96.73

7. The Oberoi, Mumbai: Found in Mumbai, India

Reader Rating: 96.38

8. The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata: Located in Kolkata, India

Reader Rating: 96.00

9. Taj West End, Bengaluru: Situated in Bangalore, India

Reader Rating: 95.73

10. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai: Situated in Mumbai, India

Reader Rating: 92.84

Highlights from Readers about Resorts in India

The 2024 survey results clearly indicate that Rajasthan is the top choice for respondents seeking an exceptional resort experience, boasting an impressive eight out of ten winners spread across the state’s historic cities and scenic landscapes.

In the area known as India’s “Land of Kings,” it’s no surprise that many of the finest resorts are inspired by historic palaces. However, the 2024 list features some remarkable properties that stand on their own, including three Taj hotels located in a royal summer retreat from the 1740s in Udaipur (No. 8), a Maharaja’s residence in Jaipur dating back to 1835 (No. 9), and the elaborate early 20th-century home of the Jodhpur royal family (No. 10). Following these is the Six Senses Fort Barwara, which opened in 2021 as the brand’s first property in India. Nestled within a 14th-century fort in eastern Rajasthan, it offers a “stunning ambiance,” as one guest noted, along with convenient access to Ranthambore National Park.

Another standout in the Ranthambore region offers a different kind of resort experience. The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort, Ranthambhore (ranked No. 6) demonstrates that rest and relaxation can coexist with wildlife adventures. Here, guests can embark on guided excursions to observe Bengal tigers, then retreat to one of the 25 luxurious tents, each equipped with clawfoot tubs and air conditioning. Also noteworthy is the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa (No. 3), the only beach resort on the list, proudly representing India’s smallest state.

Winner of India Resorts

The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

A woman relaxes by the pool at the Oberoi Rajvilas hotel

Image courtesy of Oberoi Hotels & Resorts

Luxury reaches new heights in the regal capital of Rajasthan with this exquisite 71-key property, set amidst 32 acres of stunning gardens and adorned with rosy domes and arches that reflect the unique sandstone architecture of India’s famed "pink city." Among the beautifully landscaped lawns, fountains, and pools lies an 18th-century Shiva temple, meticulously restored prior to the hotel's opening in 1997. "A stunning property in a tranquil oasis," remarked one guest about their memorable stay at the Rajvilas. "Opt for one of the tented suites for an extraordinary experience of Rajasthani hospitality," which includes a king-sized bed, a standalone tub, and a private garden terrace.