Where to Stay in Delhi (2025) – Best Areas and Hotels for Every Budget

Wondering where to stay in Delhi, on any budget? You’ve come to the right place!

Delhi is such a huge city, staying in a safe and well located area is super important. Before I moved to Delhi I stayed in many hotels and guest houses. I know the city and these hotels very well. This is exactly where to stay in Delhi for every budget.

By the way, the best areas to stay in are South and Central Delhi (below Connaught Place – this includes New Delhi). More on that below…

Here’s What to Expect!

• recommended neighbourhoods
• where not to stay
• top choices for luxury, mid-priced, budget, hostel & airport accommodations
• recommendations for solo females, families and visitors with pets
• Airbnb in Delhi

Short on time? Here is the cheat sheet:

Where Not to Stay in Delhi

Knowing where not to stay is just as important as knowing where to stay. If this is your first time in Delhi, I urge you to heed my advice!

Don’t Stay in Paharganj or Old Delhi

I live in Delhi and I know Delhi. Despite the other info out there and the numerous budget options – do not stay in Paharganj or Old Delhi. Both are dirty, congested, chaotic and not altogether that safe (especially Paharganj). On top of that it can be difficult getting Uber to come into Old Delhi.

Visit them in the day (well, maybe not Paharganj), but Old Delhi is very worth seeing. Just don’t stay there.

Look at the difference between Old Delhi and New Delhi (where you should stay):

I’m going to give you other budget options, like Bed & Chai Guesthouse in South Delhi. Prices start at $27 USD and although service could be a bit better, the area is a million times better than Paharganj.

🚩 Check prices and availability at Bed & Chai Guesthouse

Don’t stay by the Airport unless you have to

The airport is a bit outside of Delhi. If you’re planning on being a tourist and sightseeing, you’ll end up spending a lot of time just in transit if you’re staying near the airport.

The hotels by the airport are kind of limited too. Either they’re expensive 5 star properties in Aerocity, or budget hotels in the not so desirable neighbourhoods near the airport.

If you want to be kind of close to the airport but near the sites and attractions of Delhi, Jaypee Vasant Continental Hotel is a good option. This is also a great hotel for solo women.

If you’re flying into Delhi, here are the best options to get into Delhi from the airport.

🚩 Check prices and availability at Jaypee Vasant Continental Hotel

Forget North, East or West Delhi

All of these are out of the way and you’ll spend too much time in transit. Delhi is a huge city! I know on a map it looks manageable, but the map is deceiving. Traffic is terrible and it can take 2 hours to drive from one end of the city to the other.

South and Central Delhi is where you should stay, even on a budget. These are the nicest areas, and where most of the attractions are located

What is the Best Area of Delhi to Stay in?

South and Central Delhi (below Connaught Place) are the best areas to stay in. This includes New Delhi. This is the greener, safer and more affluent part of Delhi. It’s also where Delhi’s most amazing attractions are located.

Almost all luxury and many Delhi mid-priced hotels are in these areas.

Neighbourhoods like Greater Kailash, Vasant Vihar, Golf Links, Shanti Niketan, Jorbagh, Lodhi Colony, Lutyens’ Delhi, Hauz Khas, Nizamuddin West, Saket, Chanakyapuri, Connaught Place and Defence Colony are all great options.

Best Luxury Hotels in Delhi

There is no shortage of 5 star luxury hotels in Delhi, generally ranging between US$200-350 a night. They all have the amenities a business or leisure traveler would expect at this price point and are very well located.

Shangri-La Eros New Delhi

Shangri-La Eros is a large hotel that is great for business travellers and diplomats because of its proximity to many of the embassies. The hotel has extensive business facilities including secretarial service, and multiple restaurants and bars.

I stayed here several years ago and their breakfast buffet was so massive, it took me 3 days to discover it all. It’s a very comfortable, contemporary hotel with exceptional service.

From $200 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Shangri-la Eros New Delhi

Leela Palace New Delhi

The Leela Palace is exceptional. From the gorgeous pool to the well appointed guest rooms, it exudes Indian luxury and fine taste. Located in the greenest part of New Delhi, it is an ideal base to explore the city from.

