Top 7 Luxurious 7 Star Hotels in India – Facts & Travel Guide

Known for their graciousness and hospitality, Indians believe in the Sanskrit phrase Atithi Devo Bhava which translates to “Guests are akin to God”.

India treats her guests like royalty, and her grand, royal palaces that are now transformed into 7 star hotels in India flaunt luxury and elegance.

What can be more luxurious travel in India than to spend a vacation in India amidst such colossal properties surrounded by lush greenery and well-equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, opulent suites, fine-dining restaurants, soothing spas, and health and fitness centres?

Here is a lowdown of premium seven-star hotels in India, the costliest hotels in India to experience a royal stay that has hosted many important dignitaries, heads of state, country ambassadors and celebrities.

Before delving deeper, let’s understand what makes a 7-star hotel in India different from that of a 5-star.

How to determine whether a hotel is a 5-star or 7-star?

While there isn’t an official international standard of rating that lets a hotel earn a 7-star category or tag, the benchmarking is usually done on the basis of the levels of luxury, comfort and hospitality offered by the property, and the overall experience that can be defined as nothing short of a grandiose.

The term “7-star hotel” was coined by a journalist who attended the opening of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai and felt the standards were far higher than the regular five-star hotels.

A 5-star hotel is generally chosen for business stays and leisure stays. While a 7-star hotel is mostly chosen for leisure stays.
A 5-star hotel gives you a luxurious treatment while a 7-star hotel gives you a royal treatment.
A 5-star hotel could be frequented by people from all walks of life. A 7-star hotel will have royalty, heads of state, country ambassadors, delegates and billionaires on its guest list.

What are the facilities in a 7-star hotel?

There are, of course, certain benchmarks for a 7-star property or what you might also call a super premium five-star property. For example,

What must be remembered in a super premium lifestyle property such as a “7 star” is that here it’s the client who makes the rules and is never limited in his choices
Location is of paramount importance
The property must have more suites than rooms with iconic architecture
Premises of the property should be out of reach for the general public
Many of its guests must be heads of state, celebrities, and billionaire entrepreneurs
Seven-star hotels have such services as a Rolls Royce limousine guest shuttle service, a ‘royal’ suite rather than a ‘presidential’ one, and gold furnishings
Room service is out the door and you will be treated to your butler who will cater to all of your demands
The rooms are filled only with the most exquisite of decorations and furnishings, from plush beds to extra-spacious rooms
The views from the rooms are usually overwhelming
Every customer’s experience is personalized and the interests, likes and dislikes are taken care of
A touch of luxury in every aspect of the hotel
Complete privacy

Although there is no official 7-star rated hotel in India, check out the following super-premium luxury hotels in India that fit our bill of a 7-star property.

1. Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Experience unmatched royalty at the iconic Umaid Bhawan Palace, located in the scenic city of Jodhpur. Residence of the erstwhile royal family of Jodhpur, Umaid Bhawan Palace exhibits utmost royalty and grandeur in its appeal, appearance, hospitality and so on. Built between 1928 and 1943, Umaid Bhawan Palace embodies the cultural heritage of Rajasthan.

Features at a glance:

Landscaped Baradari Lawns
70 Art Deco-style rooms and suites
A subterranean Zodiac Pool
Jiva Grande Spa
Trophy Bar
Restaurants serving authentic Rajasthani, European and Mediterranean delicacies and more.

What people love
Positioned atop the scenic and historic Chittar Hill amidst 26 acres of lush gardens, Umaid Palace provides an exclusive view of the picturesque Blue City and the daunting Mehrangarh Fort.

Exhibiting such magnificence, without a doubt, Umaid Bhawan Palace takes the top spots on the list of best 7-star hotels in India.

It is also noted for its Palace Heritage Walks and folk art performances during dinners.

How to reach?
The gorgeous Umaid Bhawan Palace is conveniently located 20 minutes from the Jodhpur airport.

Jodhpur is well connected with flights from major Indian cities. If you are travelling from outside India, you can take a flight from Delhi to Jodhpur.

Price range:
Palace room starts from 43,000/- per night and there are Maharaja/Maharani suites available for INR 5, 00,000/- per night.

Must try:
You must try authentic Rajasthani cuisine at its Indian restaurants.

Best season to stay there:
October to March is the ideal time to visit the palace.

