India has many beautiful places and a rich heritage, but one hotel that stands out and is well-known is the iconic Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. It opened in 1903 and was the first luxury hotel in India, established by Jamsetji Tata. It’s recognised as one of the world’s strongest hotel brands and has now earned a spot on the World’s 50 Best Hotels list.
The Taj Mahal Palace ranks 38th on this list and is considered a symbol of Mumbai. Since it first welcomed guests in 1903, it has been praised for its beauty, design, and excellent service. It is also the only Indian hotel to make it onto this list.
When it comes to the top 5 hotels in the world, the number one spot goes to Rosewood Hong Kong, with Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River in second place, Capella Bangkok in third, Passalacqua in Lake Como, Italy in fourth, and Raffles Singapore at fifth.
How Is The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 List Made
The World’s 50 Best Hotels is an annual compilation reflecting the views and experiences of over 800 experts in the hotel and travel industry from around the globe. The compilation is managed by William Reed, and it’s important to note that neither the organization’s staff nor associated sponsors have any say in the outcomes.
The voting body, known as The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy, consists of more than 800 well-traveled and diverse professionals from the hotel and travel sectors. This Academy is divided into 13 regions, each led by an Academy Chair, and at least a quarter of the panel members are renewed yearly.
Voters include hoteliers, travel writers, experienced luxury travelers, and other knowledgeable globetrotters. Each voter can cast seven votes for the best hotels they have personally visited in the last 24 months, ranked by preference.
Voting remains anonymous and confidential, and any open hotel can be nominated, as long as it will not close permanently within three months of the announcement.
What To Know About The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
The Taj Mahal Palace has 285 luxurious rooms and was built by English architect W.A. Chambers. This famous building features a stunning 240-foot red dome, along with turrets and cupolas, and is a well-known landmark by the Mumbai harbor. Its design combines elements from Indian, Moorish, Oriental, and Renaissance styles, giving it a beautiful palace-like feel.
The Heritage Wing includes beautifully restored rooms and suites with intricate carpets, silk curtains, four-poster beds, and crystal chandeliers, reflecting the elegance of the early 1900s. The modern Tower Wing has 258 rooms decorated in calming colors, with large windows and balconies that offer great views of the Arabian Sea. Dining options include Chinese dishes at Golden Dragon, Indian favorites at Loya, Mediterranean food at Souk on the rooftop, and lively bars like the historic Harbour Bar.