The only problem is that it is so beautiful and has so many amenities (including one of the best spas in Delhi), you may not want to leave. Honestly, if I could afford the Leela I would stay there all the time.

From $260 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Leela Palace New Delhi

Imperial Hotel

This hotel is perhaps the best for tourists. Firstly, it’s Delhi’s finest heritage hotel and oozes traditional comfort and luxury without feeling pretentious. It’s simply gorgeous. Secondly, the location is fantastic if you want to explore Delhi. You’ll be within walking distance of many attractions and Connaught Place. I highly, highly recommend this one!

And if you’re a sole female traveller, there’s a dedicated floor with ‘Eliza’ rooms that have extra security and female staff.

The Imperial also has an exceptional art collection displayed throughout the hotel. The curated art tour is a must for any lover of 17th and 18th Century British art.

From $300 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Imperial Hotel

Maidens Hotel

When Maidens Hotel opened in 1903 it had the distinction of being the best hotel in Delhi. It was built primarily for the British Raj and still has that traditional, colonial charm.

I stayed here a few years ago and thought it was charming. I especially enjoyed having breakfast on the beautiful terrace.

It’s a smaller property with 55 rooms located in the Civil Lines area, which is central Delhi. It’s not as well located as the Imperial or Shangri-La Eros, but because it’s only a 5 minute walk to the Civil Lines metro station you can easily go anywhere in the city. If you prefer a more intimate hotel, this is a good choice.

From $180 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Maidens Hotel

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Delhi

These hotels don’t have pools or multiple restaurants and bars, but they are all clean, comfortable and well located. Price range is between US$80-160 a night.

Radisson Blu Marina Hotel Connaught Place

Radisson Blu Marina is an excellent choice for tourists and first time visitors to Delhi because of its location right in the centre of Connaught Place.

Connaught Place is the British built colonnaded shopping and commercial hub, and the unofficial centre of Delhi. Everything is just outside the hotel’s front door: metro, parks, movie theatres, famous restaurants and amazing cafes, art galleries, numerous high and mid-end shops and a local bazaar.

Interestingly, this hotel was built in the 1930s, pre-independence. It would be considered a heritage property, but is has been renovated too extensively. This is also the hotel that Nathuram Godse stayed at before he assassinated Mahatma Gandhi.

From $160 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Radisson Blu Marina Connaught Place

Hotel Palace Heights

Hotel Palace Heights is a smaller property with about 15 rooms. It’s also located in the centre of Connaught Place, making it an ideal choice for tourists and first time visitors. It’s an older property and does not have as many amenities as Radisson Blu Marina, but it’s clean and comfortable.

I stayed here during my second trip to Delhi and really loved the location. Delhi can be tricky to navigate, but because everything is right outside the hotel doors and all the blocks are lettered, I didn’t get lost once!

The hotel doesn’t have extensive business amenities, and reception and guest rooms are up two flights of stairs, so it’s not the best choice for business travellers or anyone with mobility issues. They do have an excellent restaurant, Zaffran, which specializes in north Indian cuisine.

From $80 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Hotel Palace Heights

Bnineteen

Bnineteen is one of Delhi’s boutique hotels with a very high level of service. It’s located in a lovely residential part of South Delhi, next door to Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO), one of Delhi’s world heritage sites. Each room is unique, but all are very comfortable and clean. Some even have views of Humayun’s Tomb.

Because of the proximity to Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station you will hear trains, and you’ll need to get an auto rickshaw to reach the Delhi metro. Other than that, the location is fabulous – in the heart of the most historic part of South Delhi.

From $110 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Bnineteen

Bloomrooms @ Janpath

This is a comfortable minimalist hotel with a fabulous, quiet location. As the name suggests, it’s on Janpath Lane, just around the corner from the Imperial Hotel. You will be within walking distance of many attractions and lots of restaurants and shops.

Rooms have the basic amenities, cloud beds and rain showers. Each floor has a common area with free non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.

The hotel facade is sunny yellow and the whole property has a bright and airy ambience. If you like a more modernist, stream-lined look this is a good option.

From $120 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Bloomrooms @ Janpath

Best Budget Hotels in Delhi

There’s no shortage of budget accommodation, where it’s safe for travellers to stay in Delhi. These are some of the best in the city, and they cost about US$60-100 a night.

