Disclaimer: Top 10 Lists are created keeping in mind only our opinion. Rest assured that IH Aviation and Travel is not biased whatsoever.
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is a premium luxury hospitality brand present in India. Captain CP Krishnan Nair founded The Leela brand in 1983 at the age of 65 years. The brand’s 1st hotel, The Leela Mumbai, opened in 1986. Over the course of 30 years since the opening of The Leela Mumbai, the brand has grown to comprise a world-class collection of 9 award-winning luxury hotels spread across key destinations in India with many more opening soon. The signature promise that binds the group’s underlying philosophy is ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, or ‘Guest is God’, as laid down in the ancient Indian scriptures. Let’s take a look at the Top 10 Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts in India.
10. The Leela Bhartiya City, Bengaluru (Opening Soon)
The Leela Bhartiya City, Bengaluru, is part of the sprawling Bhartiya City that is spread over 125 acres. Located at a 30 minutes drive from the airport, the hotel offers 281 lavish guest rooms and suites suites which exhibit refined contemporary interiors and offer a luxurious indulgence. Falak – Restaurant and Lounge – offers authentic Indian cuisine while the speciality restaurant The Lotus Oriental makes you traverse through the expanse of Asian flavours with a delectable choice of menu. The all-day dining restaurant Quattro offers a casual dining experience. The extensive banqueting and conferencing venues at the hotel boasts of over 45,000 square feet of space including a Grand Ballroom, Royal Ballroom, The Terrace, The Board Room and other meeting rooms.
Note that this hotel is not yet open and is scheduled to open sometime this year. I will update this article once the hotel opens.
Website: The Leela Bhartiya City, Bengaluru
9. The Leela, Mumbai
The Leela, Mumbai, is conveniently located just 5 minutes away from the Mumbai International Airport and is close to North Mumbai’s commercial centre and export zone. The hotel consists of 394 guest rooms and suites which overlook the landscaped gardens or tropical pool. The 24-hour Citrus Restaurant serves international food in a casual setting, while fine Indian dining can be enjoyed at Jamavar. Alternatively, Chinese cuisine, Italian delights and drinks are available at The Leela’s 4 other dining options. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by greenery, a well equipped fitness centre and a spa featuring a relaxing menu of massage and beauty treatments, as well as special programs designed for men.
Website: The Leela, Mumbai
8. The Leela Ambience Gurgaon Hotel and Residences
Just beside Ambiance Mall, The Leela Ambience Hotel & Residences, Gurgaon is located along the fringe of Gurgaon/Delhi NCR (National Capital Region) in Haryana. The hotel consists of 227 Deluxe/Premier rooms, 67 Royal Club rooms, 29 suites and 89 Residences (One/Two/Three bedrooms) offering views of the city or the sprawling greenery of the Rajokri Greens. International cuisines are served at Spectra Restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant. Other dining options include Diya North Indian Restaurant. Drinks are available at Rubicon Whiskey Bar. Zanotta has an interactive kitchen that serves Italian delights. Handcrafted cakes and confectioneries can be enjoyed at The Leela Patisserie. A variety of delights and drinks can be enjoyed at the Skydeck Lounge. Guests can unwind by the outdoor swimming pool, enjoy a spa treatment at award-winning Lavanya Spa, can exercise at the fitness center, arrange day trips at the tour desk or do manicures at the beauty salon.
Website: The Leela Ambience Gurgaon Hotel and Residences
7. The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, New Delhi
The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi, with its modern design perfectly complemented by the relaxed and neutral shades, strikes a balance between grandeur and subtlety. Located in East Delhi, it is suitable for all your business needs. The hotels’ 480 rooms and suites are furnished in a contemporary manner and open to majestic vistas of the city. Dining options include Cafe Knosh, Dilli 32, Mei Kun, Cherry Bar and Club Cuba. Facilities include convention facilities spread over 70000 square feet (6503 square metre), a Swimming Pool, Shanaya Spa, a Salon and Fitness Centre.
Website: The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi
6. The Leela Palace, Jaipur
The Leela Palace Jaipur draws inspiration from Rajasthan’s royal heritage and is an elegant reflection of modern palatial grandeur and an epitome of true Indian luxury. Located amidst tranquil environs near the Amber fort on Delhi-Jaipur highway, the hotel is set on over 8 acres of landscaped gardens, against the majestic backdrop of the Aravalli range. The 200 guest rooms, suites and villas (some with private plunge pool) are tastefully appointed. Sukh Mahal is an all-day dining restaurant serving international and local cuisine with an interactive live kitchen concept to suit every palate. Architecturally inspired from the Sheesh Mahal at Amer Fort in Jaipur, Mohan Mahal is lit up only with candles and its mirror décor lends an atmosphere of refined elegance. Jharokha is a perfect combination of a lounge and bar offering array of coffees and cocktails. Overlooking the Aravalli Hills, Hawa Mahal, the rooftop restaurant offers a distinctive ‘Under the Stars’ dining experience. It is an ideal place to enjoy the weather and scrumptious grills along with your family and friends. Facilities include banquet venues spread over 50,000 square feet, a fitness centre, an outdoor temperature controlled swimming pool, a salon and a tour desk. Holistic Wellness Spa offers treatments that are tailored to your unique needs, and focus on delivering four distinctive benefits – Calm, Indulge, Invigorate and Renew.
