India Known for their graciousness and hospitality, Indians believe in the Sanskrit phrase Atithi Devo Bhava, which means “Guests are akin to God.”
India treats her guests like royalty, and her grand palaces, now transformed into 7-star hotels, flaunt luxury and elegance. What can be more luxurious than spending a vacation amidst such colossal properties surrounded by lush greenery and equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, opulent suites, fine-dining restaurants, soothing spas, and health and fitness centers?
Here is a list of the top seven seven-star hotels in India, the costliest hotels in India to experience a royal stay. These hotels have hosted many important dignitaries, heads of states, country ambassadors, and celebrities.
What Makes a 7-Star Hotel Different from a 5-Star Hotel?
How to determine whether a hotel is a 5-star or 7-star?
There isn’t an official international standard for rating that lets a hotel earn a 7-star category or tag. The benchmarking is usually based on the levels of luxury, comfort, and hospitality offered by the property, and the overall experience that can be defined as nothing short of grandiose.
- 5-Star Hotels: Generally chosen for business and leisure stays, offering luxurious treatment.
- 7-Star Hotels: Mostly chosen for leisure stays, offering royal treatment. Frequented by royalty, heads of states, country ambassadors, delegates, and billionaires.
What are the facilities in a 7-star hotel?
- Client-Centric Service: The client makes the rules and is never limited in choices.
- Iconic Architecture: Properties have more suites than rooms with unique designs.
- Exclusive Premises: Out of reach for the general public.
- High-Profile Guests: Heads of state, celebrities, and billionaire entrepreneurs.
- Luxury Services: Rolls Royce limousine shuttles, royal suites, gold furnishings.
- Personalized Service: Personal butlers cater to all demands.
- Exquisite Decor: Rooms have plush beds and spacious accommodations with overwhelming views.
- Complete Privacy: Every aspect of the hotel exudes luxury and privacy.
Although there is no official 7-star rated hotel in India, the following super-premium luxury hotels fit the bill of a 7-star property.
1. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Experience unmatched royalty at the iconic Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur.
- Features:
- Landscaped Baradari Lawns
- 70 Art Deco-style rooms and suites
- A subterranean Zodiac Pool
- Jiva Grande Spa
- Trophy Bar
- Restaurants serving Rajasthani, European, and Mediterranean delicacies.
What people love: Positioned atop Chittar Hill amidst 26 acres of lush gardens, Umaid Palace provides an exclusive view of the Blue City and Mehrangarh Fort. Noted for its Palace Heritage Walks and folk art performances during dinners.
How to reach: Conveniently located 20 minutes from Jodhpur airport. Flights are available from major Indian cities.
Price range: Palace rooms start from INR 43,000 per night, with Maharaja/Maharani suites available for INR 5,00,000 per night.
Must try: Authentic Rajasthani cuisine at its Indian restaurants.
Best season to stay: October to March.
Best price: July and August.
2. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Beautifully crafted with hand-carved marble latticework, Rambagh Palace portrays extravagance and splendour.
- Features:
- 78 luxury rooms and suites
- Elaborate Mughal Gardens
- Fine dining restaurants
- Rejuvenating spas
What people love: Sumptuous Indian meals at Suvarna Mahal, multi-cuisine at the Rajput Room and Verandah Café, Mediterranean delights at the lounge bar, and relaxing drinks at the Polo Bar. Noted for exclusive Indian & International Spa Therapies.
How to reach: Easily reached via railways, flights, or private transports. Jaipur has an international airport. Drive from Delhi takes about 3 hours.
Price range: Palace rooms start from INR 43,000 per night, with Grand Presidential Suites available for INR 9,50,000 per night.
Must try: Authentic Rajasthani cuisine at its Indian restaurants.
Best season to stay: October to March.
Best price: May, June, and July.
3. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
The magnificent Jag Niwas, now the aristocratic Taj Lake Palace, offers a royal stay in Udaipur.
- Features:
- 65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites
- Breathtaking views of City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machala Magra Hills, and Jag Mandir
- Host signature events or plan a destination wedding
What people love: Scenic surroundings, romantic royal historic boat dinners, Rajasthani delicacies at Neel Kamal, European recipes at Bhairo, and premium international spirits at Amrit Sagar bar.
How to reach: Accessible from major Indian cities with frequent flights. From outside India, take a connecting flight from Delhi.
Price range: Palace rooms start from INR 50,500 per night, with Grand Presidential Suites available for INR 4,25,000 per night.
