Agra, North & Central India, India

As its name implies, the Grand Imperial served as the city’s top hotel in colonial times, accommodating heads of state and visiting dignitaries. Today it’s a more modest four star, but we love it for the old-world atmosphere of its whitewashed arcaded verandahs and lawned garden, where you can relax over a pot of ‘masala chai’ in the afternoon. Retaining their original Arthangudi tiled floors (a real treat for lovers of heritage interiors), the rooms are large and comfortable, with repro antique furniture to accentuate the period feel. Service is excellent, and there are nightly performances of puppetry and music in the garden.