How Many 5-Star Hotels in India? A Journey Through Luxury and Dreams

Imagine this: You step out of your car, and before your feet even touch the hotel’s driveway, someone is already greeting you by name. Your favorite drink—yes, the exact one—is being poured without you having to ask. A warm smile welcomes you in, and suddenly, you feel like you’re not just checking into a 5-star hotel… you’re returning home to a place that somehow knows you.

That, right there, is India’s luxury hotel experience.This experience is best reflected in some of India’s coolest five-star hotels that truly redefine indulgence, where service feels personal rather than procedural.

And while people love to ask, “How many 5 star hotels in India?”, the real answer goes far beyond numbers. The official count stands at 823 classified five-star hotels as of April 2025, but behind each of these properties lies a universe of stories: celebrations, reunions, discoveries, transformations.Beyond the numbers, India’s hospitality scene includes everything from heritage palaces to ultra-modern retreats, many of which feature among the top luxury hotels in India today.

The Human Story Behind India’s 5-Star Hotels

These personal experiences mirror the wider narratives shaping hospitality today, as explored in the human stories behind 2025 hotel industry headlines.Luxury hotels in India aren’t just structures built of glass, marble, and chandeliers. They’re vessels that hold human moments—tiny memories that stay with you long after your checkout date.

Take Anwesh Thakur, for example, a lawyer from Bengaluru. He visited the Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur for his first wedding anniversary. A beautiful occasion, right? But something happened there—something warm, something deeply personal—that pulled him back every single year since.

He says:
“The services there are world-class, complete with personalised meal courses and spa sessions.”

For Anwesh, the hotel isn’t just a place to stay. It’s part of his love story. And that’s what luxury in India feels like when it’s done right: thoughtful, intimate, unforgettable.

Where Luxury Lives – Geography and Your Travel Dreams

India’s five-star hotels aren’t sprinkled randomly. They’re placed strategically—almost like the universe positioned them perfectly for your next dream vacation.

Let’s take a tour.

Kerala – Leading with 94+ Properties

If you crave stillness, sunsets, and backwaters that look like paintings brought to life, Kerala is calling you. Here, 5-star hotels aren’t just accommodations—they’re gateways to Ayurvedic retreats, houseboat journeys, and lush green mornings that feel like therapy.

Maharashtra – 86+ Hotels, Ways to Mix Business with Pleasure

Mumbai and Pune dominate as business hubs, yet somehow, they blend work with leisure beautifully. Think world-class dining, coastline views, iconic rooftop lounges, and spas that melt stress like ice on a hot plate.

Gujarat – 76+ Hotels of Culture and Enterprise

Known for its entrepreneurial energy, Gujarat’s luxury hotels reflect a balance of comfort and culture, making it perfect for business travelers who still want a taste of heritage.

Goa – 70+ Hotels of Beach Bliss

If sun, salt, and sea define your soul, Goa’s luxury hotels deliver paradise on a platter. Imagine sipping cold drinks by infinity pools overlooking endless blue.

Karnataka – 66+ Hotels of Tech Meets Heritage

From Bengaluru’s tech pulse to Mysuru’s regal charm, Karnataka offers both modern luxury and cultural immersion.

Delhi – 54+ Hotels of Power and Prestige

The capital blends global business energy with India’s heritage, giving you hotels that are grand, polished, and richly diverse.From diplomatic enclaves to iconic landmarks, the capital is home to some of the top 10 five-star hotels in Delhi offering truly luxurious stays.

Rajasthan – 37+ Hotels, Palatial Experiences

These aren’t hotels—they’re actual palaces. Think domes, courtyards, gold interiors, and evenings that look like scenes from a royal saga.

Tamil Nadu – 43+ Hotels of Spiritual Elegance

With temples, culture, and coastal escapes, Tamil Nadu’s luxury stays offer deep calm wrapped in contemporary comfort.

The Gaps

Some northeastern states and smaller regions are still building luxury infrastructure, and honestly, that’s exciting. It means new luxury destinations are emerging—raw, undiscovered, authentic.

The Boom Reshaping India’s Luxury Travel

Here’s something thrilling: India’s luxury hotel market isn’t just expanding—it’s transforming.

In just two years, revenue per available room skyrocketed by 131%. That means more travelers are not only booking luxury stays—they’re staying longer, spending more, and indulging deeper.

The luxury market’s value jumped to USD 2.7 billion in 2024, and estimates say it’ll reach USD 6.2 billion by 2033.

What does this mean for you?

More choices.
More innovation.
More reasons to travel.

Inside the 2025 Luxury Experience

Walk into a luxury hotel in India today, and you’ll sense the shift instantly. Luxury is no longer about showing off—it’s about feeling understood.

One guest, Trishala Mukherjee, said it best:
“Luxury is all about getting something that isn’t readily available to all.”

Hotels today remember your preferences—your pillow firmness, your food sensitivities, the time you like your morning coffee.

They offer curated experiences like:

• Private tours with local experts

• Cooking sessions to learn grandma-style recipes

• Personalized wellness therapies

• Memory-based services from previous stays

Luxury has become less about extravagance and more about intimacy.This shift has increased demand for experiential stays, including luxurious hotels offering in-room jacuzzi suites for private indulgence.

Hotspots of Change – Cities to Watch

Bengaluru – The New Luxury Capital

In Q2 2025, Bengaluru recorded 29.4% growth in revenue per room—the highest in India. Why? Because young entrepreneurs and tech professionals now expect comfort with character, and hotels are stepping up with stylish, innovative experiences.Cities beyond metros are also stepping into the spotlight, including Chandigarh, which now boasts several best 5-star hotels redefining luxury stays in 2025

Hyderabad – The Corporate Powerhouse

Hotel rates jumped 18.6% because corporate travelers are willing to pay a premium for quality, sophistication, and smooth business experiences.

Rishikesh, Udaipur, Varanasi – The New Luxury Triangle

These are not your typical 5-star cities.

They offer:

• Spirituality wrapped in comfort

• Heritage blended with modern design

• Escapes that feel meaningful

Luxury here is soulful, not loud.This blend of spirituality and comfort is also visible in destinations like Amritsar, where travellers seek the best hotels near the Golden Temple without compromising on luxury.

The Big Players – Meet the Brands Building Your Dreams

Indian Icons

Among them, Taj stands apart with a legacy rooted in emotion, heritage, and service, as detailed in this Taj Hotels India luxury and hospitality guide.

• Taj Hotels – Emotionally intelligent luxury

• Oberoi Hotels – Personalized service at its finest

• Leela Palaces – Opulence with elegance

• ITC Hotels – Responsible, sustainable luxury

International Giants in Expansion Mode

• Marriott

• Hilton

• Accor

• Hyatt

They’re no longer limiting themselves to metros. Properties are emerging in places like Jaipur, Agra, even Ranthambore.

Each brand carries its own philosophy, but all share one truth:

Guests today want authenticity—and they’ll reward it.New-age launches like Royal Orchid Iconiqa, one of India’s biggest hospitality unveilings, show how brands are scaling luxury while keeping it personal.

Why India’s Luxury Boom Is Happening Now

Several forces are converging:

1. Rising Incomes

More Indians can now afford what once felt aspirational.

2. The Staycation Wave

People are choosing weekend luxury trips instead of flying abroad.

3. Better Airports

Smaller cities are now highly accessible.

4. India’s Growing Reputation

International tourists are coming for:

• Wellness

• Culture

• Spirituality

• Heritage

5. Corporate Travel is Back

Companies are booking events, conferences, and luxury retreats again.

What the Future Holds for India’s Luxury Stays

Wellness Will Take Center Stage

Expect properties blending Ayurveda, meditation, yoga, and modern spa science.

Technology Will Elevate, Not Replace

Imagine controlling every room feature from your phone while still enjoying human warmth.

Boutique Hotels Will Rise

Travelers want culture over copy-paste designs.

Massive Growth

With 106 hotel signings and 13,398 new rooms added in Q2 2025 alone, the future is vibrant.

Conclusion – Your Story Awaits

So yes, India has 823 five-star hotels. But that’s not the real answer to the question.

The real answer lies in the moments waiting for you—moments of celebration, quiet reflection, discovery, indulgence, and connection.

Whether you're a couple returning every anniversary, a business traveler finding peace between meetings, or a family creating memories over a special meal, India’s luxury hotels don’t just host your journey… they become part of your story.

Your next chapter awaits.

If you’re travelling with loved ones, understanding how to choose the perfect hotel for your family vacation can make all the difference.

FAQs

1. How many 5-star hotels are currently in India?

India has 823 classified five-star hotels as of April 2025.

2. Which state has the most 5-star hotels?

Kerala leads with 94 luxury properties, thanks to its backwaters and wellness tourism.Curious travellers often ask how luxury scales globally, including how many 7-star hotels actually exist in

3. What is driving India’s luxury hotel boom?

Rising incomes, domestic tourism, international interest, improved connectivity, and corporate travel.

4. Are Indian luxury hotels expensive compared to global standards?

Many offer world-class luxury at competitive prices, making them excellent value compared to Western countries.

5. What’s the best Indian city for luxury travelers?

It depends on your preference:

• For nature: Kerala

• For palaces: Rajasthan

• For beaches: Goa

• For business luxury: Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad

Explore more insights, trends, and recommendations across India’s hospitality landscape in our dedicated Hotels Travel Guide section.