The best boutique hotels in Delhi, India promise colour, pattern, and exceptional service
From Old Delhi to New Delhi.
India. It’s a magical place full of storied history. We’ve already shown you the most gorgeous palace hotels and sustainable stays across the country, but if you’re Delhi-bound, read on. Famed for its diverse architecture, regional cuisine, and as the capital state of the country, Delhi blends old and new seamlessly. Be sure to stay at one of the best boutique hotels in Delhi on your travels.
Plus, take a look at the best things to do in Delhi for art and design lovers and a local’s guide to the best restaurants in Delhi too.
All the best boutique hotels in Delhi, India
1. Haveli Dharampura
Few hotels can claim that they have a UNESCO award for Cultural Heritage Conservation, but Haveli Dharampura, a 200-year-old Mughal-era property in Delhi can. The hotel’s six-year restoration reinvigorated its classic architecture and interiors, while adding intricate woodwork, sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses, and gorgeous internal balconies.
There are just 14 rooms, made up of Jahan Ara rooms facing the courtyard, Mumtaz Mahal suites and the detailed, luxurious Gandhi Suite. All rooms are decorated with rich Indian silks and linens, patterned wallpapers and plush furniture, alongside more modern amenities such as satellite TV, minibars, and yoga mats.
There may not be a pool, but the hotel isn’t designed for a dip; instead, the homely Lakhori restaurant serves traditional street food, thali and curry under golden lamps. Alternatively, enjoy a drink on the rooftop where you can take in the glittering lights of Old Delhi.
Learn more about Haveli Dharampura
2. Bungalow 99
Created by Pio Coffrant, of The Rose Studio – who have designed more than one of India’s most gorgeous properties, Bungalow 99 is a breath of fresh air in the chaos of Delhi. Modern, clean and stylish, the hotel offers both rooms and serviced apartments, complemented with cosy touches like colourful rugs, sofas, and stocked bookshelves giving it a home-away-from-home feel.
There are also plenty of communal spaces, furnished with comfy sofas and rugs, perfect for meeting new people or curling up with a hot chai. All of the rooms come with king-sized beds, while many also have marble bathrooms, blackout curtains and private balconies. Breakfast is a classic mix of fruits, omelettes, and pancakes, while snacks can be found throughout the day, however, the open-plan kitchen on every floor means you can order in or get to grips with local cooking. The local area of Defence Colony is also awash with bars and restaurants, and staff will gladly point you in the direction of temples, the airport, or the nearest cold drink.
Find out more about Bungalow 99
3. The Lodhi
The sprawling Lodhi Hotel, made of stone and decorated with carved elephants, wouldn’t look out of place in Ancient Egypt and provides a stark yet luxurious contrast to the traditional architecture in Delhi. Spread across seven acres of New Delhi, with views of the lush Lodhi Gardens, the hotel is liberally decorated with gold, deep blue furnishings and coloured panelling.
There are 40 rooms, divided into almost an individual category each, ranging from Standard to the huge Belle Epoque Suite; all of which come with amenities such as private terraces, plunge pools, and living areas.
Wellness fanatics will be in heaven here, whether at the well-equipped Athletic Club, during an Ayurvedic massage at the spa or getting pampered at the salon. Elan is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving a seasonal menu by the gardens, but there are five additional eateries to choose from, including Italian, Indian, a cocktail bar, a pool bar and a bakery.
Discover more about The Lodhi
4. The Roseate
A self-described urban resort, The Roseate, one of Delhi’s top luxury hotels, is beautifully designed and based on the five elements in Hindu philosophy: fire, air, earth, water, and sky. The property was created by renowned architect Khun Lek Bunnag and combines towering pillars, arches and leafy palm trees to recreate the feeling of an old Mughal palace.
The hotel boasts 65 rooms, some of which come with a 40sq-m lakeside terrace, plus king-sized beds, and in-room bathtubs, all simply decorated with warm lighting and lime washed walls.
You’ll find two restaurants at The Roseate: Kiyan, serving international dishes and Chi NI, serving Chinese, along with Iah, the pan-Asian bar for drinks. The restaurants use ingredients from the hotel’s beautiful onsite garden, fruit trees and cows on the seasonal menus. Another menu to take a peek at is that of Aheli Spa, which includes a mix of Indonesian, Thai, and Ayurvedic treatments. There’s also a team room, hammam, sauna and yoga pavilion. Need something else? Staff will be happy to help, just hit a button on your personal iPad.
