In a country known for 5-star service, these 6 hotels provide families with memorable luxury.
India can be a challenging though immensely worthwhile destination for families. I’d encourage our parent readers to be bold and truly experience all the country has to offer. But I also think that it’s important, especially for children, to have a calming place to rest and recharge at the end of the day. That’s why I’d advocate for spending more on luxury stays in India. In addition, many of these properties themselves have a grand and majestic history which will only enhance your visit.
KidTripster Tip: One frustration in staying at a five-star hotel in India? Almost none of them will accommodate a family of four in a standard room. In some locations, the hotel will provide a roll-away bed for one child, but certainly not two. That means you’ll be shelling out for two rooms instead of one, as that’s typically less expensive than springing for a multiple-room suite. It’s simply the way it is.
1. The Leela Palace New Delhi
New Delhi
Your family will feel like royalty at aptly-named The Leela Palace in the Diplomatic Enclave area of New Delhi. The hotel has been recognized as one of the best luxury stays in the world. The elegant yet welcoming lobby is decorated with Murano glass chandeliers, commissioned artwork, and fresh flowers… so many flowers! Rooms in even the least expensive category are lavish and surprisingly spacious. Your kids will be excited to see the infinity-edged, rooftop pool! But the best part of this hotel is the über attentive staff who seem to delight in pampering you. Online room rate in low season starts at $154/night.
For more on The Leela Palace and visiting Delhi, click here.
2. The Oberoi Amarvilas
Agra
As the closet hotel to the Taj Mahal, The Oberoi Amarvilas offers something no other Agra hotel can: guaranteed, uninterrupted views of the Taj from each and every room. Couple that with the attentive service and stunning pool, and you may be willing to pay the stunning price tag. The hotel also offers Oberoi Experiences for kids, including a cooking and bartending class. And keep an eye out for the peacocks on the back lawn; they inspired the peacock blue décor inside. Online rates during low season for a premier room start at around $376/night; during high season, that same room is priced at $623/night.
For more on The Oberoi Amarvilas and visiting the Taj Mahal, click here.
3. The Oberoi Rajvilas
Jaipur
Once you stay at The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur and experience this resort’s high level of service, you’ll compare all future hotel stays to this one. The lush 32-acres filled with red bougainvillea, shady trees, and peacocks – so many peacocks – was once the summer retreat of Jaipur’s royal family. You’ll feel like royalty when you enter your private villa featuring a king-sized, four-poster bed, ornate wood furnishings, handwoven rugs, and an inviting alcove with a comfortable sofa overlooking the gardens. This property offers a multitude of complimentary Oberoi experiences for kids, plus an inviting pool, tennis courts, badminton court, and putting green. Online rates during low season start around $343/night.
For more on The Oberoi Rajvilas and visiting Jaipur, click here.
4. RAAS Jodhpur
Jodhpur
This boutique hotel is a surprising haven in Jodhpur’s busy old town. Formerly a haveli (mansion), RAAS Jodhpur seamlessly blends ancient Rajput architecture with contemporary furnishings and amenities. The refreshing pool would be the focal point of the hotel, if not for the stunning views of Mehrangarh Fort looming above. During the evening when both the fort and hotel courtyard are illuminated, the effect is magical. RAAS Jodhpur is a great spot for your family to take a cooking class during your Indian travels with Chef Vishal Gautum at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Darikhana. Rooms start at $149/night online with a 60-day advance reservation.
For more on RAAS Jodhpur and visiting Jodhpur, click here.
5. RAAS Devigarh
Near Udaipur
It’s not often that you have the opportunity to stay in a bona fide palace and certainly not one as beautifully-restored as RAAS Devigarh. Located about 45 minutes outside Udaipur, this resort is worth the detour. Again, RAAS expertly blends old and new to create an atmosphere of pure luxury. Your kids will love the oversized pool and hot tub, the billiards room, ping pong table, and other game tables set up on the balcony overlooking the village of Delwara. Spend a half day exploring village life here and another half day touring Udaipur. In the evening, return to have the most memorable dinner of your Indian travels in the palace’s Sheesh Mahal, or mirror room. Your family will never forget it! Online rates in low season start at $173/night.
For more on RAAS Devigarh and visiting Delwara and Udaipur, click here.
6. The St. Regis Mumbai
Mumbai
The St. Regis Mumbai may cater to business travelers, but it’s also a kid-friendly choice for families visiting the mega city of Mumbai. Sophisticated and centrally-located, the hotel has an energy about it that your family is sure to appreciate. After a morning of sightseeing in chaotic Mumbai, retreat to the serene, infinity-edged, rooftop pool. And with family-friendly Seven Kitchens plus two other world-class, award-winning restaurants, the foodies in your family will never go hungry. The prepaid, SPG member rate starts at around $193/night; otherwise rooms start at $287/night.
For more on The St. Regis Mumbai and visiting Mumbai, click here.
This writer received some complimentary or discounted stays for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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