20 Different Types of Hotels in India (With Examples & Features)

Updated in April 2026: Choosing where to stay in India can be confusing—especially with so many hotel types available across different budgets, travel styles, and preferences. Whether you’re a backpacker, business traveller, luxury seeker, or family on vacation, India offers a wide variety of accommodation options. To understand affordable stay travel, refer to the previous guide on smart ways without breaking the bank.

In this complete guide, you’ll discover 20 types of hotels in India, along with their features, average prices, examples, and tips to help you choose the perfect stay.

Why Understanding Hotel Types Matters

India has one of the most diverse hospitality markets in the world, with prices ranging from ₹500 hostel beds to ₹50,000 luxury suites. Knowing the differences between hotel types helps you:

Find stays suitable for your travel style
Compare pricing more accurately
Avoid unnecessary spending
Choose safer and more comfortable properties
Plan smarter based on purpose—business, leisure, or long stays

Now let’s explore all the major hotel types in India.

1. Full-Service Hotels

Full-service hotels offer different services and a complete set of amenities such as multiple restaurants, room services, bars, business centres, spas, swimming pools, fitness clubs, and banquet halls. Ideal for travellers seeking convenience and comfort in one place.

Some of the famous full-service hotels in India are

• The Leela Palace, Mumbai- a 5-star luxury resort-type business hotel near Mumbai International Airport offering luxurious amenities and culinary delights.

• Taj Hotels – Luxury hotels and resorts in India, offering from royal palaces of Rajasthan to the serene backwaters of Kerala, experience world-class services that celebrate the soul of India.

• Gateway Hotels – A 5-star hotel in India promises a boutique experience complete with elegant rooms and warm personal services.

• Orchid Hotels– Asia’s first eco-friendly hotel chain in India, offering sustainable luxury

• Brij Hotels– Luxury boutique hotels and resorts with exceptional services, comfort, and world-class amenities.

2. Boutique Hotels

Boutique hotels are small-capacity hotels that provide more personalised services than typical hotels. They are known for their stylish interiors, personalised services, and unique themes. They are usually small (10–100 rooms), intimate, and quiet. They range from a characterful countryside retreat to a relaxed city hideaway. To understand more about budget hotels, refer to our previous guide on What is a budget Hotel?

• ETG’s Boutique hotels in India – Abbotsford Heritage homestays, Ahilya Fort, Anopura, Bujura Fort, and Glenburn Tea estate.

• Raffles Jaipur – Emerged as the Newest crown jewel in the pink city of Jaipur

• Roopa Elite – Luxury hotel situated in Mysore best for business travellers.

• The LaLit Hotel- offers a range of luxury 5-star hotels in different cities and locations

• The Kumaon – Contemporary hotel in the mountain Binsar, Uttarakhand.

• Brijrama Palace Varanasi – A heritage hotel in Varanasi offers a unique blend of traditions, luxury and an unmatched view of the Ganges.

Features: Designer interiors, curated dining, spas, yoga sessions, pet-friendly stays

3. Budget Hotels

In terms of star rating, 1- and 2-star hotels are considered budget accommodations. Budget hotels offer a safe and clean place to stay with compact rooms and basic amenities like a bed, private bathroom, and Wi-Fi. They provide minimum amenities and services for lower prices than regular hotels in the area. For choosing the budget hotels, price is the basic criterion. Here is a guide for how to choose budget hotels.

• FabHotel– India’s best budget hotel chain starting from INR 1499, offering a 100% safe place to stay, pay at hotel option, and lowest price guarantee.

• Ginger Hotels– offering comfort and a convenient stay at a great value

• OYO Rooms – Largest budget hotel chain in India offering standardised rooms, breakfast, LED TV, Wi-Fi, and hygienic rooms.

• Treebo Hotels – Best budget hotel in India starting from INR 999 with standardised rooms, pay at hotel options, free breakfast, and AC rooms.

• Snow Valley Resort, Shimla – offering nice view, best service, affordable price,

4. Luxury Hotels

Luxury hotels provide an exceptional, personalised stay defined by unparalleled services, elegant design, top-tier amenities, and prime locations. The amenities they offer include world-class dining, opulent rooms, premium locations, and highly trained staff. They may be 5-star hotels, former palaces, and rich heritage sites. They are costly as compared to other types of hotels. Many luxury hotels belong to the top hotel chains in India that offer world-class services.

