Smaller stays with character
India's smaller hotels often provide the most personal stays. They may occupy a restored family home, sit quietly beside the sea or offer just a handful of rooms within a fort, garden or forest setting.
Boutique is a useful description only when the place has a clear identity. We prioritise atmosphere, thoughtful hosting and a strong connection with the destination rather than size alone.
33 hand-picked stays
These properties have intimate scale or a distinctly individual character in their verified hotel descriptions. We can advise where a small stay adds most to your itinerary and where a larger hotel may be more practical.
Goa · Beach
Globe Travel Centre recommends Ahilya By the Sea for a quieter side of Goa. With nine rooms across three villas, two pools and a secluded Dolphin Bay setting, it feels closer to a gracious private home than a conventional beach resort.
Jaipur · Heritage
Over the past five centuries, Maharajas of Rajasthan have enjoyed the timeless grandeur of this magnificent and stately setting, attracted by the relaxed aristocratic - feel. Handsomely located in the center of Pink City - Jaipur, Alsisar Haveli - the heritage
Orchha · Heritage
Amar Mahal Hotel is built in the 'Bundelkhand' style of architecture popular among royalty. Orchha is situated on the banks of the river Betwa and once was the capital of the region of Bundelkhand and a major cultural centre. Today it is a small village, yet r
Bundi · Heritage
Globe Travel Centre recommends Bundi Haveli for its position in the old city beneath Garh Palace and Taragarh Fort. The jharokha window seats and rooftop terrace make the most of the views across Bundi, while its 12 rooms keep the stay intimate.
Bundi · Heritage
Bundi Vilas is a charming, new boutique property built against the rampart walls of the Bundi Garh Palace, which rises majestically above the town. This 300 year old 'haveli' is reachable on foot via a twisting alleyway leading up from the maze of streets in t
Ladakh · Hills
Set amidst old apricot (Chulli in Ladakhi), walnut and willow trees, guests can enjoy apricot blossoms in the month of April, mesmerising autumn colours in October, a quaint dinner setting with wood-fire under a star studded sky, or experience the ethereal moo
Bundi · Heritage
The Haveli Braj Bhushanjee was built 200 years ago and belongs to an aristocratic family of Bundi. The authentic and cosy atmosphere of this Haveli offers a great opportunity for travellers to experience the traditional lifestyle of a bygone era in this region
Madurai · Heritage
Globe Travel Centre recommends Heritage Madurai for travellers who want character as well as easy access to the city. Its Geoffrey Bawa-influenced architecture, temple-tank pool and dining beneath a 200-year-old banyan tree give the hotel a strong sense of place.
Thanjavur · City
Ideally located on the banks of Cauvery, South Indias largest river, Ideal River View Resort is the place to be if you are planning to visit the culturally rich city of Tanjore The land of the Cholas and Pandyas legendary empires who ruled this part of the wor
Udaipur · Heritage
Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel is a charming early 17th century 'haveli' situated in the heart of the most romantic city in Rajasthan. Set in the fertile valley on the eastern banks of the famous Lake Pichola, this unique cluster of houses with rooms restored to
Corbett · Wildlife
Globe Travel Centre recommends Jim's Jungle Retreat for a wildlife stay that does not end when the safari drive does. Its forest setting, birdlife, guided walks and regional farm-to-table cooking make it a particularly good base for exploring Corbett.
Kanha · Wildlife
Globe Travel Centre recommends Kanha Earth Lodge for its quiet forest setting away from the busier hotel cluster near the park gate. The 12 bungalows draw on Gond architecture, while the lodge's naturalists and conservation work add depth to a Kanha safari.
Ranthambore National Park · Wildlife
Khem Villas is established on land that was converted into a wilderness area by planting indigenous trees and creating open grasslands and small water bodies. Spread over an area of 10 acres it has become a habitat in itself. Guests can view Jackals, Jungle Ca
New Delhi · City
This luxury hotel is located just 2kms from the RashtrapathiBhavan, the presidential palace, and is at the centre of the city’s main shopping district. This 14 storey building follows contemporary styling cues and sports hardwood flooring in all its spacious r
Jaipur · Heritage
Originally conceived as a town house, the 'haveli' built in the Jaipur style of architecture with numerous pillars and arches, is located in the heart of Jaipur city. The hotel combines old world charm with the best of modern amenities. The elegantly appointed
Mihirgarh · Heritage
Globe Travel Centre recommends Mihir Garh for travellers who want a small, private heritage stay within reach of Jodhpur. Its nine suites sit on a sand dune with wide desert views, and each has either a private plunge pool or an open-air Jacuzzi.