Website: The Leela Palace, Jaipur
5. The Leela Palace, Chennai
The Leela Palace, Chennai, located in MRC Nagar, is spread across 4.8 acres of peaceful land. This 5 star hotel in Chennai is an ode to the majestic palaces of the Chettinad dynasty, courtesy of its grandeur and space and the hotel is set in a lush green environment overlooking the sea. The 316 rooms and suites are some of the biggest in the city with the base rooms at 50 square meter. Spectra restaurant features 7 interactive kitchens and views of the Adyar River. Other dining options include Jamavar Indian Restaurant, China XO Chinese restaurant, Library Blu bar, The Cake Shop and The Lobby Lounge. Facilities include 28000 square feet of event space, ESPA, Hitech Gym, an outdoor swimming pool and a salon.
Website: The Leela Palace, Chennai
4. The Leela Palace, Bengaluru
Conveniently located close to the Bengaluru’s commercial district, The Leela Palace, Bengaluru, is a combination of the modern amenities and a palatial setting true to the Vijayanagara empire’s reputation. Nestled in the midst of lush gardens that spread across 7 acres, the hotel features décor reflecting the grandeur of the bygone era. The 357 rooms and suites are some of the most spacious in Bengaluru. Guests can head to Citrus, an all day dining restaurant, to relish Asian, Mediterranean, European and Indian cuisine, Jamavar – Specialty Indian Restaurant, to enjoy Indian delicacies. Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Thai cuisines are offered at Zen – the Pan Asian specialty restaurant while French and Italian dishes can be relished at Le Cirque Signature. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and wellness center, Yoga studio and 21000 square feet of events space.
Website: The Leela Palace, Bengaluru
3. The Leela Palace, Udaipur
Located beside the tranquil Lake Pichola, The Leela Palace Udaipur is flanked by the rolling Aravalli mountain ranges. It is a modern palace hotel in Udaipur which evokes the grandeur and opulence of the Land of the Mewars. All of the 80 guest rooms and suites are stately lavishly appointed with exquisite embellishments and traditional artisan crafts inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Soft breezes and views of a starlit sky accompany fine Indian specialities at the Sheesh Mahal. For an international dining experience, guests can head to the Dining Room at The Leela Palace. The Library bar offers fine wines, single malts and time refined cognacs as well as an array of well-crafted cocktails and delicious starters. A exclusive spa, an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a tour desk, a business centre, event spaces and a fitness centre are some of the facilities present at the hotel.
Website: The Leela Palace, Udaipur
2. The Leela Palace, New Delhi
The Leela Palace New Delhi is located at the very heart of the capital’s prestigious Diplomatic Enclave and exemplifies the magnificent architecture, grace and elegance of Lutyens’ Delhi. The heritage of the city, along with modern design elements, is beautifully reflected in the design of this modern palace hotel in New Delhi. The hotel offers state-of-the-art amenities in a rich and royal setting, right in proximity to the New Delhi Airport. The 254 guestrooms, as inviting as they are opulent, offer top-end comfort, service and technology, and rank among the largest in the city. Dining options include The Qube (all day dining); Jamavar (signature Indian restaurant); Megu (Japanese restaurant); Le Cirque (fine-dining Franco Italian restaurant); The Library Bar and The Lobby Lounge. Facilities include Banquet Venues spread over 21000 square feet (1954 square metres), a rooftop infinity swimming pool, a Spa and a Salon.
Website: The Leela Palace New Delhi
1. The Leela, Goa
The Leela Goa is a unique property set amidst the sprawling 75 acres of lush greenery and beautiful lagoons with a winding river on one side and the azure blue sea on the other. The resort offers 206 rooms and suites that are elegantly furnished and balconies that open up to majestic views of the lagoons and the Arabian Sea. For guests seeking unparalleled luxury, The Leela Goa has its very own – The Club. Private and exclusive, The Club has twenty lavish suites, each with a personalized 24-hour butler, all-day dining at the Club Lounge and private access to a 25-metre swimming pool and beach. Built around the concept of ‘A Hotel within a Hotel’, The Club within The Leela Goa epitomizes luxury and offers exclusivity beyond imagination. Leela Goa offers 7 food and beverage options served buffet style, with cuisines ranging from local Indian dishes to Italian food, namely The Restaurant (all day dining); Riverside (fine-dining Italian restaurant); Jamavar (signature Indian restaurant); Susegado (Beachside Sea food restaurant); Aqua (Entertainment lounge), The Pool Bar and Yali Lounge. Guests may enjoy Ayurvedic massage and yoga sessions at the spa, or arrange a sunset cruise at the tour desk. The Leela also provides a tennis court and pottery making classes. Over 20000 square feet of event spaces, a 12 hole golf course and a outdoor swimming pool are available at the hotel.
Website: The Leela, Goa
Featured image by The Leela, Goa