The Leela Palace New Delhi
New Delhi, India
Diplomatic Enclave
Vibe
Carved sandstone elephants and Murano chandeliers set a grand tone across manicured courtyards and art-lined marble halls.
“Palatial diplomatic outpost”
Lutyens-inspired domes, Rajasthani miniature paintings, and an eleven-foot copper bust of Devi by Satish Gupta in the courtyard.
Fresh jasmine garlands on arrival, twenty-four-hour butler service, and rooftop pool attendants bearing rose-water towels.
The Library Bar mixes literary-themed cocktails amid leatherbound first editions, Chesterfield armchairs, and a torchlit terrace.
In Chanakyapuri's Diplomatic Enclave, along embassy boulevards a short drive from India Gate.
“Accommodations more than live up to the challenge of the soaring, multistoried lobby, featuring mirror televisions and significant lighting in all the bathrooms, as well as grand beds and far-ranging views.”
Rooms
Spacious rooms feature hand-woven carpets, rich brocades, and travertine marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs.
“Huge Murano chandeliers, hand-woven carpets, intricate miniature paintings, sandstone elephant statues—Leela Palace is like the incredibly grand home of a globetrotting modern-day maharajah.”
Wellness
The temperature-controlled rooftop pool overlooks the city skyline, while the two-story spa provides Ayurvedic therapies and crystal steam rooms.
“The Leela Palace’s 25-metre rooftop pool is the most obvious spot from which to cool off.”
Backstory
Opened in 2011 as a modern palace, the property houses an extensive collection of contemporary Indian paintings and courtyard sculptures.
Eat & drink
Jamavar serves royal Indian curries, MEGU prepares robata grilled specialties, and glass-walled The Qube overlooks manicured gardens.
The neighborhood
Tree-lined boulevards and foreign embassies surround the property in Chanakyapuri, offering a peaceful buffer from the city center.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.