• Taj Hotels, Mumbai– Experience unparalleled luxury and impeccable hospitality at Taj Hotels in Mumbai. It offers world-class amenities

• The Leela Palace– It is the epitome of true luxury, where every space is celebrated in India’s rich heritage with opulent architecture, intricate art, and

• ITC Hotels– offering world-class luxury in harmony with the environment. ITC Hotel address the needs of the guests in the best possible way.

• Oberoi Hotels– The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning 5-star hotel and resorts across India, Indonesia, and Mauritius.

• Umaid Bhavan Palace, Udaipur – A majestic golden sandstone palace with partially furnished hotels offering royal grandeur and heritage stay

5. Resort Hotels

Resorts are located in scenic areas like beaches, mountains, and forests. They provide spa services, pools, dining options, and many recreational activities. You can choose luxury or budget resorts according to your budget.

Some of the best resorts in India are

•Evershine Resort & Spa, Mahabaleshwar -It is a popular retreat with clean, opulent rooms, multiple dining options, spacious rooms, modern amenities and an exclusive spa.

• Gokulam Grand Resort and Spa, Kumarakom – It has 69 rooms, including pool villas and lake view that look at the backwater in Kerala.

• Sea Shell Resort & Spa, Andaman – Experience luxurious and unmatched hospitality at the best beach hotel and resort from She Shell in Andaman Island.

• The Grand Cliff Resort, Munnar, offers a stunning view of lush tea plantations, and the mountain creates a breathtaking atmosphere.

• Delta Resorts– Ultra luxury experience resort in India, Lonavala

6. Small Hotels

Small hotels typically have fewer than 150 rooms and offer a peaceful, homely experience. Many boutique hotels also fall into this category. They provide personalised services, focusing on characters, design, and local flavour rather than large chain hotels.

• Chandys Drizzle Drops, Munnar – One of the best resort hotel in Munnar offers deluxe, super deluxe, and premium rooms.

• SeleQtions Hotels – Offers luxury boutique hotels in India, providing exceptional hospitality at Iconic IHCL properties.

• Vivenda Dos Palhacos, Majorda, Goa – 120 years 120-year-old Portuguese-style house has eight rooms.

• Samode Palace – 16th-century Samode Palace lies 45 km from Jaipur

• Kayal Island Retreat, Alleppey, Kerala– Located on the shore of a private island in Kerala’s Vembanad

7. Business Hotels

Business hotels are designed for corporate travellers. These hotels are located near commercial areas or airports and provide conference rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, meeting spaces, and express check-in/check-out. Preferred location for major corporations like SAP, BAG, World Bank, etc.

• Roopa Eliht, Mysore – Situated in the heart of Mysore

• Novotel Vishakhapatnam Varun Beach– an ocean-facing luxury hotel with well-appointed rooms

• Oberoi Hotels – Multi-award-winning luxury business city hotels in India

• Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai – a 5-star hotel in the business city of Mumbai

• The Lalit Temple View Khajuraho – 5-star hotel with swimming pool and dining

8. Capsule Hotels/ Pod Hotels

Originated in Japan, but was found in India. Capsule hotels offer small sleeping pods and shared bathrooms. It is budget-friendly, with unique accommodations with essential amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlet, and controlled ventilation. -Perfect for short transit stays in airports or railway stations. These pretty capsule hotels are gaining popularity in the Indian market.

• Venetus Beach Residence, Varakala – Capsule hotel with AC, private bathroom, and free wi-Fi.

• Pod Hotels – Classic Pod, Urban Pod, Bharat Pod, And Pan India Pod. Fits for one person only. Next-generation small hotels in India.

• Pramod – Pramod is located in Wani, features family rooms.

• JS Inn – Capsule hotel in Varanasi.

• OPT Décor Pvt Ltd – offering POD Hotels in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

9. Independent Hotels

These standalone hotels are not part of any chain and often provide customised, flexible services. It is independently owned and run. It does not have a brand name. They offers relaxing lodging and a bar.

10. Aparthotels (Apartment Hotels)

Aparthotels offer apartment-style rooms with a kitchen, living area, and hotel services like housekeeping. These apartments are usually custom-built. You can search for apartments on websites like Expedia, SilverDoor, MakeMyTrip, and Rosewood Apartment Hotels.

Rosewood – offers a quintessential luxury experience at an exotic destination in North India.

