Saraca Hotel Lucknow
Lucknow

Nestled in the historic Saraca Estate, in the heart of Lucknow, Saraca Hotel Lucknow is a beautifully restored 1936 Art Deco bungalow turned boutique heritage hotel. Once known as Lebua Lucknow, the property began a new chapter in 2024 under its original namesake, Saraca, inspired by the graceful Ashoka trees that line the estate. The change marks a return to its local roots, with continued emphasis on design, service, and cultural immersion.

Set in the leafy heart of central Lucknow, the hotel blends 20th-century architectural elegance with refined modern comforts. Its 41 rooms and suites, ranging from 180 to 500 square feet, are spread across multiple bungalow wings, opening onto bougainvillaea-draped courtyards, tiled terraces and manicured lawns. Each space is air-conditioned and non-smoking, with thoughtful touches like mosaic flooring, antique doors, balconies or private sit-outs and complimentary Wi-Fi. Some rooms offer freestanding tubs and French doors that open to fragrant gardens.

Dining at Saraca is as memorable as the setting. Azrak serves regional Indian cuisine inspired by the culinary legacies of the Nawabs, Nizams and Rajputs, with signature Awadhi dishes and traditional Lucknowi kebabs. 1936 Ristorante, named for the year the estate was built, offers authentic Italian fare in a romantic alfresco setting beneath century-old trees. Saraca Rooftop Lounge is a chic open-air bar ideal for cocktails and city views, while Asian Table (a new addition) introduces subtle pan-Asian flavours. Guests can also enjoy in-room dining or book a private experience at Khema, a magical candlelit tented dinner beneath the stars.

The hotel also features a serene outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, business facilities and the Baradari banquet hall, a popular setting for weddings and cultural events. While the glamour of the original Art Deco bones remains, some areas show light wear, lending the property a slightly lived-in charm that only adds to its authenticity.

Perfectly located just 14 km from Lucknow’s airport and close to iconic sites like Hazratganj, the Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza, Saraca is an excellent base for exploring the city's rich Nawabi culture. The hotel can organise immersive guided walks through the old city’s narrow lanes and bustling bazaars, as well as curated culinary tours and heritage experiences.

Saraca Hotel Lucknow is not just a place to stay, it’s a gracious step back in time, where the romance of bygone Lucknow lives on in quiet luxury and leafy serenity.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson