Top Hotel Chains in India: The Brands Defining Indian Hospitality

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India is a top destination for both leisure and business travellers. As tourism and business travel continues to grow, the country’s hospitality industry has evolved to match global standards. Top hotel chains in India plays a crucial role in redefining service, luxury and comfort.

These 5 Star hotel chains in India are commited to innovation, sustainability, cultural richness and guest satisfaction. In this comprehensive list we highlight Top 10 hotel chains in India that define India’s hospitality excellence — from iconic heritage brands like Taj and Oberoi to new age digital disruptors like Treebo and FabHotels. We look into their history, unique selling points and how they continue to elevate the guest experience.

Top hotel chains in India

List of Top 10 Hotel Chain in India

Below is the list of top 10 hotel chains in India:

1. Taj Hotels (IHCL) – Best in Indian Hotel Chains

Indian Hotels Company

History & Legacy: Founded in 1903 with the opening of the legendary Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai by Jamsetji Tata, Taj Hotels is operated by the Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), a part of the Tata Group. Over the years it has grown into a symbol of Indian hospitality and a beacon of luxury. Its creation was in part a response to colonial era discrimination and today it stands as an icon of Indian pride.

Key Properties & Brands: As of April 2025 IHCL operates over 381 hotels across more than 170+ locations globally with a dominant presence (26.8K rooms) in India. Its diversified portfolio includes:

  • Taj (Luxury) – 129 Hotels
  • SeleQtions (Boutique & Heritage) – 42 Hotels
    Vivanta (Upscale Segment) – 53 hotels
  • Ginger (Budget) – 103 Hotels
  • Gateway (Midscale) – 31 Hotels
  • Tree of Life (Boutique & Heritage) – 20 Hotels
  • Claridges Collection (Luxury) – 3 Hotels

Unique Differentiators: Taj Hotels has a significant place in top hotel chains in India, and they are known for their signature Jiva Spas, culinary excellence (e.g. Wasabi by Morimoto, Varq) and bespoke experiences like royal buggy rides, heritage walks and curated cultural events.

2. Oberoi Hotels & Resorts (EIH Ltd.)

EIH Hotels- Best hotel stock in India

History & Legacy: Founded in 1934 by Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi, the Oberoi Group is one of India’s oldest luxury hospitality companies, under EIH Ltd. Known globally for elegance, Oberoi properties have hosted dignitaries, royalty and discerning guests for decades.

Key Properties: EIH operates The Oberoi (Luxury) and Trident (Upscale) brands and has 3,708 keys in India and 497 internationally. 21 new properties in the pipeline.

Notable Upcoming Properties

  • The Oberoi Rajgarh, India (66 keys) – 2025
  • The Oberoi Goa, Bogmallo (20 keys) – 2026
  • Trident Visakhapatnam (150 keys) – 2027
  • The Oberoi London (21 keys) – 2028
  • The Oberoi Hebbal & Trident Hebbal, Bengaluru (370 keys) – 2029

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3. ITC Hotels

ITC Logo

Launched in 1975, ITC Hotels is a part of ITC Limited. The company operates 143 hotels with over 13,300 keys across six brands spanning luxury to heritage.

With a strong asset-light expansion strategy, 50 new hotels are in the pipeline. Over the years ITC made its reputation in Indian hotel chains.

Sub-brands

  • ITC Hotels (Luxury) – 16 hotels
  • Mementos (Luxury Lifestyle) – 2 hotels
  • WelcomHotel (Premium) – 28 hotels
  • Storii (Boutique Premium) – 7 hotels
  • Fortune Hotels (Midscale) – 56 hotels
  • WelcomHeritage (Heritage) – 34 hotels

Unique Differentiators: Its “Responsible Luxury” model combines Indian hospitality with global eco-certification standards. Flagship properties like ITC Maurya (New Delhi) and ITC Grand Bharat (Gurgaon) showcase Indian craftsmanship, sustainable architecture and curated Indian experiences.

4. The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts

Schloss Bangalore IPO GMP

Founded in 1986 by Captain C.P. Krishnan Nair, The Leela is India’s grandeur. Although a young player, it has made it to the top 5 luxury brands in India. 13 hotels with 3,553 keys, 18% of the luxury keys in key markets. 250+ awards since 2021, 8 new hotels by 2028.

Each of our properties is a tribute to local architecture and culture. From the grandeur of The Leela Palace New Delhi to the lake side charm of The Leela Palace Udaipur, every hotel is a story. Leela Hotels have launched their IPO on 26 may and raised INR 3,500 crore from the primary market.

5. The Lalit

lalit hotel logo

Founded by hotelier and politician Lalit Suri, The Lalit is now run by his daughter Dr. Jyotsna Suri. Today it’s a symbol of modern Indian hospitality with soul. The hospitality group is eyeing an IPO of ‘Bharat Hotels’ in 2026.

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group operates 12 luxury hotels across India under The LaLiT brand. Known for inclusive hiring, sustainability, and cultural experiences, flagship properties include The LaLiT New Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, and Kolkata. The portfolio spans business, leisure, and heritage destinations, offering premium hospitality with Indian warmth.

Through the Keshav Suri Foundation, The Lalit promotes inclusive employment and supports marginalized communities. It also champions renewable energy and water recycling across properties.