One Tree stays – offers service apartments in Delhi, Gurugram and Pune with modern amenities

SilverDoor – Award-winning service with great rates and flexible booking

Country Inn & Suites by Migrolino– Most booked service apartments

11. Hostels

Hostel is an accommodation for every budget available at every location. Hostels offer dorm-style rooms and shared spaces. Great for social interaction and meeting fellow travellers. It is low-priced accommodations

• The Hosteller – the largest backpackers’ hostel chain

• Hostelworld– 1249 hostels in 184 cities in India

• Youth Hostel Association of India – offers affordable, clean and safe accommodation across India

• Zostel – Zostel is the world’s largest backpackers’ hostel chain.

12. Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

B&B stands for bed and breakfast, meaning a small lodging where you pay for a room to sleep and a morning breakfast. B&Bs are usually family-run homes offering cosy rooms and a homemade breakfast along with local interaction.

Kairali Tourist Home – Chennai

Abode Mumbai

13. Motels

A motel is also known as a motor hotel, motor inn, or motor lodge. Motels provide essential services like clean rooms, parking, and quick check-ins, mostly along highways. Motels like USA have not been successful in India. They are an important segment as they provide budget accommodations. They offers basic lodging with fewer amenities.

Dream Paradise Airport residency in Haryana is the most popular motel

14. Inns

Inns are traditional stays offering basic lodging and meals, often located in rural regions. Inns are more affordable than hotels. Their smaller size and limited amenities make them an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers. The top inns in India are

Hotel Rest O ITPL

Hotel Plaza at Delhi

15. Couple-Friendly Hotels

These hotels allow unmarried couples with valid ID proof, offer same-day check-in, ensure utmost privacy and more at an affordable price. Couple-friendly hotels are legal in India. To understand the comparison between budget, visit our previous guide on OYO vs Treebo vs Fab Hotels

• Goibibo- offers goSAFE couple-friendly hotels

• Treebo hotels– provides an option of a couple-friendly

• OYO Rooms (couple-friendly category)- famous hotels with policy

• MiStay – offers an hourly basis in Bangalore, Delhi, and Mumbai

• Qwiksta– reserve rooms for 3, 6, or 12 hours

• Bag2bag– 100% safe for couples

• Minibreak– India’s trusted platform for couple-friendly stay

16. Heritage Hotels

Heritage hotels are palaces, forts, and royal mansions converted into luxury stays.

Examples:

Taj Lake Palace
Neemrana Fort Palace
Samode Haveli

Best for: Culture lovers, history lovers
Price Range: ₹5,000–₹40,000 per night

17. Airport Hotels

Best for: Transit travelers, business travelers
Located near airports, these hotels offer shuttle services, quick check-in, and soundproof rooms.

Examples: Novotel Mumbai Airport, Holiday Inn Delhi Aerocity

18. Theme Hotels

Theme hotels follow unique concepts like nature, film, adventure, wildlife, or cultural themes. Theme hotels are a growing trend in the hospitality industry, offering guests an immersive experience through distinct design, concept and atmosphere.

Examples:

Ramoji Film City Hotels (Hyderabad)
Jungle-themed stays in Jim Corbett

19. Eco Hotels / Sustainable Hotels

An eco hotel or sustainable hotel is an environmentally sustainable hotel or accommodations that have made important environmental improvements to its structure. Eco-hotels follow sustainable practices like solar energy, organic food, and zero-waste systems.

Examples:

Banasura Hill Resort
Spice Village Thekkady

20. Serviced Apartments

These apartments offer kitchenettes, laundry services, Wi-Fi, and hotel-style housekeeping—ideal for long stays.

Conclusion

From luxury palaces to budget-friendly hostels and compact capsules, India offers hotel options for every type of traveller. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a honeymoon, a solo adventure, or a business visit, understanding these hotel types helps you choose the perfect stay that fits your budget and comfort.

Use this guide to make smarter hotel decisions and enjoy a memorable trip across India!

FAQs

Q1: What are the main types of hotels in India?

Full-service hotels, budget hotels, boutique hotels, luxury hotels, resorts, business hotels, capsule hotels, heritage hotels, and more.

Q2: Which hotel type is best for families?

Resorts, aparthotels, serviced apartments, and budget hotels with family rooms.

Q3: Are capsule hotels available in India?

Yes, mainly in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore near airports and train stations.

Q4: What is the difference between a motel and a hotel?

Motels are located along highways for road travellers, while hotels offer more amenities and citywide locations.

Q5: Which hotels allow unmarried couples in India?

Many chains like OYO Rooms, FabHotels, and Treebo offer couple-friendly stays with valid ID proof.