The Leela Palace New Delhi, Chanakyapuri (Diplomatic Enclave)
The Leela Palace New Delhi is a 5-star palace hotel in Chanakyapuri's Diplomatic Enclave with 254 rooms and suites, fine dining at Le Cirque, MEGU and Jamavar, an ESPA spa and a rooftop pool, about 13 km from Delhi's IGI airport.
Live rates and availability confirmed at booking. All prices indicative — updated June 2026.
The Leela Palace New Delhi — quick facts
- Category: 5-Star hotel
- Price: Typically ₹20,000–40,000/night
- Check-in / out: 14:00 / 12:00
- Rooms: 254
- Distance to DEL airport: 13 km (~30 min by car)
- Nearest station: Sir Vishwesvaraiah Moti Bagh (Pink Line) — 2 km (null min walk)
Overview & History
The Leela Palace New Delhi opened in 2011 as the flagship of The Leela Palaces in the capital, built in a grand Lutyens-inspired style in the Diplomatic Enclave. With 254 rooms and suites, it is among the newer of Delhi's top-tier luxury hotels and is positioned firmly at the palace-luxury end of the market, with high levels of personalised service and a strong record of international awards. The architecture deliberately echoes the symmetry and scale of New Delhi's classic government buildings, and the relatively compact room count, for a hotel of this stature, allows an attentive, residential style of service.
Location & Getting There
The hotel sits on Africa Avenue within Chanakyapuri's Diplomatic Enclave, among embassies and close to Nehru Park. It is roughly 13 km and about a 30-minute drive from IGI airport, with India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan and Khan Market all within 5 to 7 km. The nearest metro is on the Pink Line at Sir Vishwesvaraiah Moti Bagh, a short drive away, though most guests use the hotel's fleet of luxury cars given the quiet, spread-out diplomatic district. The location balances central access to government and business Delhi with the calm of a leafy, low-traffic neighbourhood.
Rooms & Suites
The entry Grande Deluxe rooms are generously sized at around 552 sq ft with garden or skyline views, marble bathrooms and a residential feel. Above them sit Royal Club rooms with access to a private lounge offering check-in, breakfast and evening canapes, a range of Luxury Suites, and two standout signature suites: the Royal Suite with Plunge Pool and the flagship Maharaja Suite, both with private, temperature-controlled in-room plunge pools. Interiors are richly finished and lean palatial rather than minimalist, with generous bathrooms and considered detailing throughout.
Dining
The dining line-up is one of the most celebrated in the city. Jamavar is the signature Indian restaurant, drawing on royal and regional recipes; Le Cirque brings Franco-Italian fine dining with a long pedigree; and MEGU serves modern Japanese in a dramatic, design-led setting. The Qube handles all-day world cuisine and buffets, while The Library Bar pairs craft cocktails, gourmet teas and desserts in a clubby room. The restaurants draw Delhi residents as well as hotel guests, particularly for occasion dining, which keeps the public spaces lively in the evenings.
Amenities & Facilities
Wellness is built around The Spa, offering European and Ayurveda-inspired therapies with ESPA products, alongside yoga and meditation sessions in group or private formats. There is a rooftop swimming pool with city views and a 24-hour fitness centre. Service extends to butler care in the suites, 24-hour in-room dining, a concierge and a fleet of luxury cars, with valet parking on arrival. The overall standard of finish, from the public lobbies to the spa, is geared towards guests who treat the hotel itself as part of the experience rather than just a place to sleep.
Meetings, Weddings & Events
The hotel has a grand ballroom and a suite of banquet venues finished to a high standard, making it a sought-after address for luxury weddings, gala dinners and corporate events in central Delhi. The combination of palatial public spaces, signature catering and a central yet calm location lends itself to high-end celebrations and senior-level conferences. Couples in particular are drawn to the ballroom and the hotel's grand staircases and courtyards, which photograph well and lend a sense of ceremony to large social functions.
The Neighbourhood
Chanakyapuri is the city's diplomatic heart: quiet, green and secure, lined with embassies and close to Nehru Park, a favourite for morning walks and open-air concerts. The shopping and dining of Khan Market, the museums and avenues of Lutyens' Delhi, and the monuments around India Gate and Lodhi Garden are all a short drive. It is one of the most refined central addresses in Delhi, well away from the bustle of the older bazaars, while still keeping the city's main sights within comfortable reach.
Who It's Best For
The Leela Palace suits luxury leisure travellers, honeymooners and guests marking special occasions, as well as senior executives who want a polished, central base. It is a strong choice for anyone planning fine dining at Le Cirque, MEGU or Jamavar, and for hosts of upscale weddings and events who value the ballroom and grounds. Budget-conscious travellers, or those needing a quick airport turnaround between flights, would find more practical options elsewhere, but for a stay where the hotel is part of the occasion, it is among Delhi's strongest choices.
The Leela Palace New Delhi — room types
| Room | What you get |
| Grande Deluxe Room | Spacious rooms of about 552 sq ft with garden or city-skyline views, marble bathrooms and refined contemporary decor. |
| Royal Club Room | Rooms with access to the Royal Club lounge, including private check-in, breakfast and evening refreshments. |
| Luxury Suite | Suites with separate living areas, enhanced amenities and Royal Club privileges for longer or premium stays. |
| Royal Suite with Plunge Pool | A signature suite with garden views and a private, temperature-controlled in-room plunge pool. |
| Maharaja Suite | The flagship two-bay suite with opulent decor, a private plunge pool and sweeping skyline views. |
Dining at The Leela Palace New Delhi
| Outlet | Cuisine / type |
| Jamavar | Signature Indian fine dining |
| Le Cirque | Franco-Italian fine dining |
| MEGU | Modern Japanese |
| The Qube | All-day world cuisine |
| The Library Bar | Bar and lounge |
What's near The Leela Palace New Delhi
| Landmark | Distance | Approx. on foot |
| Diplomatic Enclave embassies | 1 km | ~12 min walk |
| Chanakyapuri / Nehru Park | 1.5 km | ~18 min walk |
| Rashtrapati Bhavan | 5 km | short taxi/auto |
| India Gate | 6 km | short taxi/auto |
| Connaught Place | 7 km | short taxi/auto |
| Khan Market | 6 km | short taxi/auto |
| Lodhi Garden | 6 km | short taxi/auto |
Distances are straight-line estimates; walking times assume roughly 12 minutes per km. Confirm routes locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Leela Palace New Delhi located?
On Africa Avenue in the Diplomatic Enclave at Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110023, among the embassies and close to Nehru Park.
How far is The Leela Palace from IGI airport?
About 13 km, roughly a 30-minute drive depending on traffic. The hotel offers luxury car transfers on request.
What are the signature restaurants?
Jamavar for Indian fine dining, Le Cirque for Franco-Italian, MEGU for modern Japanese and The Qube for all-day world cuisine, with The Library Bar for drinks.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 12:00 noon, with early or late timings subject to availability.
Does the hotel have a spa and pool?
Yes. The Spa offers European and Ayurveda-inspired therapies with ESPA products, and there is a rooftop swimming pool and a 24-hour fitness centre.
Do any rooms have a private plunge pool?
Yes. The signature Royal Suite with Plunge Pool and the Maharaja Suite each feature a private, temperature-controlled in-room plunge pool.