Hilton has announced a partnership with Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), a GMR Group-led consortium, to open Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Hotels & Resorts in New Delhi. The two properties will be located at GMR Aerocity, India’s first global business district, situated near Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The signing marks a key milestone in Hilton’s expansion in India and brings Waldorf Astoria to the capital for the first time. At the same time, it will introduce Hilton Hotels & Resorts—Hilton’s flagship full-service brand—to New Delhi. The two hotels are part of Hilton’s broader strategy to grow its presence in South Asia and respond to the increasing demand for premium and luxury accommodations in the region.
Waldorf Astoria New Delhi is expected to feature 150 guest rooms and suites, signature dining venues, spacious event facilities, and dedicated wellness experiences. The hotel will also include Peacock Alley, the brand’s iconic central lounge and social space that has become a hallmark of Waldorf Astoria hotels across the globe. Meanwhile, the 350-room Hilton at GMR Aerocity will offer a contemporary full-service hospitality experience tailored for both business and leisure travellers, with modern amenities, versatile social areas, and Hilton’s globally recognised service.
The projects are designed to support GMR Aerocity’s vision of becoming a key destination for global business, tourism, and urban infrastructure. The area is already home to world-class hotels, offices, retail spaces, and lifestyle destinations, with Hilton’s entry expected to further enhance its international appeal.
Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said, “The introduction of Waldorf Astoria and our flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand to GMR Aerocity marks a major milestone in our India growth strategy, bringing timeless luxury and modern hospitality to the capital. This signing is another step in our goal to grow our India portfolio to 10 times its current size in the next decade, supported by vast infrastructure investment and increasing appetite for travel.”
Waldorf Astoria is internationally known for its heritage of elegant service, culinary excellence, and immersive luxury. With this signing, the brand will expand its global footprint, joining other key properties such as Waldorf Astoria New York, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, and Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre. Hilton also has plans to open new Waldorf Astoria hotels in Jaipur, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Tokyo, Xi’an, Shanghai, and Hanoi.
The signing at GMR Aerocity is part of Hilton’s broader ambition to grow its luxury presence in Asia Pacific to 150 hotels in the coming years. In India, Hilton’s luxury brand portfolio is set to quadruple and will include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Signia by Hilton, alongside existing Conrad Hotels & Resorts in Bengaluru and Pune. In May, Hilton announced the upcoming addition of The Den, Bengaluru, to its LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio.
Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Corporate Chairman, GMR Group, said, “Partnering with Hilton to bring Waldorf Astoria and Hilton to GMR Aerocity reflects our continued commitment to bring world-class global brands to Aerocity, thereby positioning the facility as a force multiplier for Delhi’s tourism and business economy. Hilton’s global standards align well with our ambition to build GMR Aerocity as a strategic destination establishing new benchmarks in urban and hospitality infrastructure.”
To cater to India’s evolving travel market, Hilton is also expanding its brand presence across price points and traveller needs. Over the next few years, the company will grow from five to ten brands in the country, adding Curio Collection by Hilton and Spark by Hilton to its existing lineup of Conrad, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, and Hampton by Hilton.
Both the Waldorf Astoria and Hilton at GMR Aerocity will be part of Hilton Honors, the company’s guest loyalty program. Members booking directly through Hilton’s preferred channels will gain access to flexible payment options, member-only discounts, complimentary standard Wi-Fi, and exclusive features through the Hilton Honors mobile app.
