Private swimming pools, round-the-clock butler service, mouth-watering feasts prepared by professional chefs -- this is how we pictured Heaven to be, before we realized it actually exists on Earth. India’s most lavish and expensive luxury hotels are the experience of a lifetime, with comfort we wouldn’t even conceive in our wildest dreams. And even though we probably can’t afford any of these right now, we can always cross our fingers in the hopes of winning the lottery. Hey, it doesn’t hurt to dream, right? So, just in case you strike gold or oil sometime in the future, at least you’ll know where to go spend it frivolously--that too, in style. Scroll on for 12 of India’s most extravagantly expensive hotel rooms, and try not to let your jaw drop in public.
I. Shambu Prakash Suite @ The Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Sitting majestically on the calm surface of Lake Pichola, this luxury palace’s beauty is definitely postcard material. Built in 1740, the historic structure emits a radiant calmness in the cool lake breeze of Udaipur. The grand presidential Shambu Prakash suite, named after Mewar’s Maharana Shambhu Singh, is one of the most expensive in the country - and with good reason. Right from your airport pick up in a sleek Jaguar, you will be pampered in style with traditional folk-dancers and fire-eaters greeting you on your arrival. As personal chefs prepare a delectable feast of your choice served by a private butler, Taj Lake Palace offers the dreamiest of other experiences. Nothing is out of reach with this palace’s royal treatment, from drinks on a 150-year-old Gangaur boat, to a romantic shikara ride on the moonlit lake Pichola. And if that isn’t enough, the Palace’s spa boat will help you indulge in Taj’s signature Jiva Spa treatment for a relaxation you’ve never felt before.
Cost: Rs. 10,00,000 plus taxes per night for the romantic experience of a lifetime for the Shambu Prakash Suite.
II. The Tata Suite @ The Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi
A favourite among Heads of State and Bollywood’s glitterati, the Taj Palace Hotel is the delightful blend of opulence and culture. Boasting of contemporary design combining with Mughal decor, the Tata Suite has been intricately designed to reflect quality. The carpets lining this suite hail from the rare ‘Mughal Jail Collection’, possibly the most expensive in the world, and the walls are decorated with a rare collection of photographs tracing the history of the Tata family. With corridors hosting paintings of M. F. Husain, Anjolie Ela Menon and the likes, every sight of this suite is breathtaking. And the Tata Suite boasts not just of beauty, but comfort too. Complete with a personalized butler service, a gym and spa, and a walk-in closet, you will never have to leave your room!
Cost: It’s played host to Hilary Clinton, as well as Nicholas Sarkozy, at Rs. 8,00,000 plus taxes per night for the Tata Suite.
III. The Maharaja Suite @ The Leela Palace, New Delhi
Amplifying the grace and elegance of Lutyens’ Delhi, this haven of luxury in the heart of the prestigious Diplomatic Enclave area boasts of its proximity to most of our capital city’s important parliamentary edifices, such as the Presidential Palace, the Prime Minister’s office, various embassies and a host of historical monuments. And with a royal location, comes royal treatment. You will be unbelievably pampered in any one of the lavish suites, such as the Maharaja suite, that comes with its own Rolls Royce Phantom at your disposal, or the Presidential Suite, complete with intricate gold-leaf ceilings. Apart from an opulent dining experience topped with fine wine and liqueurs, the Leela Palace offers every amenity you could dream of, and much, much more. And you don’t even have to take our word for it, the likes of Tom Cruise and King Juan Carlos I of Spain have experienced this extravagance first-hand.
Cost: King-style comfort costs king-style gold, at Rs. 5,50,000 plus taxes per night for the Maharaja Suite.
IV. Nizam Suite @ The Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
Most of India’s famous sportspersons, businessmen and Bollywood celebrities swear by Taj Falaknuma Palace’s comfort and luxury. The grand presidential suite, known as the Nizam suite, comes with a personal jacuzzi, garden, swimming pool and exclusive spa access. Perfect for business stays, this duplex suite has a private area to entertain guests, and a butler pantry for your every need. Custom-designed Versace crockery adorned with Robbie and Berkin cutlery line the dining area, giving it an air of class and undeniable taste.
Cost: Elegant pampering at Rs. 5,00,000 plus taxes per night for the Nizam Suite.
V. Tata Suite @ The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
Experienced by the likes of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Anjelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, and Kanye West, Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Palace is soaked in opulence of the highest degree. The famous Tata suite is complete with a splendid hand-painted peacock in the living room entrance, an ornate Suryavanshi mirror adorning the wall, a centre table tray inlaid with mother of pearl, and several more nuanced, lavish touches. A private butler showers you with luxury in this spacious, royal suite. Peace and quiet is offered in the Sheeh Mahal study’s sanctuary, designed with a shamiana-shaped roof and a traditional jhula. Offering a majestic view of the Gateway of India and the Arabian Sea, this hotel is placed at Mumbai’s prime property.
Cost: Shell it out just for that picturesque view, at Rs. 3,50,000 plus taxes per night for the Tata Suite.
VI. Presidential Suite @ The Oberoi, Mumbai
Synonymous with luxury, Mumbai’s Oberoi hotel has played host to former President Bill Clinton, and a range of other important personalities. The wide selection of pampering services will spoil you to no end, and for the true royal treatment, the Presidential Suite delivers the true meaning of vacation. Enjoy the scenic view overlooking Mumbai’s marine drive lit up by the Queen’s necklace, and soak in the magnificence. Yes, that’s a grand piano in the room.
Cost: Who says money can’t buy happiness at Rs. 3,00,000 per night for the Presidential Suite.
VII. Presidential Suite @ The Oberoi, Gurgaon
Housing a contemporary Indian art gallery, Gurgaon’s Oberoi luxury hotel indulges both comfort and culture. As it hosts the country’s only exclusive cigar lounge, this hotel boasts of opulent design and facilities. With an Olympic-size outdoor heated swimming pool, you can soak your worries away under the open sky. And for true pampering, treat yourself to the Presidential Suite, complete with its own private heated pool and deck.
Cost: Service like you’ve never experienced at Rs. 3,00,000 plus taxes per night for the Presidential Suite.
VIII. Presidential Suite @ Taj Lands End, Mumbai
Located in the queen of Mumbai’s suburbs, the Taj Lands End stands as a symbol of lavish beauty in Bandra. As it overlooks the Arabian Sea, a picturesque view of gorgeous sunsets spoils each guest of this luxurious hotel. As you saunter into the Presidential Suite, the vision of hand-picked ornaments and tasteful decor greets you. Culinary delights flood the hotel, and pampering at the hands of a charming spa is the perfect road to smooth relaxation.
Cost: Premium view of stunning sunsets at Rs. 2,50,000 per night for the Presidential Suite.
IX. Kohinoor Suite @ The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
It’s not very often you wake up in the morning and gaze out your window to find yourself looking at the white-marble wonder of the Taj Mahal in Agra. The Oberoi Amarvilas offers luxurious comfort embedded in its hotel, designed to revive India’s rich cultural heritage through decor and architecture. The Kohinoor Suite particularly sings of opulence in every way, with entirely personalised service and access to a variety of lavish hotel offerings.
Cost: The Taj Mahal outside your window at just Rs. 2,50,000 per night for the Kohinoor Suite.
X. Kohinoor Villa @ The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
The grandeur of India’s royal Rajput past is resonated in this Oberoi hotel’s luxury tents and rooms. Experience Jaipur’s rich heritage being revived through each lined wall, beautifully crafted ceiling and carpeted floor. The Kohinoor Villa is the epitome of pampering, complete with a beautiful private pool for you to soak in, and forget the world outside.
Cost: A trip down India’s royal Rajput memory lane at Rs. 2,30,000 for the Kohinoor Villa.
XI. Maharaja Suite @ The Leela Palace Kempinski, Udaipur
Udaipur, known as the Venice of the East, boasts of this luxurious hotel dotting the banks of the serene Lake Pichola. With a breathtaking view of the Aravalli mountains from your room, the Maharaja Suite is the perfect blend of calm beauty and lavish comfort. Bathed in sunlight, this spacious suite will treat you with personal service for your every wish. Offering a wide selection of amenities to indulge in, The Leela Palace Kempinski is a dreamy lake-side destination.
Cost: Unparalleled serenity at Rs. 2,00,000 plus taxes per night for the Maharaja Suite.
XII. Presidential Suite @ ITC Sonar, Kolkata
Overlooking the hotel’s beautifully scenic water gardens, ITC Sonar’s presidential suite is drenched in natural light and luxury. With round-the-clock butler service catering to your every whim, no wish is out of your reach. The personal veranda overlooks a quaint lily pond, and, for something even more serene, you can step into the majestic Darjeeling Lounge. Cocktail dinners brim with gorgeous gourmet cuisines crafted to perfection, and the Kaya Kalp spa lulls you into a dream of calm relaxation. Having hosted Vijay Mallya, Mukesh Ambani, Shah Rukh Khan and more of India’s top personalities, Kolkata’s opulent ITC Sonar hotel is an experience to die for.
Cost: Treat yourself to comfort like never before at Rs. 1,25,000 plus taxes per night for the presidential suite.