Udaipur · Heritage
Located on the bank of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas is unique amongst luxury hotels in Udaipur. It stands on the 200 year old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar and is spread over fifty acres, which includes a twenty-acre wildlife sanctuary with de
Jaipur · Heritage
The Oberoi Raj Vilas is a luxury resort with its own distinctive character. The hotel is set in 32 acres of landscaped gardens with pavilions and reflection pools that evoke the romance and grandeur of Rajasthan and the lifestyles of its royalty. Rooms, luxury
Muhamma · City
Purity at Lake Vembanad is an exquisitely devised boutique hotel set on the shores of Lake Vembanad, and is part of the Malabar Escapes chain of boutique hotelspromoted by German designer-turned-hotelier Joerg Drechsel and his Basque wife Txuku Iriarte Solana.
Bandhavgarh · Wildlife
The lodge is situated at the edge of the jungle and takes its name from the Sal trees that are found in abundance here. There are eight spacious cottages, each offering an uninhibited view of the jungle that you can see from the comfort of your bed through a g
Jaipur · Heritage
The Samode Haveli is a small, intimate hotel offering personalised service. With its understated luxury, antique furniture, furnishings and original works of art, the hotel is a celebration of traditional values and gracious living. The guest rooms are regal a
Ladakh · Heritage
Globe Travel Centre recommends Stok Palace Chulli Bagh Heritage Villas for an unusually private stay in Ladakh. Its three hand-built wood-and-mud villas sit among apricot, walnut and willow trees, making it especially well suited to families or friends staying together.
Jaipur · Heritage
The Royal Standard of the House of Amber still flutters above Rajmahal Palace, one of the oldest and most treasured palaces in the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. Only the City Palace and the royal family’s private forts hold this distinction. Home to the Maharaja of J
Jaisalmer · Heritage
Set in a grand palace with an ornate, sandstone exterior, this palatial hotel is 7 km from the abandoned village of Kuldhara, and 15 km from the Bara Bagh temple. Sophisticated accommodations feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars. Suites add living
Swaswara · Beach
The Om Beach on the Western coast of Karnataka is home to this Holistic wellness retreat that aims to give its guests a complete relaxation package through Ayurveda, yoga and meditation. Far removed from the hurly-burly of urbanliving, the retreat helps you ge
Udaipur · Heritage
After the young prince, Maharana Jagat Singh II of Udaipur, was caught frolicking at moonlight picnics with ladies of the ‘zenana ( the private chambers of the court ) ’, he built his own pleasure palace on Lake Pichola. The Maharana ( ruler ) called this pala
Lucknow · City
Perched on the banks of the river Gomti, the Vivanta by Taj Gomti Nagar hotel is one of Lucknow’s finest 5 star hotels. Located within easy proximity of the Airport, the hotel boats of a grand structure, chic lobby and elegant rooms.You will find glimpses of L
Thanjavur · City
Tanjore Hi is a Heritage Boutique Hotel presenting the perfect gateway to the historical region of Tamil Nadu. Located next to the historical Tanjore Palace, we seamlessly infuse tradition with modernity to provide you with a memorable experience.Set in a colo
Khajuraho · City
Khajuraho is 'the City of Exotic Temples' where myth and legend weave their way over time. The Lalit Temple View Khajuraho is located very near the renowned western group of temples (a World Heritage Site), making it the hotel closest to the temples. This sup
Kolkata · City
Fondly known as the Grand Dame of Kolkata, The Oberoi Grand is situated in a prime location, near the central business district, bustling markets and cultural landmarks. Dating back to the late 1880s, The Oberoi Grand was frequented by the world's leading figu
Mumbai · Heritage
The Taj Mahal Palace opened in Mumbai, then Bombay, in 1903, giving birth to the country’s first harbour landmark. The flagship hotel of Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces overlooks the majestic Gateway of India.This legendary luxury hotel has played host to king
Delhi · City
Featuring a rooftop garden, Thikana Delhi is located in New Delhi. It is 500 m from the Hauz Khas Village, an urbanized village with medieval history. Free Wi-Fi access is available. Elegant air-conditioned rooms here will provide you with a balcony and a sofa
Jodhpur · Heritage
Built between 1928 and 1943, Umaid Bhawan Palace is a magnificent piece of Rajasthan’s heritage, and a symbol of new Jodhpur. Home of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family and currently the world’s sixth-largest private residence, the palace has one thing in comm
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