So this February, travelers headed to the national capital are experiencing a massive “software update” to their travel budgets. As Delhi prepares for its India–AI Impact Summit 2026, room rates at some of the city’s highest-end five-star properties have surged as high as 500% upwards, with some conventional rooms now charging more than the down payment of a luxury car for just one night.
Unprecedented Surge in Tariffs
The summit, which is being billed as the first large global AI event hosted in the Global South, has brought to the hospitality industry a “perfect storm”. A survey of booking platforms shows eye-popping numbers:
| Hotel Name | Summit Rate (per night) | Regular Rate (March) |
| The Leela Palace | ₹1.5 Lakh – ₹3.9 Lakh | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000 |
| The Imperial | ₹1.9 Lakh – ₹2.4 Lakh | ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 |
| The Oberoi | ₹75,000 – ₹4.0 Lakh | ₹60,000 – ₹70,000 |
| Taj Palace | ₹78,000 – ₹89,000 | ₹22,000 – ₹32,000 |
Rates are tax-inclusive and subject to real-time dynamic changes.
Why the Sudden Spike?
The “insane pricing” is caused by the combination of top-of-mind demand and scarce goods:
- Global Participation: More than 100 countries are signing up, including 15-20 heads of government and more than 40 global CEOs.
- Inventory Blocks: Whole wings of hotels such as ITC Maurya and the Taj Palace have been set aside for diplomatic missions and "Silicon Valley" delegations, making it challenging for independent business travellers to find a room.
- The “Saaya” Factor: The summit also happens on auspicious wedding dates (Saaya), which is further squeezing up the luxury-site supply and accommodation.
Satellite Cities Feel the Heat
Delegates look for alternative stays and the average daily rates (ADR) in hotels in Aerocity, Gurgaon and Noida are now double. Mid-tier business hotels are also benefiting from the squeeze, doubling their standard tariffs for the week of February 16.
Logistics and Security
The spike is not only financial; it is logistical. More than 4,000 Delhi Police officers have been deployed to coordinate VIP corridors between 10 special luxury hotels and the core centre at Bharat Mandapam. Travelers are being warned of severe traffic diversion in South and Central Delhi during the five-day event. For those who do not make it to the summit, experts proposed that they choose boutique stays in the suburbs or set their sights on late-March when prices will normalize.
