The Leela Ascends to World’s #2 Hotel Brand, Fortifying Luxury Portfolio and Growth Trajectory
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has added another prestigious milestone to its journey by securing the No. 2 position among the World’s Best Hotel Brands in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026. The recognition reinforces the luxury hospitality brand’s growing global reputation and highlights its commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences rooted in Indian hospitality.
The latest ranking comes at a special time for The Leela as the brand celebrates four decades of excellence, showcasing its ability to consistently compete with some of the world’s most renowned luxury hotel brands.
Multiple Honors for The Leela Properties
In addition to the global brand recognition, two of The Leela’s flagship properties also received top rankings in this year’s awards.
- The Leela Palace Udaipur was ranked No. 2 Resort in India and earned a place among the Top 100 Hotels in the World.
- The Leela Palace New Delhi was recognized as the No. 2 Best City Hotel in India.
These accolades reflect the brand’s consistent focus on luxury, personalized service, and memorable guest experiences across its portfolio.
A Legacy of Consistent Global Recognition
The latest achievement is part of a long history of international recognition for The Leela.
Over the past several years, the luxury hotel brand has maintained a strong presence in the Travel + Leisure rankings:
- World’s No. 1 Hotel Brand in 2020
- World’s No. 1 Hotel Brand in 2021
- World’s No. 3 Hotel Brand in 2023
- World’s No. 3 Hotel Brand in 2024
- World’s No. 2 Hotel Brand in 2026
This sustained performance demonstrates the brand’s ability to maintain high service standards while adapting to changing expectations in the global luxury travel industry.
Built on the Philosophy of “Atithi Devo Bhava”
The Leela attributes much of its success to its longstanding philosophy of “Atithi Devo Bhava”, meaning Guest is God. This principle has shaped the brand’s approach to hospitality for four decades, combining Indian traditions with world-class luxury experiences.
The company’s strong guest satisfaction is also reflected in its industry-leading Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 86, indicating exceptionally high levels of customer loyalty and guest recommendations.
Looking Ahead
Commenting on the recognition, CEO Anuraag Bhatnagar said the award reflects the brand’s vision of showcasing the very best of Indian luxury on the global stage.
Looking forward, The Leela plans to continue expanding its presence through carefully selected luxury destinations while investing in its people, service excellence, and unique guest experiences. The company’s long-term strategy focuses on sustainable growth while preserving the personalized hospitality that has become its hallmark.