New Delhi is witnessing an extraordinary surge in demand for luxury hotel rooms ahead of the upcoming BRICS Summit, with international delegations, senior officials, business representatives and other high-profile guests arriving in the capital. The major international gathering, scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam, has created a sharp increase in demand for accommodation across central Delhi and other premium hotel districts. As rooms become increasingly difficult to secure, prices at several luxury properties have climbed dramatically. According to the details reported from the hotel industry, available rooms in some premium properties are being offered for around ₹1.30 lakh or more per night. In some cases, luxury suites and presidential-level accommodation have reportedly commanded prices running into several lakh rupees for a single night. 

More Than 3,500 Rooms Booked for Delegations

A large number of rooms in central Delhi's five-star hotels have already been reserved for visiting delegations. Reports indicate that approximately 3,500 rooms have been booked across several premium properties for the summit period. Diplomats, government officials, corporate representatives, security personnel and media teams have also contributed to the increase in occupancy. The arrival of foreign delegations began several days before the main summit programme, putting additional pressure on the city's hotel inventory. For ordinary travellers, this has meant fewer choices and substantially higher prices, particularly for stays around the main summit dates.

Which Delegations Are Staying at Which Hotels?

Several of Delhi's most prominent luxury hotels are expected to accommodate visiting leaders and delegations. ITC Maurya is associated with the Russian delegation, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with other visiting representatives. The hotel is also expected to accommodate the Uzbekistan delegation. The Oberoi is expected to host delegations linked to Indonesia, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan and Iran. Sheraton New Delhi in Saket is expected to accommodate the Egyptian delegation, while The Lalit is associated with representatives from South Africa and Burundi. Taj Palace is expected to host the Chinese ambassador and delegation, while the Taj Mahal Hotel is expected to accommodate the Philippine ambassador. Brazilian representatives are also expected to stay at The Imperial.

Luxury Suites Become the Biggest Attraction

The most dramatic increase has been reported in the premium segment of the hotel market. While standard luxury rooms in central Delhi are being quoted at significantly elevated rates, high-end suites have witnessed an even greater jump in demand. Some luxury suites have reportedly reached prices of several lakh rupees per night, with reports suggesting that the most exclusive accommodation could cost close to ₹13 lakh or even more depending on the property and category. These rates reflect the combination of limited inventory, high-profile guests and strong demand from international delegations. By Wednesday evening, online availability at several major Delhi hotels for the September 10-12 period was reportedly extremely limited. Some properties had little or no regular inventory remaining, apart from their most exclusive suites.

The Leela Prepares Special Menus for VIP Guests

The summit has also created a major increase in activity inside hotel kitchens. At The Leela Palace, culinary teams have been preparing for the arrival of senior international guests. Chefs and kitchen staff have been coordinating with hotel management and representatives associated with visiting delegations to accommodate specific food preferences. Special ingredients have also reportedly been brought in for some guests, while embassy officials have been involved in discussions about menus. The hotel's restaurants and in-room dining services are also expected to feature selected dishes associated with the well-known Indian restaurant Jamavar. The additional preparation highlights the level of planning required when hotels host presidents, senior diplomats and other international dignitaries.

Hotel Occupancy Rises Across Delhi

The impact of the summit is not limited to a handful of five-star properties in central Delhi. Hotels across different parts of the capital are experiencing increased demand as the city prepares to accommodate officials, journalists, corporate representatives, security teams and support staff. The Lalit, which has around 460 rooms, has reportedly reserved about 90 percent of its inventory for summit-related guests. Its management has also indicated that room rates have increased by roughly 30 to 40 percent. The strong demand has allowed hotels to charge substantially higher prices than they normally would during the same period.

Delhi Aerocity Also Sees Strong Demand

The Delhi Aerocity hospitality district is also benefiting from the international event. The area has approximately 3,500 hotel rooms spread across several properties and has witnessed occupancy levels of around 80 to 90 percent at some hotels. Properties associated with brands such as Lemon Tree and Roseate have also experienced strong demand from guests connected with the summit. However, hotel operators in this segment have indicated that average room prices are expected to remain relatively stable compared with the sharp increases seen at some premium central Delhi properties. The difference is largely linked to the type of guests and the availability of rooms across different hotel categories.

Hotel Industry Sees Major Revenue Opportunity

The sudden increase in demand has created an important business opportunity for hotel companies operating in Delhi. International summits and major diplomatic events generally bring large groups of visitors who require accommodation for several days. These guests also generate additional spending through restaurants, banquets, transport, conference facilities and other hotel services. Industry analysts believe the current event could provide a significant boost to listed hotel companies with a strong presence in the national capital. For hotel operators, such events can therefore have an impact beyond room revenue, particularly when delegations stay for multiple nights and require extensive hospitality services.

Why Hotel Prices Have Increased So Sharply

The primary reason behind the extraordinary prices is the combination of exceptionally high demand and limited availability. Delhi already has a large hospitality market, but the number of premium rooms suitable for high-level diplomatic and government delegations is limited. International leaders and senior officials also require additional security arrangements, private meeting facilities, controlled access and other services that are easier to provide at established luxury properties. As a result, several of the city's best-known hotels have been heavily booked well in advance. The presence of multiple international delegations at the same time has further reduced the number of rooms available to ordinary travellers.

BRICS Summit Brings International Attention to Delhi

The BRICS Summit is also expected to bring significant international attention to New Delhi. Delegations from Brazil, China, Russia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and other participating countries are expected to be present. The gathering provides an important platform for discussions on economic cooperation, international relations, trade and other strategic issues. The arrival of senior officials has consequently created a temporary transformation in Delhi's hospitality landscape. From hotel kitchens preparing customised meals to security teams managing guest movements, a wide network of businesses and service providers is involved in supporting the event.

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New Delhi Hospitality Sector Gets Global Boost

The surge in Delhi hotel prices is particularly visible in central New Delhi, where several luxury properties are hosting international delegations. The impact is also being felt around Bharat Mandapam and Delhi Aerocity, two important hospitality and event zones connected to the summit's large-scale international presence. The unusually high hotel rates demonstrate how major diplomatic events can have an immediate economic impact on a host city. For Delhi's hotel industry, the summit has arrived at a time when demand for premium accommodation is already strong. The arrival of foreign delegations has added another layer of pressure to the market.

Travellers Face Higher Costs During Summit Period

For tourists, business travellers and other visitors planning a stay in Delhi during the summit period, the situation could mean significantly higher accommodation expenses. Rooms that would normally be available at standard luxury rates have become difficult to find, while properties with remaining inventory can command substantial premiums. Travellers staying in the capital during the event may therefore need to consider hotels farther away from the central diplomatic and summit zones. The situation also demonstrates how major international events can quickly affect local hotel markets, particularly when demand rises sharply over a short period.