Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, formerly Aurangabad, hosts a compact but high-quality selection of 5-star hotels, primarily serving as basecamps for visits to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The two standout properties-Gateway Aurangabad - Chhatrapati Sambaji Nagar and Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Rama International-offer comparable room rates, typically falling in the mid-range luxury bracket. Both provide essential amenities like outdoor pools, full-service spas, fitness centers, and multiple on-site restaurants, making them suitable for business travelers and families alike. The hotels are strategically located away from the city center traffic, yet within a 20-minute drive to Chikkalthana Airport and the Aurangabad Railway Station, with the Waluj MIDC industrial area roughly 17 kilometers away.
Gateway Aurangabad, sitting within landscaped gardens, features a running track and a specialty Chinese restaurant, the Tea House, alongside its Latitude all-day dining venue and Tease Bar. Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels stands out for its pillar-less banquet hall (Sita Hall) and its Sholla specialty restaurant for local cuisine; it also houses a 0.6-mile running track. For shorter stays, the Gateway Aurangabad offers a tour desk for arranging excursions to Ellora and Ajanta, plus free parking and round-the-clock room service. Travelers heading directly to the airport may prefer Welcomhotel, which sits closer to the terminal. Expect to pay a premium for the 5-star tag, but for those prioritizing a reliable, amenity-rich base near the UNESCO sites, these hotels deliver measurable value.