A large number of international brand of hotels operate in India. While chains such as Sheraton, Hyatt, Inter-Continental, Meridien, Kempinski, Holiday Inn, etc. have been around in the country for quite some time, in the last 10 years or so, a second spurt of hotel and resort building has brought in chains like Radisson, Marriott, Hilton, Park Plaza, Four Seasons, etc. India has its own list of deluxe hotel chains too, the standards of which compare with the best in the world. The Oberoi, Taj, Welcomgroup and Leela are the best known in the private sector.

In any five-star hotel, expect to find the following services: choice of restaurants, round-the-clock coffee shop and room service, conference facilities, business centre, health club, swimming pool, beauty salon, shopping complex, travel counter, currency exchange, etc.

There are also special categories of hotels, such as heritage hotels - where the country's romantic and rich history can be experienced intimately. In these (mostly) palace-turned-hotels, the architecture is stunning and the suggestions of an old-world luxury make you dream. Resorts in states like Goa are often spread over many, many acres with their own beachfronts. Spa hotels are also increasing in number, and then there is the possibility of making a boat your holiday home in states like Kerala and Kashmir.