Three of India’s grandest palace hotels have taken the top spots at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards 2026, giving Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) one of its strongest showings yet at the annual readers’ choice honours. The awards, announced in Mumbai on 3 November, put heritage, design and service at the centre of the story.
Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur was rated No. 1 in the Favourite Indian Leisure Hotel category, while Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad was recognised as the No. 1 Favourite Indian Hotel for Design. Rambagh Palace in Jaipur secured the top position in the Favourite Indian Heritage Hotel category. Together, the three wins underline why palace stays remain such a powerful draw for travellers who want history with their holiday, not just a room for the night.
The palace story did not stop there. The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai featured in the Favourite Indian Hotel for Service category, and Taj Mahal, New Delhi received the accolade for Favourite Indian Business Hotel. For a company whose first hotel opened in Bombay in 1903, founded by Jamsetji Tata, the spread of honours across leisure, heritage, design, service and business says as much about consistency as it does about grandeur.
Palaces lead a night of heritage wins
What makes the palace sweep interesting is how different each winner is. Umaid Bhawan Palace is known for its scale and desert-city setting, Taj Falaknuma Palace for interiors and architecture that blend royal history with careful restoration, and Rambagh Palace for gardens, courtyards and stories that predate modern tourism by decades.
From Goa beaches to Corbett’s wild edge
Beyond the palaces, IHCL’s leisure portfolio also picked up honours for the very different kinds of holidays Indian travellers are booking right now. Taj Exotica Resort and Spa in Goa was honoured among the country’s favourite leisure hotels, a nod to the enduring pull of a beach break done well. Taj Corbett Resort and Spa in Uttarakhand was recognised as a leading safari lodge destination, reflecting the growing appetite for wildlife-led breaks that pair comfort with time in nature.
Wellness, food and private stays shine too
Wellness was another strong thread. J Wellness Circle at Rambagh Palace in Jaipur was recognised as the Favourite Spa in an Indian Hotel, while Atmantan Wellness Centre earned recognition among India’s leading destination wellness retreats. More trips are now built around rest and recovery, with spa treatments, yoga and unhurried days treated as the main event rather than an add-on.
Food lovers had their own winner. Loya at Taj Palace, New Delhi was honoured as the Favourite Restaurant in an Indian Hotel, recognised for its celebration of India’s culinary heritage and regional flavours.
Private stays rounded out the list. amã Stays and Trails was recognised as India’s Favourite Private Villa Rental Platform, with more than 400 villas and bungalows across over 50 destinations. It suits larger families and longer stays, where shared spaces can change the whole rhythm of a holiday.
Taj InnerCircle NeuPass was also acknowledged among the country’s leading hospitality loyalty programmes, a quieter win that matters to repeat guests who collect benefits across stays, dining and experiences.
What the wins mean for travellers
For anyone planning a trip, the awards list works as a practical shortlist rather than just a trophy cabinet. A few ideas stand out:
- Book palace stays early for peak season, since award attention tends to push demand for the best rooms and dates.
- Pair a palace city with a contrasting stop, such as Jaipur with a wellness break, or Goa with a quieter coastal stretch, to get more from one trip.
- Try the award-winning restaurant or spa even if you are not staying at the hotel, where day access allows it.
- Consider a private villa through amã Stays and Trails for family groups, where shared spaces and a kitchen can change the whole rhythm of a holiday.
- Check loyalty benefits before booking, since programme perks can add real value on longer or repeat stays.
IHCL describes itself as India’s largest hospitality company by market capitalisation, with a portfolio of 670 hotels including 280 in the pipeline, across four continents, 15 countries and more than 300 locations.
FAQs
Which IHCL hotels won top honours at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards 2026?
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur topped the Favourite Indian Leisure Hotel category, Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad was No. 1 for design, and Rambagh Palace, Jaipur topped the Favourite Indian Heritage Hotel category.
When were the awards announced?
The recognition was announced in Mumbai on 3 November 2026.
Which other IHCL properties were recognised?
Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Goa and Taj Corbett Resort and Spa, Uttarakhand won leisure and safari lodge honours, while J Wellness Circle, Jaipur and Atmantan won wellness recognition, Loya in New Delhi won for its restaurant, and amã Stays and Trails won for private villa rentals.
What is amã Stays and Trails?
It is IHCL’s private villa rental platform, with more than 400 villas and bungalows across over 50 destinations, focused on immersive, home-style stays.
Why do readers’ choice awards matter for travellers?
They reflect real guest experiences and recommendations, making them a useful shortlist when choosing where to stay, eat or unwind on a trip.
