The Leela Palace, New Delhi

Bright Ideas in Travel 2024

"The Leela’s properties across India use more than 10 tons of flowers every year—and now, those flowers will be reused, too. In February 2024, the brand commenced a new collaboration with Phool, a company that employs marginalized and at-risk women in Uttar Pradesh to upcycle temple flowers that would have otherwise been dumped into the Ganges. The Leela collects flowers from its properties, which are sent to Phool’s facilities to be “flowercycled” into natural incense. These incense sticks and cones are then infused with The Leela’s signature scent and distributed to its hotels and resorts, where they are available for guests to purchase."

These 100 Hotels Were Voted Best in the World by T+L Readers — and 16 of Them Are in the U.S.

"A palatial, over-the-top Delhi property notable for dramatic Murano-glass chandeliers, spacious richly decorated rooms, and opulent suites—some with private plunge pools and grand marble bathrooms." - Paul Brady Paul Brady Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler, Skift, and The Huffington Post. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

The Leela Palace New Delhi

"So, can you tell us a little about this place? An almighty monument in fine white marble and soaring ceilings in a city that’s already full of such stuff, and as grand as all get-out. If you ever needed an exclamation point to be thwacked down firmly following the very last word of the Raj in India, this should serve. This is Delhi’s modern-day palace. Everything is mirrored, tufted, plumped, embroidered, gilded—and there are flowers everywhere. We can already tell we're going to love it. Is there a story behind it? Part of smart Indian hotel group The Leela, this New Delhi flagship was a hundred-of-millions new-build in 2011, filled with huge Murano chandeliers from Venice, hand-woven carpets from Turkey, intricate Rajasthani miniature paintings, sandstone elephant statues carved in Qatar—like the incredibly grand home of a globetrotting modern-day maharajah. Talk about spare no expense! What can we expect from the bedrooms? The 260 rooms and suites are touted as being the biggest in the city, each more over-the-top-opulent than the last, with Travertine marble bathrooms with swimming pool-sized tubs, a pillow menu with a choice of 13 different types; the design is all classic damask wallpaper, heavy silks, and mahogany furniture. And everything is controlled from an iPod beside the ultra-plump bed. We're still stuck on the 13 types of pillows. How about the food and drink? The four restaurants jet between Franco-Italian Le Cirque (lots of truffles), Japanese Megu (where fish for sushi and sashimi come direct from Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish market), and super-smart Indian at Jamavar (try the incredibly rich black daal or lobster nerulli curry). There’s also all-day-spot Qube in its glass box (where the breakfast buffet runs from masala dosas to almond croissants, as well as a fresh made-to-order juice station) overlooking manicured lawns. Sounds like a nice variety. Anything stand out about the service? There's an army of staff are at every turn—where are they hiding?—to open doors, carry bags, and proffer fresh flower garlands. Perfect. What type of person stays here? Groomed international players and monied locals with high-gloss hair. Got it. What’s the surrounding area like? In the leafy Diplomatic Enclave, this is a step removed from the bustling, crazy-busy, all-hours assault-on-the-senses image you might have of Delhi (hence the hotel gets its fair share of heads of state, government ministers, and foreign ambassadors). Lovely. Anything we missed? When you arrive at the rooftop pool a picnic basket appears with icy water, fresh lemonade, magazines, and cold towels soaked in rose water. Down in the ESPA spa many of the treatments draw on Indian’s ancient Ayurvedic traditions. We'll have to try it out—thanks for the tip. And anything you’d change? Opulence can get a bit over the top if you’re more used to a hippie-chic shack on the beach. But that’s not what you’re here for, is it? True! So, is it worth it—and why? This is a fantastical modern palace in India’s capital. A gilded bubble of indulgence with all the trimmings." - Fiona Kerr

Our Readers’ Favorite India City Hotels of 2023

"A stately property in New Delhi, The Leela Palace is praised for rooms swathed in gold and royal blue and for a range of celebrated dining options, from Jamavar (highlighting North Indian cuisine) to the Japanese-inspired Megu and the European-leaning Le Cirque; voters elevated it to No. 2 overall for these features." - Tanvi Chheda Tanvi Chheda Tanvi Chheda is a writer and family travel expert. Her work has appeared in Afar, Departures, Delta Sky,Virtuoso Life, Westways, The New York Times, Ciao Bambino, and Travel + Leisure, where she was formerly an assistant editor. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

"Le Cirque This is the first Asian location of Le Cirque, a celebrated and iconic Italian-French restaurant. Housed in the exclusive Leela Palace Hotel, Le Cirque beautifully fuses their legendary menu with a touch of Indian traditionalism. Pair your meal with one of 80 Italian or 100 French wines, all with a view of Delhi's skyline. The cost, like the ingredients, are elevated, but so will be the memories after a Le Cirque experience."