Safdarjung Tomb long view with empty fountain and palm trees on either side

12 BEST South Delhi Hotels (2025): Hand-Picked by a Local

disclaimer

Before I moved to Delhi, I often stayed in South Delhi hotels, and I’m going to recommend the best ones for you. I live in Delhi now, but I still visit hotels regularly.

South Delhi is my favourite part of the city to stay in. It’s a greener, less congested part of Delhi, with beautiful parks, wonderful markets and the best restaurants and night life. This area makes an excellent base to explore the rest of the city from. Many of Delhi’s most famous sites are located in South Delhi, and you can easily get to anywhere else in the capital.

Whether you want to splurge on a luxury property or stay somewhere budget-friendly, South Delhi has a wide range of accommodations. You’ll be able to find the perfect hotel to suit your needs.

Short on time? These are my two top recommendations:

👉 Lutyens Bungalow – small heritage property extremely well located beside Delhi’s most beautiful park, Lodhi Garden

👉 Bungalow 157 – lovely boutique hotel, located in a quiet residential area near the metro

12 BEST South Delhi Hotels

These are my preferred South Delhi hotels. All of them are known for superb service, good location and receive excellent guest reviews.

1. The Leela Palace New Delhi

The Leela Palace is an exceptional property. Everything about this hotel is beautiful, from the gorgeous outdoor pool to the well appointed guest rooms. Located in the greenest part of New Delhi, it is an ideal base to explore the city from.

the lobby of the Leela Palace New Delhi
The Leela Palace is South Delhi’s most luxurious hotel (image credit the Leela Palace New Delhi)

After a day of exploring Delhi, unwind with a traditional Ayurvedic treatment in the world-class spa, have a cocktail in one of Delhi’s best hotel bars, the Library, or join the evening aarti to experience India’s spiritual side first hand.

Price: $250-400 USD
Best for: Discerning traveller
Location: Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi
Amenities: 4 restaurants, 1 bar, swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, business services

🎈Click here to book your stay at the Leela Palace New Delhi

2. Taj Mahal New Delhi

Out of all the South Delhi luxury hotels, the Taj Mahal New Delhi has the best location. It’s in the exclusive area of Lutyens’ Delhi, within walking distance of many of Delhi’s most popular sites, like Khan Market, India Gate and Lodhi Garden.

A guest room at the Taj Mahal New Delhi, one of South Delhi's best hotels
The Taj Mahal New Delhi is within walking distance of Lodhi Garden and Khan Market (image credit the Taj Mahal New Delhi)

The hotel is beautifully appointed with all the amenities you would expect from a 5 star hotel. It’s a great hotel for solo female travellers that has ‘Eva’ rooms with a dedicated female concierge and extra security features.

Price: $200-350 USD
Best for: Solo female travellers
Location: Man Singh Road, New Delhi
Amenities: 4 restaurants, 2 bars (including cigar lounge), swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, business services, Eva rooms

🎈Click here to book your stay the Taj Mahal New Delhi

3. The Oberoi New Delhi

I might be a little biased, having stayed in the Kolkata Oberoi several times, but you cannot go wrong staying in this South Delhi hotel. Oberoi hotels are beautiful, luxurious and comfortable in a very Indian way. The Oberoi boasts the cleanest air in Delhi (they use state of the art clean air technology).

luxury hotel room with king size bed overlooking Delhi greenery
All rooms at the Oberoi New Delhi look out onto Humayun’s Tomb or the Delhi Golf Club (image credit the Oberoi New Delhi)

Located next to Delhi Golf Club with views of world heritage site Humayun’s Tomb, the location is not as walkable as the other luxury hotels in this list, but has better views. One of Delhi’s best roof top lounges is located at the Oberoi, Cirrus 9.

Price: $200-350 USD
Best for: Couples
Location: Golf Links, New Delhi
Amenities: 4 restaurants, 2 bars (including cigar lounge), swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, business services

🎈Click here to book your stay at the Oberoi New Delhi

4. Sheraton New Delhi

This hotel is not as central as the other luxury hotels on this list, but if you prefer to be closer to the business section of South Delhi, it’s an excellent choice. I love the Fabelle Chocolate Boutique in the hotel!

hotel room at the Sheraton New Delhi
The Sheraton New Delhi is next door to 2 of Delhi’s best shopping malls (image credit Sheraton New Delhi)

This is a great spot to explore sites like Qutub Minar (UNESCO) and Tughlaqabad Fort from. If you love shopping, you’ll want to stay here – it’s next door to two of Delhi’s very best shopping malls.

