How Hotels Are Chosen For Visiting World Leaders: Know A Fun Fact Amid Putin’s Visit

Fun Fact About The Stay Of World Leaders:  The current visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi, on December 4, 2025, is making headlines all across the internet. It is his first visit to India since the Russia-Ukraine conflict. His stay at the ITC Maurya hotel is getting equal attention. The hotel is standard for elite international officials. However, have you ever wondered how the hotels are chosen for the stays of visiting world leaders? The stay for such important guests goes through the strict diplomatic protocol that needs to check mark the key aspects of their stay, which are utmost security, high-end luxury, amenities and much more.

Traditionally, these international guests used to stay at the Guest Wing of Rashtrapati Bhavan, specifically during the early post-independence days, according to the data on the official website of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Later in the modern era, these 5-star properties/hotels took over the limelight. However, there are still many criteria that these 5-star hotels need to follow. For example:

1. Hotels must meet the elite standards for the high-profile guests who are staying at the hotel.

2. Diplomatic Enclave properties like the ITC Maurya have the advantage of a fortress-style surveillance, bullet-proofing of barricaded corridors, SPG coordination, and sometimes the entire hotel being reserved out.

Also Read: ‘India Is Not A British Colony’: Putin Slams Trump’s Tariff Pressure, Exposes US Hypocrisy Over Reliance On Russian Uranium

3. These hotels are also specifically close to Rashtrapati Bhavan and South Block so that they can be easily accessed, and the Presidential Suites also have amenities like gyms, spas, and custom dining facilities provided by restaurants like Bukhara.

4. An Established Diplomatic Track Record is also needed.

Also Read: Putin India Visit Live Updates: PM Modi Hosts Russian President For Dinner At 7 Lok Kalyan Marg Residence

Nowadays, the two Delhi Hotels that are most used for the stays of foreign heads of state are ITC Maurya, which is also popularly known as the ‘Hotel of Presidents.’ This hotel has also hosted Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton (more than once), George W Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and now Putin. Another one is the Taj Mahal Hotel, which also hosted delegations when there is a visit to the state, especially at the time of the G20.

Lastly, as per some of the media reports, the visit of Vladimir Putin is also increasing the prices of these 5-star luxurious hotels in Delhi to the whopping amount of Rs 1.3 lakhs per night.