From silk walls to private gyms: Inside Putin’s presidential-grade suite at ITC Maurya in Delhi

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in New Delhi today (December 4) for a tightly secured two-day visit, and the spotlight has turned to the ITC Maurya Hotel – the capital’s long-standing choice for global leaders. As officials prepare for the high-profile stay, the property has transformed into a security-heavy zone, with every floor monitored, corridors blocked off and access routes heavily guarded.

Putin is scheduled to land at around 6:30 PM, preceded by an advance security team that conducted extensive checks at the hotel. With the entire property placed under strict surveillance, all rooms occupied and movement restricted, ITC Maurya is functioning as both a luxury residence and a fortified compound.

Inside the Chanakya Suite: A Presidential residence

According to DNA India, President Putin will stay in the hotel’s most exclusive accommodation – the Chanakya Suite, one of ITC Maurya’s grandest offerings and often compared to its equally renowned Chandragupta Suite.

The suite spans approximately 4,600 square feet, blending historical themes with modern opulence. Its nightly tariff is estimated between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, placing it among the priciest suites in the country reserved for state leaders and royalty.

The interiors reflect refined Indian craftsmanship: silk-panelled walls, dark wood flooring and rare artworks, including original Tyeb Mehta pieces and visuals inspired by the Arthashastra. The dining experience echoes this elegance, with settings featuring Villeroy & Boch tableware and Cristal De Paris glassware.

Key features of the Chanakya Suite

• Master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe
• Private steam room and sauna
• Fully equipped personal gym
• Expansive living and reception areas
• A 12-seater formal dining room
• Additional guest room, office and study spaces
• Wide views of New Delhi framed by intricately carved interiors

The suite is designed to evoke the grandeur of India’s ancient courts while offering the privacy and comfort expected of a head of state.

ITC Maurya: A hotel built for diplomacy

For more than four decades, ITC Maurya has served as the preferred address for visiting presidents, prime ministers and dignitaries. Considered one of India’s premier luxury hotels, it houses 411 rooms and 26 suites, along with nine restaurants and multiple high-end meeting spaces.

The hotel offers a diverse range of rooms and suites beyond the presidential floor:

Rooms

• Executive Club: Compact 26-square-metre rooms with bathtubs, overhead showers and essential amenities.
• Executive Club Exclusive: A more private 30-square-metre category featuring dark wood accents and walk-in showers.
• The Towers: Premium 40-square-metre rooms with exclusive check-in services, lounge cocktails and a luxury breakfast.
• ITC One: Spacious 53-square-metre rooms curated for comfort and elegance. 

Suites

• Deluxe Suites: Inspired by Mauryan architecture, ranging from 45 to 59 square metres, with butler service and daily breakfast.
• Luxury Suites: Larger suites (84–118 square metres) featuring expansive living spaces, personalised service and high-end amenities.

Security meets luxury

During visits by global leaders, ITC Maurya becomes one of the most guarded locations in the capital. For President Putin, the hotel has been placed under multilayered security grids, with controlled entry points, barricaded corridors and rapid-response teams stationed across the property. Despite these restrictions, the hotel continues to maintain the hospitality experience it is known for.

A legacy of hosting world leaders

Over the years, the Chanakya Suite – ITC Maurya’s signature Grand Presidential Suite – has cemented its status as a preferred residence for global statesmen, royalty, spiritual icons and high-profile dignitaries. Since its debut in 2007, the suite has hosted an exclusive list of confirmed guests, separate from other premium accommodations such as the Tata Suite.

Among the notable visitors is former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who stayed during an official diplomatic visit, helping establish the early tradition of American presidential stays. Bill Clinton, the 42nd U.S. president, has returned multiple times, receiving a specially curated “Clinton platter” during one of his visits. George W. Bush also occupied the suite during bilateral talks, utilising its high-security infrastructure designed for visiting heads of state.

Barack Obama chose the Chanakya Suite on all three of his India trips in 2010, 2015 and 2017. His stays were marked by interactions with hotel staff, meetings with Indian business leaders and a personalised farewell with employees. Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, stayed here during his 2020 state visit, with his delegation reserving the entire hotel for security – making him the fourth U.S. president to use this specific suite.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has also been a repeat guest during several India–Russia summits, including his 2025 visit. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair stayed here during official engagements, while the Dalai Lama praised the suite for its calming ambience during his high-level interfaith meetings. The suite has also welcomed Saudi Arabia’s late King Abdullah, whose stay highlighted growing ties between New Delhi and Riyadh, and Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who appreciated the suite’s Mauryan-inspired design during regional summits.