Learn more about The Roseate
5. Caves by Indrajeet
Caves by Indrajeet is Delhi’s first cave hotel in the leafy neighbourhood of Vasant Kunj, designed by, you guessed it, Indrajeet who had no knowledge of architecture or design before creating the property. After a few years of hard work, the caves were complete, with gorgeous white walls, rustic stone floors, and even in-room Jacuzzis.
The seven spacious caves, ranging from the Little Cave to the King Cave with Jacuzzi all come with comfy beds, private bathrooms, and WiFi, and throughout the property, you’ll find plenty more amenities to keep you busy. Indrajeet offers everything from candlelit dinners to private movie nights, welcome drinks, and a delicious homemade breakfast. There’s also brunch, lunch and dinner on offer, all of which can be made up by candlelight or for a special occasion.
Discover more about Caves by Indrajeet
6. The Leela Palace New Delhi
A strong mixture of modern design and opulent Indian décor, The Leela Palace certainly does what it says on the tin. Decorated with silk furniture, thick Persian rugs, and an abundance of fresh flowers, it’s like stepping back in time.
The incredible rooms, whether you opt for a Premier Room or splash out on a Grand Suite with Plunge Pool, are dripping in chandeliers, heavy curtains and rich colours. King-sized mahogany beds, minibars and large marble bathrooms come as standard.
There are six restaurants and bars, including the Kashmir-inspired Javar, Italian Le Cirque and Japanese Megu, plus two over-the-top, dimly lit bars and an airy terrace. There’s a two-storey spa featuring treatment rooms, a salon and gym but the rooftop pool, surrounded by the hotel’s glittering golden roof and overlooking the city is the cherry on top of this hotel. If you’re still not satisfied, yoga classes, daily ceremonial rituals and even the hotel’s very own Art Walk are available; the latter taking you through their collection of priceless contemporary artworks.
Find out more about The Leela Palace New Delhi
7. The Manor
A modern, stylish boutique hotel in Delhi, The Manor is located in a gated community of Friend’s Colony West, making it feel like your own tranquil space after a day of exploring. The hotel has transformed following a full renovation so that it is now a sleek, concrete structure with warm lighting, natural light, and plenty of plant life to hide it from the outside world.
Rooms are simple, with plenty of wood and patterned linens, offering king-sized beds and 4K televisions, while some have private terraces. Suites come with platters of fresh cookies, sparkling wine, and personal libraries. There’s a new Italian café called Camillo’s at The Manor, serving freshly baked pizza, although you may fill up on the hearty a la carte breakfast offering everything from pancakes to English breakfasts. Wellness fanatics will be pleased to know that The Manor has one of the best gyms in Delhi along with yoga and Pilates classes at an extra cost and a range of Ayurveda treatments at the spa.
Discover The Manor
8. LetsBunk Poshtel & Suites
If you’re searching for a cool, clean, Scandi vibe amidst the heat of Delhi, Poshtel by LetsBunk hits all the right spots. If the rooms weren’t all private, it would almost feel like a hostel thanks to the minimalist yet welcoming lounge areas, and their Swedish café Fike, which serves up everything from pizza to smoothie bowls and is the perfect co-working spot.
Rooms vary from Queen right up to the Penthouse, coming in classic Scandinavian white, with frond plants and black metal furniture. Hints of India such as delicate archways and tiled floors remind you where you are, and larger rooms have cute working, living and dining areas.
Poshtel doesn’t have the amenities of a luxury hotel, but the great restaurant, romantic rooftop area, and yoga classes are more than enough, as are the wealth of sights on the doorstep. Its South Delhi location with forest views is just a stone’s throw from Haus Khaz Fort and Lake.
Learn more about LetsBunk Poshtel & Suites
9. The Claridges
The Claridges Hotel in Delhi, reminiscent of the hotel of the same name in London, is bursting with old-world charm, fine dining establishments, and lavishly decorated interiors, not to mention the in-house pianist in the lobby.
All of the 132 rooms are kitted out with huge headboards, warm yellow bedding, and more cushions than you can count. The rooms’ dainty panelling and columned archways are second only to the amenities, which include plush king-sized beds, and spacious bathrooms, living and dining areas.
The garden area, with its perfectly manicured lawn, is ideal for enjoying a drink under a parasol, while the central swimming pool has cabanas and deck chairs under shady palm trees. If you don’t manage to snag one, take a wellness break in the small spa or break a sweat in the gym.
The width and breadth of the world is represented at The Claridges’ restaurants, from the French-style Ye Olde Bakery to Indian classics at Dhaba and candlelit Mediterranean at Sevilla. Cap the night off at the high-tech Aura, where a virtual reality host will take your order.
Find out more about The Claridges
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