When do you get it for the best price?
You may find the best prices if visiting in July and August.

2. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

Beautifully crafted with hand-carved marble latticework or ‘jalis’, elaborate sandstone balustrades, ‘chattris’ or cenotaphs and cupolas, Rambagh Palace portrays extravagance and splendour. Experience the finest traditions of Rajput hospitality at the Rambagh Palace.

For a truly imperial stay, enjoy a vacation at the Rambagh Palace in the majestic pink city of India. A holiday at this luxurious 7-star hotel in India will surely take your breath away.

Features at a glance:

78 gorgeous luxury rooms and suites
Elaborate Mughal Gardens
Fine dining restaurants
Rejuvenating spas and more

What people love:
Relish sumptuous Indian meals at the Suvarna Mahal, the former palace ballroom built in the 18th-century French style with huge crystal chandeliers.
The Rajput Room and Verandah Café serve multi-cuisine to satiate your taste buds.
Find Mediterranean delights at the lounge bar, or enjoy a relaxing drink at the Polo Bar.
Indulge in its exclusive Indian & International Spa Therapies for a holistic experience.

How to reach:
The pink city of Jaipur can be easily reached via railways, flights or private transport. Jaipur has an international airport. One can also drive from Delhi too. It takes about 3 hours.

Price range:
Palace room starts from 43,000/- per night and there are Grand Presidential Suites available for INR 9, 50,000/- per night.

Must try:
You must try authentic Rajasthani cuisine at its Indian restaurants.

Best season to stay there:
October to March is the ideal time to visit the palace.

When do you get it for the best price?
You may find the best prices if visiting in May, June and July.

3. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

The magnificent Jag Niwas built-in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh on Lake Pichola is now the aristocratic and illustrious Taj Lake Palace of Udaipur.

Popularly regarded as the Venice of the East, the exotic city of Udaipur has a lot to offer. From serene lakes, lavish temples, and scenic gardens to luxurious palaces, there’s a lot to experience. Celebrate your vacation at this stately palace.

Features at a glance:

65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites
Breathtaking views of the neighbouring City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machala Magra Hills and Jag Mandir.
Host signature events or plan your destination wedding.

What people love:
Apart from its scenic surroundings, Taj Lake Palace emplaced in the middle of the lake is noted for the romantic royal historic boat dinners.
Enjoy authentic Rajasthani delicacies at Neel Kamal and European recipes at the seasonally open-air Bhairo.
Enjoy flavoursome concoctions of martinis, cocktails and premium international spirits at Amrit Sagar, the bar.

How to reach:
Udaipur is easily accessible from major Indian cities with frequent flights. If you are visiting from outside India, take a short, connecting from Delhi.

Price range:
Palace room starts from 50,500/- per night and there are Grand Presidential Suites available for INR 4, 25,000/- per night.

Must try:
For authentic Rajasthani cuisine, have a meal at its restaurant Neel Kamal.

Best season to stay there:
September to March is the ideal time to visit the palace.

When do you get it for the best price:
You may find the best prices if visiting in April and June.

4. Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Shimla

Perched amidst breathtakingly beautiful natural scenery, Wildflower Hall offers a tranquil ambience to enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation.

Wildflower Hall is the former residence of Lord Kitchener, erstwhile commander in chief of the British army. A 7-star hotel in India, Wildflower will make your holidays worth cherishing lifelong.

Features at a glance:

A spacious lounge
Opulent accommodation
Snooker and billiards room
A library flaunting a remarkable collection
Quasi al fresco dining areas with exotic mountain views
Rejuvenating spa experiences in comfortable surroundings
Hosts outdoor sports and private dining on request.

What people love:
The resort is noted among its guests for amazing spa and dining experiences.

How to reach:
Shimla is accessible via roadway from Delhi or Chandigarh.

Price range:
Deluxe garden view rooms are available for INR 35,000/- and there is Lord Kitchener Suite available at INR 1,20,000/-.

Must try:
During your stay indulge in authentic north Indian cuisine.

Best season to stay there:
March to June is the ideal time to visit the resort. You may also visit during October and November.

When do you get it for the best price:
You may find the best prices if visiting from December to February.

5. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

Nestled 2,000 feet above the city of Hyderabad, Taj Falaknuma Palace epitomizes royalty and grandeur. Guests are escorted to the palace of the Nizam spread over 32 acres on horse-drawn carriages.

Undoubtedly, Taj Falaknuma Palace makes its place among the most noted 7-star hotels in India and abroad with its world-class appeal, facilities, service and so on.

Features at a glance:

60 rooms and suites-elegantly refurbished and restored.
The Jade Room, Durbar Hall and dining hall facilitate 101 diners.
The pristine gardens and terraces lend royal decadence to signature events and business meetings.
Spa sessions are complemented with a wellness menu using Ayurvedic cooking.

What people love:
Whether you are a bookworm or not, do check out its library featuring a rare collection of books. Also, enjoy the live Qawwali performances in the evenings.

How to reach:
Hyderabad is one of the major Indian cities well connected with flights from most cities across the world.

Price range:
Palace room starts from 32,000/- per night and there are Nizam Suites available for INR 6, 00,000/- per night.

Must try:
Relish palatial delicacies at the beautifully decorated restaurants.
Explore Indian fine-dining restaurant at Adaa, savour multi-cuisine at Celeste.
Spend the afternoon sipping on tea at the Jade Terrace or opt for private dinners at South East Garden & Jade Terrace.
Cherish a unique dining experience at Gol Bungalow.

Best season to stay there:
October to February is the ideal time to visit the palace.

When do you get it for the best price:
You may find the best prices if visiting in April and May.

6. Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg

Enjoy a joyous vacation amidst ethereal natural beauty at the Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa located in the enchanting ‘country of million hills’, Coorg.

Plan your honeymoon at the Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa where you can experience romantic candlelight dinners on request.
Enlisted among the best 7-star hotels in India, Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa shall leave you spell-bound.

Features at a glance:

Encircled by woods of rudraksha, cardamom, coffee, wild jasmine and eucalyptus.
Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa is designed replicating traditional Kodagu architecture exhibiting a warm charm.
Nature walks, treks, coffee tasting, pottery classes, concierge tours and even cookery lessons.

What people love:
Taj Madikeri is noted for its exclusive spa, nature walks and off-road biking.

How to reach:
Mangalore is the nearest airport. However, you can drive down from Bangalore airport as well.

Price range:
Deluxe cottages start from 21,850/- per night and there are Presidential Nirvana Suites available for INR 1, 60,350/- per night.

Must try:
Taste exotic south Indian cuisine at the resort’s restaurants for a lavish gourmet experience.

Best season to stay there:
October to March is the ideal time to visit the resort.

When do you get it for the best price:
You may find the best prices if visiting in July and August

7. Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala

Set amidst a canopy of abundant greenery in Kerala, Taj Bekal Resort & Spa offers a soothing ambience to spend a revitalizing holiday.

An ideal holiday destination for lovers of photography, nature and tranquillity, Taj Bekal Resort & Spa features like a 7-star hotel in India with top-notch hospitality and amenities.

Features at a glance:

Inspired by the design of Kettuvallam houseboats
66 laterite villas and rooms providing picturesque views of the surreal surroundings.
Opt for traditional Ayurveda therapies at the Jiva Spa to relax your senses.
Alepa, an intimate yet anointing body cleansing ritual to destress.
Catch a glimpse of the spotted sunbirds, white-bellied sea eagle, magpies, the majestic purple heron and so on.
Kappil beach to behold the joyous sight of fishermen in their coloured boats.

What people love:
One of the major attractions of the resort is Kerala backwaters flowing through it and a stay at one of its Kettuvalam houseboat inspired rooms would fill your hearts with joy.

How to reach:
Mangalore is the nearest airport; however, International travellers can drive down from Cochin or Bangalore airport as well.

Price range:
Superior rooms start from INR 13,500/- per night and there are luxury suites available for INR 40,000/- per night.

Must try:
Satiate your taste buds with authentic Kerala cuisine at its restaurant.

Best season to stay there:
October to March is the ideal time to visit the resort.

When do you get it for the best price:
You may find the best prices if visiting in May and June.

Apart from the above-mentioned ones, there are many other properties with similar aesthetic appeal.

Among those, the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, The Oberoi in Delhi deserves special mentions.

Take your picks from the list and spend luxurious holidays at 7-star hotels in India to experience the royal and regal lifestyle.