Must try: Authentic Rajasthani cuisine at Neel Kamal.
Best season to stay: September to March.
Best price: April and June.
4. Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Shimla
Perched amidst beautiful natural scenery, Wildflower Hall offers a tranquil ambience for a relaxing vacation.
- Features:
- Spacious lounge
- Opulent accommodation
- Snooker and billiards room
- Library with a remarkable collection
- Quasi al fresco dining areas with mountain views
- Rejuvenating spa experiences
- Outdoor sports and private dining on request
What people love: Amazing spa and dining experiences.
How to reach: Accessible via roadway from Delhi or Chandigarh.
Price range: Deluxe garden view rooms are available for INR 35,000, with Lord Kitchener Suite available at INR 1,20,000.
Must try: Authentic north Indian cuisine.
Best season to stay: March to June and October to November.
Best price: December to February.
5. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Nestled 2,000 feet above Hyderabad, Taj Falaknuma Palace epitomizes royalty and grandeur.
- Features:
- 60 rooms and suites elegantly refurbished
- Jade Room, Durbar Hall, and dining hall for 101 diners
- Pristine gardens and terraces for signature events
- Spa sessions with Ayurvedic cooking
What people love: Rare book collection in the library and live Qawwali performances in the evenings.
How to reach: Well connected with flights from most cities across the world.
Price range: Palace rooms start from INR 32,000 per night, with Nizam Suites available for INR 6,00,000 per night.
Must try: Palatial delicacies at beautifully decorated restaurants, Indian fine-dining at Adaa, multi-cuisine at Celeste, afternoon tea at Jade Terrace, and unique dining at Gol Bungalow.
Best season to stay: October to February.
Best price: April and May.
6. Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg
Enjoy a joyous vacation amidst ethereal natural beauty at the Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa in Coorg.
- Features:
- Woods of rudraksha, cardamom, coffee, wild jasmine, and eucalyptus
- Traditional Kodagu architecture
- Nature walks, treks, coffee tasting, pottery classes, concierge tours, and cookery lessons
What people love: Exclusive spa, nature walks, and off-road biking.
How to reach: Nearest airport is Mangalore. Drive down from Bangalore airport.
Price range: Deluxe cottages start from INR 21,850 per night, with Presidential Nirvana Suites available for INR 1,60,350 per night.
Must try: Exotic south Indian cuisine at the resort’s restaurants.
Best season to stay: October to March.
Best price: July and August.
7. Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala
Set amidst abundant greenery in Kerala, Taj Bekal Resort & Spa offers a soothing ambience for a revitalizing holiday.
- Features:
- Inspired by Kettuvallam houseboats
- 66 laterite villas and rooms with picturesque views
- Traditional Ayurveda therapies at Jiva Spa
- Alepa body cleansing ritual
- Spotting exotic birds and scenic views
What people love: Kerala backwaters flowing through the resort and Kettuvalam houseboat-inspired rooms.
How to reach: Nearest airport is Mangalore. International travellers can drive from Cochin or Bangalore airport.
Price range: Superior rooms start from INR 13,500 per night, with luxury suites available for INR 40,000 per night.
Must try: Authentic Kerala cuisine at its restaurant.
Best season to stay: October to March.
Best price: June and July.
FAQs
Q: What makes a 7-star hotel different from a 5-star hotel?
A: A 7-star hotel provides unparalleled luxury and opulence, with client-centric services, iconic architecture, high-profile guests, luxury services, personalized attention, exquisite decor, and complete privacy.
Q: Which is the best season to visit 7-star hotels in India?
A: The best season to visit varies for each hotel. Generally, the months from October to March are ideal for most locations.
Q: Are there any official 7-star rated hotels in India?
A: There are no official 7-star rated hotels, but several properties offer a level of luxury and opulence that qualify them as 7-star experiences.
Q: What is the approximate cost of staying in a 7-star hotel in India?
A: The cost varies widely depending on the hotel and room type, ranging from INR 13,500 per night to INR 6,00,000 per night.
India offers an experience unlike any other, a journey into the heart of luxury and tradition. The seven-star hotels mentioned provide a blend of heritage and modernity, making your stay unforgettable.
By choosing to stay at these magnificent properties, guests are not just opting for a place to stay; they are embracing a world of royalty, elegance, and top-tier hospitality. Explore these luxurious 7-star hotels and enjoy an experience of a lifetime.