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6. Lemon Tree Hotels

lemon tree logo

Founded in 2002 by Patanjali Keswani, Lemon Tree is a leader in India’s mid segment. Affordable pricing and cheerful branding has made it a favorite among business and budget travellers. Lemon Tree Hotels operates a diverse portfolio of 111 operational hotels with 10,269 rooms across 130+ destinations, supported by a strong asset-light expansion model.

With a total network of 212 hotels and 17,116 rooms including pipeline projects, the group is positioned as one of India’s leading hospitality chains, offering differentiated experiences while maintaining a compelling value proposition.

Tiered Offerings

  • Aurika Hotels & Resorts (Luxury) – 2 hotels
  • Lemon Tree Premier (Upscale) – 20 hotels
  • Red Fox by Lemon Tree Hotels (Economy) – 10 hotels
  • Keys Prima by Lemon Tree Hotels (Upscale) – 2 hotels
  • Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels (Midscale) – 12 hotels
  • Keys Lite by Lemon Tree Hotels (Economy) – 5 hotels

Social Commitment: Lemon Tree stands out with inclusive hiring — over 15% of its workforce has persons with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds.

7. Sarovar Hotels & Resorts

sarovar

A well known player in the mid market space, Sarovar Hotels was established in the 1990s and now is a part of Louvre Hotels Group (owned by China’s Jin Jiang International), following a 2017 acquisition. As of June 2025, Sarovar Hotels operates approximately 137 hotels across 85 destinations in India, Nepal, and Africa. The company has plans to expand its portfolio to 150 hotels by the end of 2025.

Brands & Reach

  • Sarovar Premiere – (Upscale 5-star)
  • Sarovar Portico – (Upscale)
  • Hometel – (Budget-friendly)
  • Royal Tulip – (Luxury)
  • Golden Tulip – (Luxury)
  • Tulip Inn
  • Radisson Blu & Radisson Hotels – Upscale
  • Park Plaza & Park Inn

8. Treebo Hotels

Treebo hotel logo

Treebo Hotels, founded in 2015 by IIT Roorkee alumni Sidharth Gupta, Rahul Chaudhary and Kadam Jeet Jain, is a Bengaluru based hotel brand that has grown rapidly across India. With over 1,000 hotels in more than 120 cities, Treebo offers affordable quality accommodations.

Treebo operates on a tech enabled, asset light model, partnering with independent hotels to standardize quality and service. Their proprietary platform, Hotel Superhero, simplifies hotel operations so guests get a consistent experience.

Treebo has the following brands:

  • Treebo Trip: Budget options with essentials.
  • Treebo Trend: Mid range hotels with comfort.
  • Treebo Tryst: Premium hotels with luxury.
  • Itsy by Treebo: Compact value for money options for Gen Z travelers.
  • Medalio: A boutique brand launched in 2025, targeting mid market with elegant interiors and personalized services.

Treebo promises a 100% Quality Guarantee, full refunds if guests are not satisfied. Partnerships with brands like Radisson Hotel Group for Park Inn & Suites further adds to their offerings. Through innovation and customer centric approach, Treebo is redefining budget hospitality in India.

9. FabHotels

fab hotels logo

FabHotels, established in 2014 by Vaibhav Aggarwal and Adarsh Manpuria, is a prominent Indian budget hotel chain headquartered in Gurugram. Operating under an asset-light model, the company partners with independent hotels, standardizing them to ensure consistent quality and service across its network. As of 2025, FabHotels boasts over 1,500 properties across more than 80 cities in India.

The brand’s portfolio is segmented into four categories:

  • FabExpress: Economical options
  • FabHotel: mid-range
  • FabHotel Prime: Premium hotels
  • FabEscape

With a focus on affordability, standardization, and customer satisfaction, FabHotels continues to redefine budget hospitality in India, making quality accommodations accessible to a broader audience.

10. Radisson Hotel Group (India)

Radisson hotel logo

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has solidified its position as one of India’s leading international hospitality brands, with a significant expansion in 2025. As of April 2025, RHG operates 128 hotels across the country, encompassing over 14,000 rooms, and has 77 additional properties under development, totaling more than 8,600 rooms.

The group’s diverse brand portfolio in India includes:

  • Radisson Collection
  • Radisson Blu
  • Radisson
  • Radisson RED
  • Park Plaza
  • Park Inn by Radisson
  • Radisson Individuals
  • Radisson Individuals Retreats
  • Park Inn & Suites by Radisson

In the first half of 2025, RHG expanded its footprint by opening five new hotels in diverse locations:

  • Radisson Hotel Jamshedpur
  • Park Inn & Suites by Radisson Bengaluru Yelahanka
  • Koti Resort Shimla
  • Gaj Resort & Spa Hoshiarpur
  • Radisson Hotel Prayagraj

RHG aims to reach a total of 240 hotels in India by the end of 2025, focusing on tier 2 and 3 markets and the rising demand for luxury and midscale accommodations.

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Conclusion

Indian hotel chains are no longer just about rooms and service — it’s become a requirement for the tourism. Whether you are looking for palatial retreats, eco friendly getaways or budget friendly stays with digital ease, top hotel chains in India deliver quality, consistency and character.

As travel patterns change and guest expectations evolve, these 5 star hotel chains in India will continue to raise the bar. By combining India’s heritage with modern hospitality trends, they offer something special at every step of the journey — from checkin to checkout.

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