Where to Stay

The city has a wide range of accommodations - from the expensive deluxe five-star hotels that are the best in the world, to middle-range hotels and guest houses that are often well-appointed and offer a comfortable stay, to down-market tourist lodges in crowded localities, which are very inexpensive but offer minimal amenities. With the booming economy and the aggressive policies of the tourism department, newer hotels are springing up fast in the city. Many of the best hotels have tie-ups with the international hotel chains like Sheraton, Hyatt and Hilton. The two well-known Indian hotels chains - The Taj and The Oberoi offer services that are more than a match for the international hotel chains.

Connaught Place The area around Connaught Place (or CP) is a preferred place to stay, especially for tourists pushing a tight schedule— the location is useful as many places of interest are in the vicinity. It is also Delhi's prime shopping center. There are also a wide range of shops, from those on footpaths to fashionable department stores. The Cottage Emporium is also located here. CP is concentrated with the five-stars, such as The Imperial, Le Meridien, The Metropolitan Nikko, and Intercontinental. Around this area, there are more modest options in Hotel Marina— Claridges, Jukaso Inn, and The Ambassador.

Paharganj The area of Paharganj is a haven for travelers on a shoe-string budget. Inexpensive hotels and lodges offer rooms for as low as Rs. 500 for a night or a dormitory accommodation at an even lesser rate. What is lacking in amenities is made up for by the young foreign tourists with a sense of adventure. The bustling area, the chaos on the roads, and high noise levels probably adds to the romance of the orient. But if you are fussy, stay away, for the service is not always necessarily reliable.

South Delhi This part of Delhi has the highest property rates, the most developed infrastructure, the best stores, the most happening nightlife, and the highest concentration of the society's wealthy. Finding extremely inexpensive accommodation may pose a problem but in addition to the deluxe hotels like Park Royal and The Surya, it has a wide variety of reasonable options in inns and guest houses. Hotels around Chanakyapuri and Vasant Vihar are in the top and middle-level categories. Moreover, the area is close to the airport and diplomatic missions. Visitors on work or on a quick business trip may find it useful to live here and make use of Hotel Jaypee Vasnt Continental, The Radisson, The Ashok, The Hyatt, Taj Palace and Taj Mahal.

North Delhi The area beyond Delhi Gate has several small hotels and one five-star, Oberoi Maidens, which is the oldest and the most exotic one in the city. The lodges here are primarily targeted toward small business who often visit because of the wholesale markets. Although hotels and other accommodation options are many, it is advisable to book well in advance during the peak tourist season from June-March. Many hotels offer discounts in the off-season, where tourism is low because of the hot summer months.