The hype
Guests are blown away by the palace vibes and staff courtesy but often feel the food pricing doesn't match the quality.
Itc Grand Bharat, A Luxury Collection Retreat, Gur
$230-350/ night
Book this if You want a palatial, slow-paced staycation near Delhi where you can play golf and pretend you're royalty for a weekend.
Why People Love It
- The architecture is genuinely jaw-dropping—think domes, frescoes, and intricate stone carvings
- 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is a massive draw for enthusiasts
- Kaya Kalp Spa is consistently rated as one of the best in the country
Quick Take: It’s a stunning architectural marvel in the middle of nowhere that feels magical until a massive wedding party takes over the lawn.
Reviewed by @gladysoutandabout: I took the family here for a weekend escape and was blown away. The royal welcome set the tone, but having a semi-private pool right off our terrace was the real highlight. It felt incredibly exclusive yet super kid-friendly. A perfect reset without a long flight.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The breakfast buffet, while good, often gets compared unfavorably to ITC Sonar or Maurya for lacking variety and 'soul' in the live counters.
- You are a golfer looking for a world-class course
- You want a romantic, isolated escape with zero intention of leaving the property
- You appreciate over-the-top Mughal architecture and manicured gardens
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Generally excellent twice-daily service, though some reports of dust in hard-to-reach corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. High-end fixtures, though some guests noted aging grout in older suites.
- Maintenance: Mostly pristine, but occasional complaints about worn outdoor furniture or peeling paint on terraces.
- Linens & towels: Plush, high-thread-count, and consistently fresh.
- Odors & scents: Signature ITC 'Frangipani' scent in lobby; rooms are fresh unless near a smoking area.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Wedding DJ/music from the lawns
- Guests in semi-private pool areas (ground floor units hear neighbors)
Before you book
Good to know
- High Tea is chargeable (unlike some other luxury retreats where it's comped)
- Activities like Segway tours (₹2000) and Nature Walks (₹1000) cost extra
- The 'India Room' restaurant actually serves European cuisine, not Indian
What to pack
- Swimwear only if visiting Mar-Oct (pools are unheated)
- Formal wear if you plan to dine at The India Room
- Mosquito repellent—the lush Aravalli greenery brings bugs in the evenings
Room Genie
Best picks
- Deluxe Suite with Terrace (First Floor) for better privacy and views of the Aravallis
- Presidential Villa if money is no object and you need total seclusion
Rooms to avoid
- Luxury Suite with Semi-Private Pool in winter (pool is cold, ground floor lacks privacy from pathways)
- Rooms facing the main banquet lawns during wedding dates
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a Deluxe Suite on the first floor (Terrace Suite) in a block furthest from the banquet lawns/wedding venues. We are light sleepers and seeking maximum privacy.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
The main common pool is temperature-controlled, but the semi-private pools attached to suites are NOT heated.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, but with a steep fee of approx ₹5,900 + taxes per pet, per stay.
What is there to do nearby?
Very little. The Heritage Transport Museum is 15 mins away and excellent. Otherwise, it's just fields and highway.
How is the food?
Excellent but expensive. The India Room (European) is a highlight, while the Aravali Pavilion (all-day dining) is solid but pricey for what it is.
Is it good for kids?
Yes, 'Ollie’s Club' has activities, and there's plenty of space to run, but it's not a theme park. It's 'refined' family fun.
Can I get a late check-out?
Marriott Bonvoy elites usually get priority; otherwise, it's subject to availability and they can be strict if a wedding group is checking in.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'India Room' restaurant is ironically the best place for European fine dining, celebrating the colonial history of India.
- ✨
Request a golf cart (buggy) early for dinner reservations; they can take 15-20 mins to arrive during peak times.
- ✨
The 'Ghats of Yamuna' area hosts an evening Aarti (prayer ceremony) that is surprisingly touching and photogenic.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Semi-Private' pools are really just a moat shared with neighbors; you can hear their conversations clearly.
💡You have to pay for the 'Nature Walk' (approx ₹1000), which feels nickel-and-dimey for a resort surrounded by nature.
💡The breakfast omelet station is often criticized for being 'directionless' and lacking the flair of other ITC properties.
💡Mobile network coverage can be spotty in certain blocks; rely on the Wi-Fi.
💡The drive from the main highway to the hotel gate is through a village road that can feel jarringly rustic compared to the hotel's opulence.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Itc Grand Bharat, A Luxury Collection Retreat, Gur is located and what's nearby.