Maharashtra
This astonishing choice hidden away in forested mountains 16km south of Lonavla buries the competition for the state's best hotel. The 28 pine and red…
Must-see hotels in South India
Panaji
One of the original heritage hotels in Fontainhas, the Panjim Inn has been a long-standing favourite for its character and charm. Run by the lovely…
Mumbai (Bombay)
This five-star, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum-certified hotel channels the most luxurious local character. The details are…
Northern Kerala
This fabulous, plastic-free beachfront ecoresort consists of 18 sleekly designed thatch-roof cottages inspired by Kerala fishers' huts, with voguish…
Mumbai (Bombay)
The grande dame of Mumbai is one of the world’s most iconic hotels and has hosted a roster of presidents and royalty. Sweeping arches, staircases and…
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Easily the chicest place to stay in the Andamans, this ecoconscious British-owned luxe-boutique hideaway is built into a banana-and-betel-nut plantation,…
Tamil Nadu
A different Chettiar charm inhabits this gorgeously renovated, French-run mansion from 1910, 6km east of Kanadukathan. Rooms combine the traditional and…
Panaji
The Panjim Peoples is an atmospheric and beautifully restored heritage hotel with just four enormous upstairs rooms in what was formerly the Peoples High…
Maharashtra
Passionate enthusiasts run this two-decade-old, conservation-minded lodge, which is deeply entrenched in studying Tadoba tigers. It's located in the…
Maharashtra
This deliciously preserved 150-year-old bungalow exudes undiluted nostalgia, with quaintly luxurious rooms. Reminisce about bygone times in the company of…
Hyderabad
The former residence of the sixth nizam, this 1884 neoclassical palace now run by the Taj group oozes class and grandeur with its embossed-leather…
Munnar
An award-winning, totally charming family homestay, peacefully located 12km southwest of Munnar, overlooking owner Tomy’s exquisite nursery and organic…
Mumbai (Bombay)
Forget the 3500 hand-blown chandelier bulbs or the 75-species aquarium in the lobby of this newer hotel connected to the domestic airport terminal. At the…
Palolem
Ciarans has some of the most impressive huts on the beachfront. Affable owner John has worked hard over two decades to maintain a high standard and his…
North Goa
About five minutes’ walk back from Morjim Beach, Wanderers is a real find for budget travellers. The main building, decorated with original travellers'…
Mumbai (Bombay)
The Residency is the kind of dependable place where you can breathe a sigh of relief after a long journey and be certain you’ll be looked after well. It’s…
Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Occupying a 100-year-old building revamped by two French architects, Villa Shanti puts an exquisitely contemporary twist on the French Quarter heritage…
Kodagu (Coorg) Region
A great place to socialise with eco-minded Indians, this nature-soaked refuge is immersed within forest and plantations, and has an organic, sustainable…
Tamil Nadu
Chettinadu's original heritage hotel, this lovingly revamped, efficiently managed whitewashed ‘bungalow’ isn't a typical mansion but has all the requisite…
Kodagu (Coorg) Region
Nestling in misty rainforest, this supremely stylish hotel incorporates principles of space and minimalism, and effectively blends into its environment…
Pune
Set around a manicured lawn right next to the Osho resort, this renovated Art Deco bungalow effortlessly combines colonial-era class with boutique appeal…
North Goa
Comprising the seven-suite Siolim House hotel and the three-bedroom Little Siolim, Siolim House is one of North Goa’s boutique treats. Situated in an old…
South Goa
This lovely boutique hotel, run by a well-travelled Indian-born British brother-and-sister team, is a gem of the South Goan coast and strictly for…
Chennai (Madras)
Chennai's most talked-about hotel is this ultraluxurious, 600-room, temple-inspired beauty in the city's southwest. A maze of sumptuous iPad-operated…
Kochi (Cochin)
Overlooking a lush garden with lily ponds and a pool, the stylish Old Harbour is housed in a 300-year-old Dutch/Portuguese heritage building. The elegant…
Northern Kerala
Surrounded by jungle and spice plantations, lovely Varnam is an oasis of calm 3km south of Katikulam in northern Wayanad. Varghese and Beena will look…
Nashik
Sula Vineyard's seven-room flagship resort sits a few kilometres from the winery (hence the name: Beyond) near the edges of the beautiful Gangapur Dam…
Nashik
First and foremost a boutique winery known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Vin de Passerillage dessert wine (tastings ₹400; 11am to 4.30pm), not to mention…
Tamil Nadu
Most Tranquebar accommodation is run by the sea-front Bungalow on the Beach, in the exquisitely restored 17th-century former residence of the British…
Kochi (Cochin)
Hotel-quality rooms come with solar-powered showers and a true family welcome from knowledgable hosts Philip and Maryann at this delightful homestay. The…
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
Well-organised, sociable Electric Cats, close to the buzzing Indiranagar area, has good dorms (including one female-only dorm) with a shared bathroom. All…
North Goa
This beautiful Portuguese villa, filled with antiques and enveloped in a peaceful courtyard garden, is a romantic and sophisticated old-world remnant…
Tamil Nadu
Lost in the riverside jungle, 10km northeast of Kumbakonam, this is a wonderful retreat from temple-town chaos. Comfy modern-rustic, Chettiar-style…
Hotel Marasa Sarovar Premiere Tirupati
Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
Really raising the bar in terms of quality in Tirupati, this sleek contemporary hotel is the best in town by some distance and represents fine value. It's…
Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Queen of local boutique hotels is this intimate, six-room 19th-century beauty, sleekly updated by one of Pondy's top French-architect teams. From curved…
Mumbai (Bombay)
A terrific 20-room boutique hotel, stylishly designed with colonial-style and art deco furniture, reclaimed teak flooring and original artwork; the luxury…
Karnataka
Set back from the highway, the wonderfully peaceful Heritage Resort has 14 tasteful, airy and spacious rooms and cottages with all mod cons (kettle,…
Tamil Nadu
Stunningly restored and professionally run by a Malayali hotel chain, Visalam is a relatively young Chettiar mansion, done in a fashionable 1930s art deco…
Mumbai (Bombay)
The aroma of sweet lemongrass greets you in the lobby at this excellent 18-room boutique hotel with an inviting atmosphere – and a fine location, five…
Karnataka
Dhole’s Den offers contemporary design in lovely pastoral surrounds. Stylish rooms and bungalows are decked out with art and colourful fabrics, plus…