Price: $150-280 USD
Best for: Business travellers
Location: Saket, Delhi
Amenities: 3 restaurants, 1 bar, 1 chocolate boutique, swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, business services

🎈Click here to book your stay at Sheraton New Delhi

5. Lutyens Bungalow

The only heritage property on this list, Lutyens Bungalow is one of the original bungalows designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for the British Raj in 1937. The location is superb, right beside Lodhi Garden – it simply doesn’t get any better.

exterior verandah and garden of Lutyens Bungalow in South Delhi
Lutyens Bungalow is a piece of British Raj history (image credit Lutyens Bungalow)

Situated in a very quiet part of South Delhi, the guest house has a large garden frequented by peacocks. Rooms are elegant but comfortable and have private bathrooms. Breakfast is included and there’s an option to have a home cooked dinner with other guests in the dining room.

Price: $100-150 USD
Best for: Nature lovers
Location: Prithviraj Road, New Delhi
Amenities: swimming pool, gardens, breakfast included

🎈Click here to book your stay at Lutyens Bungalow

6. Bungalow 157

This is the perfect place for families or anyone wanting extra space and a kitchen. Each floor of Bungalow 157 has 3 guest rooms with private ensuites, a common living room and kitchen. Book one guest room, two or all three and have the whole apartment to yourself.

A bright guest room with white linen at Bungalow 157 in Delhi
Guest rooms at Bungalow 157 are large, modern and have lots of natural light (image credit Bungalow 157)

Bungalow 157 is located in an upscale residential neighbourhood, with shops and restaurants a short walk away. Breakfast with fresh squeezed juiced is included.

Price: $90-120 USD
Best for: Families and travellers with pets
Location: Defence Colony, Delhi
Amenities: shared kitchen and living room, pet friendly, breakfast included

🎈Click here to book your stay at Bungalow 157

7. Colonel’s Retreat

Colonel’s Retreat is a wonderful bed & breakfast located in a tree lined South Delhi neighbourhood. I love the outdoor roof top dining room for breakfast, a wonderful way to start a day in Delhi. Breakfast is amazing, all homemade breads and jams with Indian and non-Indian dishes.

one of the best hotel rooms at Colonel's Retreat in South Delhi
Colonel’s Retreat is a great location to explore Delhi from (image credit Colonel’s Retreat)

If you are coming to Delhi for a wedding, Colonel’s Retreat is very close to one of the best and cheapest markets in Delhi, Central Market Lajpat Nagar. It’s a great market for Indian wedding clothes and accessories that won’t break your budget.

Price: $70-130 USD
Best for: Shoppers who want Indian clothing
Location: Defence Colony, Delhi
Amenities: breakfast included, Indian cooking lessons

🎈Click here to book your stay at Colonels’ Retreat

8. Bnineteen

Bnineteen is one of Delhi’s best boutique hotels, well known for a high level of service and their exceptional Indian breakfast. The hotel is located in an exclusive residential part of South Delhi, next door to Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO) and Sunder Nursery.

lobby at Bnineteen in Delhi with view of Humayun's Tomb
Bnineteen has great views of Humayun’s Tomb (image credit Bnineteen)

Each room is unique, but all are comfortable and clean. The hotel is close to Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, so you will hear trains at night. Other than that, the hotel location is fabulous – in the heart of the most historic part of South Delhi.

Price: $70-100 USD
Best for: History lovers
Location: Nizamuddin East, Delhi
Amenities: breakfast included

🎈Click here to book your stay at Bnineteen

9. Home@F37

This small hotel is great value. While not a new hotel, rooms are large and it’s on the main street of one of South Delhi’s better neighbourhoods. Guest rooms have all the standard amenities, and in winter air purifiers and oil heaters are provided. A buffet breakfast is included in the room rate.

twin room with blue curtains at Home@F37, Delhi
Home@F37 is within walking distance of one Delhi’s most popular markets for shopping and restaurants (image credit Home@F37)

Home@F37 is very close to popular GKI M Block Market and a few minutes walk to the Kailash Colony metro station, so you’ll be able to easily get to all the sites of Delhi.

