Modern diplomatic palace
Gilded archways and soaring marble halls frame the public spaces, where fresh daily floral installations and regal service set a stately, palatial tone.
“The Leela Palace’s 25-metre rooftop pool is the most obvious spot from which to cool off.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Lutyens-inspired domes and Murano chandeliers frame contemporary bronze sculptures by Satish Gupta.
Remarkable
Pool attendants delivering chilled rose-water towels, and thirteen choices on the pillow menu.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
This place is ginormous. Then again, New Delhi itself is no little village, so a great rectangle of a hotel fits the scene perfectly.
“Inside, the luxuriousness continues with gold leaf, marquetry, chandeliers, carved ceilings and, everywhere you look, fresh flowers, which are delivered daily.”
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Located along the wide, tree-lined boulevards of Chanakyapuri, the hotel sits in the quiet Diplomatic Enclave bordered by foreign embassies.
The rooms
Hand-woven carpets and rich brocades dress spacious rooms, paired with expansive travertine marble bathrooms featuring oversized soaking tubs.
The rooftop pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The eleventh-floor infinity pool stretches 25 meters under sandstone pavilions, looking out across the city skyline.
The spa and gym
The two-level spa delivers Ayurvedic rituals under gold-leaf ceilings, and the fitness room stays open around the clock.
Restaurant
The Qube
Floor-to-ceiling glass walls enclose this all-day dining pavilion, where live stations prepare international dishes beside manicured gardens.
This is Delhi’s modern-day palace. Everything is mirrored, tufted, plumped, embroidered, gilded—and there are flowers everywhere.
At the table
MEGU serves Japanese dishes beneath a colossal temple bell. Across the palace, Jamavar prepares traditional North Indian recipes.
How it began
Completed in 2011, the property was conceived as a modern Indian palace echoing Lutyens architecture and filled with commissioned contemporary art.
“Carved sandstone elephants welcome guests into a two-story chandeliered lobby at this palace-style hotel.”
Good to know
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The Leela Palace New Delhi
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.