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The Leela's Remarkable Triumph in 2026

In a remarkable accolade, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has distinguished itself as the second-best hotel brand globally in the prestigious Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards for 2026. This esteemed recognition, derived from votes by discerning readers from around the world, underscores The Leela's exceptional commitment to luxury and hospitality.

Located in India, The Leela has not only claimed the second spot in the world's best hotel brand category but also garnered top rankings for its specific properties. The Leela Palace Udaipur stands proud as the #2 Resort in India and is featured in the elite top 100 Hotels in the World. Meanwhile, The Leela Palace New Delhi has achieved recognition as the second-best city hotel in India according to the same survey.

As The Leela celebrates four decades of genuine Indian luxury, this recognition represents a pivotal milestone in its illustrious journey. Previously recognized as the world's best hotel brand in both 2020 and 2021, as well as achieving third place in 2023 and 2024, this latest accolade reflects the brand's unwavering dedication to providing gracious Indian hospitality and extraordinary guest experiences.

The methodology employed by Travel + Leisure for the World's Best Awards is renowned for its rigor and integrity. Hotels are meticulously assessed based on various criteria, including room quality, amenities, location, service, culinary experiences, and overall value. The Leela's esteemed reputation has been enhanced by its significant Net Promoter Score of 86, which is among the highest in the industry, speaking volumes about guest satisfaction and loyalty.

In light of this achievement, Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, emphasized the profound significance of this honor. He stated, "To be recognized among the world's finest hotel brands in the year that we celebrate forty years of The Leela makes this honor particularly meaningful. This recognition affirms our vision that a luxury brand deeply rooted in Indian values can proudly showcase the best of India on the global stage."

The Leela’s ethos, which centers around the principle of Atithi Devo Bhava – 'Guest is God,' reflects its commitment to enriching guest experiences and fostering loyalty. Each member of the team plays a vital role in manifesting this principle in their daily operations, ensuring that guests feel valued and cherished.

As The Leela embarks on its fifth decade, it continues to uphold its legacy of excellence by focusing on thoughtful expansions, investments in staff development, and the crafting of unique luxury experiences that honor India's rich heritage while remaining relevant in contemporary contexts.

Future endeavors are backed by a robust growth strategy, ensuring The Leela is strategically positioned for sustained growth and value creation across all stakeholders. The journey ahead is filled with opportunities, and with continued dedication to exceptional service, The Leela is set to redefine luxury hospitality in the years to come.

For more details regarding the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2026 winners, you can explore the comprehensive list available on their website. Discover more about the exquisite offerings and experiences at The Leela by visiting their official page.