Price: $60-90 USD
Best for: Budget travellers who want to stay in a hotel
Location: Greater Kailash, Delhi
Amenities: 1 restaurant, business centre, breakfast included

🎈Click here to book your stay at Home@F37

10. Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast

This is one of Delhi’s favourite guest houses. It’s very central in one of South Delhi’s best neighbourhoods, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the metro. You will easily be able to explore Delhi using Prakash Kutir as your base.

Guest room with king size bed at Prakash Kutir in South Delhi
Staying at Prakash Kutir feels like being an honoured guest in someone’s home

The guest house is small, cozy and very clean. You will feel like you are staying in a lovely home. A delicious, home cooked breakfast is included. Reserve a room as far in advance as you can, this place is often fully booked.

Price: $60-65 USD
Best for: Budget travellers who want to explore Delhi
Location: Hauz Khas, Delhi
Amenities: breakfast included

🎈Click here to book your stay at Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast

11. The Neem Bed & Breakfast

This is one of Delhi’s best regarded guest houses. While the location is not as central as others on this list, it is close to lots of dining and shopping options.

double guest room at the Neem Bed & Breakfast in South Delhi
The Neem is one of South Delhi’s most loved guest houses (image credit the Neem Bed & Breakfast)

The Neem has extra large rooms for families and is on a quiet residential street. Guests rave about the service and cleanliness of the rooms. A home cooked breakfast is included.

If you’re coming to Delhi for the Durga Puja festival, the Neem is an excellent choice. It’s in the neighbourhood adjacent to where the main festivities are.

Price: $50-95 USD
Best for: Families on a budget
Location: Greater Kailash, Delhi
Amenities: breakfast included

🎈Click here to book your stay at the Neem Bed & Breakfast

12. Tatvamansi Homestay

This South Delhi hotel is amazing value. The manager and staff at Tatvamansi Homestay are famous for their customer service and local advice on Delhi sites, shopping and restaurants.

large double room with attached verandah at Tatvamansi Homestay, Delhi
Tatvamansi Homestay is a cozy property overlooking a park (image credit Tatvamansi Homestay)

Room are large and comfortable. There’s a common kitchen set up for cooking, if guests want make their own meals. Tatvamansi is located on a residential street overlooking a park and is well situated for exploring the rest of Delhi. Just take note this usually quiet neighbourhood is anything but quiet during the cultural festival of Durga Puja in October.

Price: $40-50 USD
Best for: Self-catering travellers
Location: Chittaranjan Park, Delhi
Amenities: shared kitchen for cooking

🎈Click here to book your stay at Tatvamansi Homestay

Getting Around Delhi

The best and cheapest way to move around Delhi is by metro. The Delhi metro goes everywhere, it’s user friendly and clean. To get to a metro station, or from a metro station to your destination, just grab an auto rickshaw. Auto rickshaws aren’t expensive and are safe in the day time. This is how to use the Delhi metro. Avoid the metro after 8:00 pm.

For shorter distances, the easiest way is auto rickshaw. You’ll see auto rickshaws everywhere in Delhi. Just don’t take them at night if you’re alone. Make sure you agree on the price before you get in.

The most convenient option is Uber or Ola (another popular ride share program in Delhi). Both are widely used in the city and not expensive. This is your safest option at night. Personally, I prefer Uber and use it all the time. It might be worth picking up a sim card at the airport on arrival so you can utilize Uber. Data is not expensive in India.

FAQs

These are some common questions first time visitors have about Delhi.

Which part of Delhi is best to stay?

South and Central Delhi are the best parts of the city to stay in. Almost all luxury and many mid-priced hotels are in these areas, and they are an excellent base to explore Delhi. Many monuments and attractions are in South and Central Delhi.

Is it safe to walk around New Delhi?

New Delhi is safe to walk around during the day as long as you observe the usual safety measures you would take anywhere in the world. Avoid walking around anywhere in Delhi after dark alone.

Are taxis safe in Delhi?

Trackable taxis like Uber, Ola and BluSmart are safe in Delhi. Check the license plate before you get in to make sure it matches your booked ride.

The Wrap-up on 12 BEST South Delhi Hotels: Hand-Picked By A Local

South Delhi has many wonderful hotels and guest houses to stay at. It’s an excellent part of the city for sightseeing, shopping, dining and night life. Most expats live in South Delhi, and if they don’t, they want to!

I’ve given you the very best hotels in South Delhi. You’ll be well looked after and comfortable at any of these exceptional properties.

Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing

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