In 2026 the brand celebrates four decades of True Indian Luxury. Owned by a private real estate fund sponsored by Brookfield Asset Management, The Leela now operates and develops properties across India and into Dubai. Guests experience a distinctive blend of royal architecture, cultural authenticity, refined service, and the timeless Indian philosophy of Atithi Devo Bhava — the guest is God. This approach has earned The Leela repeated global recognition, including the title of World’s Best Hotel Brand in 2020 and 2021, and the No. 2 Best Hotel Brand in the World in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026.

The Story Behind The Leela Brand

From a Visionary Beginning in Mumbai

The journey of The Leela began when Capt. C. P. Krishnan Nair purchased land near Mumbai’s airport and opened The Leela Mumbai in 1986. At a time when luxury hospitality in India was still finding its modern identity, he set out to create hotels that felt distinctly Indian yet met international standards of excellence. Early partnerships helped the brand refine its offering, and the property quickly became a preferred address for travellers seeking comfort and Indian warmth near the city’s international gateway.

Growth into India’s Leading Pure-Play Luxury Hospitality Brand

Over the decades The Leela expanded thoughtfully into key business and leisure destinations. Flagship palace hotels rose in New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Udaipur, and Jaipur. Resorts and additional hotels followed in places such as Kovalam, Ashtamudi, Gurugram, Gandhinagar, Hyderabad, and Coorg. Today the portfolio includes both owned and managed properties, with a strong pipeline of new hotels planned for destinations including Agra, Ayodhya, Jaisalmer, Bandhavgarh, Ranthambore, Srinagar, Sikkim, Mumbai BKC, and Dubai.

This measured growth has positioned The Leela as India’s largest institutionally owned and managed pure-play luxury hospitality company. The focus remains on quality over quantity, preserving the sense of place and personalised service that define every stay.

What Makes The Leela Experience Unique

Architecture, Art, and Cultural Immersion

Every Leela property is designed to reflect its location. Palace hotels draw inspiration from India’s royal heritage — Mysore Palace influences in Bengaluru, Rajasthani artistry in Udaipur and Jaipur, and Chettinad elements in Chennai. Interiors feature handcrafted details, local art, rich textiles, and carefully curated spaces that feel both grand and welcoming. Outdoor areas often include lush gardens, courtyards, and, in lakeside or coastal locations, dramatic natural settings.

Exceptional Service and Personalised Hospitality

Service at The Leela is warm, anticipatory, and deeply rooted in Indian traditions of graciousness. Many properties offer butler service, thoughtful welcome rituals, and staff who remember guest preferences. This consistent level of care contributes to the brand’s high guest loyalty scores and repeated recognition in global awards.

Dining Destinations That Celebrate Indian and Global Flavours

Dining forms a central part of the Leela experience. Signature restaurants such as Jamavar (celebrated for refined Indian cuisine), Le Cirque, Megu, and other property-specific venues deliver memorable meals. Many hotels also feature vibrant all-day dining spaces, elegant bars, and private dining options that suit both leisure and business travellers.

Wellness and Mindful Luxury

Wellness offerings blend traditional Indian practices with contemporary approaches. Spas provide Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, and rejuvenation programmes. Newer properties, such as The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, place even greater emphasis on nature, stillness, and holistic wellbeing, reflecting the brand’s evolving definition of luxury.

Iconic Properties Across India

The Leela Palace New Delhi

Located in the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri, this flagship city hotel combines modern Indian grandeur with spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and award-winning dining. It regularly ranks among the top city hotels in India and attracts both international visitors and discerning local guests.

The Leela Palace Bengaluru

Inspired by the architecture of Mysore Palace and set amid extensive gardens, this property has long been recognised as one of the best luxury hotels in Bengaluru. It balances business facilities with leisure amenities, making it a favourite for travellers to India’s technology capital.

The Leela Palace Udaipur

Set on the banks of Lake Pichola, this palace hotel offers the romance of Rajasthan with boat arrivals, elegant suites, and views that capture the essence of the City of Lakes. It frequently appears on lists of the finest resorts in India.

The Leela Palace Jaipur and Other Highlights

The Jaipur property continues the tradition of regal architecture and warm hospitality in the Pink City. Coastal and resort properties such as The Leela Kovalam and The Leela Ashtamudi deliver cliffside or lakeside escapes, while newer openings like The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary introduce immersive nature experiences.

Recognition and Awards That Confirm Excellence

The Leela’s consistent performance in independent surveys underscores its position among the best luxury hotels in India. Beyond the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, individual properties regularly earn high rankings in reader surveys for city hotels and resorts. The brand has also accumulated hundreds of national and international awards for service, design, dining, and overall guest experience since 2021. These accolades reflect not only beautiful buildings but the daily delivery of personalised care that guests remember long after their stay.

Planning Your Stay at The Leela

Travellers seeking luxury hotels in India often choose The Leela for a combination of location, heritage-inspired design, and reliable service standards. Whether the purpose is a business trip to a major city, a romantic lakeside escape, a family holiday, or a wellness retreat, the brand offers properties that match different needs while maintaining a unified sense of True Indian Luxury.

Booking directly or through trusted channels allows guests to access tailored experiences, loyalty benefits, and current offers. Peak seasons in popular destinations such as Rajasthan and Kerala require advance planning, while shoulder periods often provide excellent value without compromising the quality of the stay.

The Future of The Leela

As The Leela marks forty years, the brand continues to expand with discipline. New properties in culturally rich and experiential destinations will extend the opportunity for guests to experience authentic Indian hospitality in fresh settings. Sustainability initiatives, including renewable energy use and long-term net-zero goals, form part of the commitment to responsible luxury. At the same time, the core philosophy remains unchanged: creating meaningful experiences rooted in place, culture, and genuine care for every guest.

For anyone exploring the best luxury hotels in India or seeking a stay that feels both regal and warmly personal, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts delivers a distinctive and enduring expression of Indian luxury hospitality. From the moment of arrival to the final farewell, the brand invites travellers to experience India at its most gracious and memorable.