Colonel’s Retreat

This is more of a large guest house, but rooms have all the amenities you would expect in a hotel and there’s a great roof top restaurant. The location is really nice in one of the best residential neighbourhoods of South Delhi, Defence Colony.

It’s only a few minutes walk to the Defence Colony Market where there are many shopping and dining options. The metro is close by and the main attractions and sites are easy to reach from here.

Breakfast is complimentary and includes homemade jams and marmalades, multigrain and banana breads.

From $75 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Colonel’s Retreat

Home@F37

I really like this hotel and a lot of my readers have stayed here. It’s a small property with 21 guest rooms, and has an excellent South Delhi location very close to the popular GKI M Block Market. The Delhi metro is also within walking distance so you can easily go anywhere, but Home@F37 is so central, you might not even need the metro.

Rooms are larger than most and have standard amenities including free wifi, tea/coffee maker and smart TV. In winter the rooms are equipped with air purifiers and oil heaters. A buffet breakfast is included in the rate.

From $55 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Home@F37

Avatar Living @ Greater Kailash 2

This is a small South Delhi hotel, located in a residential neighbourhood called Greater Kailash. Rooms are large and come with mini kitchens so you can prepare light meals or snacks.

The property overlooks a park and is within walking distance of an excellent local market with lots of restaurants and shops, and the metro. Breakfast is also included!

Avatar Living@ Greater Kailash 2 is close to CR Park where one of Delhi’s largest and busiest festivals takes place, Durga Puja. If you’re coming during the last 2 weeks of October, this is a great spot to experience and celebrate Durga Puja in Delhi, without staying right in the middle of it.

From $80 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Avatar Living@ Greater Kailash 2

Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station

Another hotel by Bloomrooms, this one is adjacent to the New Delhi Railway Station in the backpacker haven, Paharganj. I don’t usually recommend this area – it’s a busy, congested neighbourhood, and not as safe as others. But, if you are traveling through the New Delhi Railway Station, this location is convenient. Plus, the price is great.

The hotel has a restaurant, iMac lounge and common areas on each level with free non alcoholic drinks and snacks.

From $50 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station

Best Guest Houses in Delhi

Guest houses are a really good option if you want to visit Delhi on a budget. They are often in quieter, residential neighbourhoods, include breakfast and are smaller and more intimate than hotels.

These are four of the best guest houses in Delhi where I recommend visitors stay, for every budget. Prices range between US$40-80 a night.

Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast

This is one of Delhi’s favourite guest houses and having stayed there myself a few times, I can see why. It’s located in one of South Delhi’s best residential neighbourhoods, Hauz Khas, and within walking distance of the local market and metro.

The Gupta family who own and operate the guest house are incredibly warm and welcoming. The guest house is small and cozy and 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.

From $65 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast

Indee Home

Indee Home is another highly regarded guest house in South Delhi. It has an excellent location in Greater Kailash, an upscale residential area popular with expats. It’s within walking distance of the local market and metro.

A home cooked breakfast is included, and the guest house offers airport transfers.

From $40 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Indee Home

Zaza Stay

Zaza Stay is an upscale guest house with 6 stylish rooms, most of which have private balconies. It’s in the quiet neighourhood of Nizamuddin West and the location is superb for exploring Delhi. Many of the top 10 sites in Delhi are easily accessible by auto rickshaw. Breakfast is included.

All rooms are clean and comfortable with wifi, television, ensuite bathroom, power back-up and a private sitting area.

From $60 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Zaza Stay

CP Villa Bed & Breakfast

This is a small bed and breakfast with only 4 guest rooms. The location is fantastic – it’s in a quaint residential enclave near Connaught Place, close to attractions, some of the best and cheapest markets, shops, numerous restaurants and the Delhi metro.

Rooms are simple, but clean and comfortable with ensuite bathrooms and their own private patios. For anyone on a budget, this is great value for the area. There’s also a lovely garden where you can enjoy a cup of chai or just decompress after a busy day of sight-seeing.

From $80 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at CP Villa Bed & Breakfast

Best Hostels in Delhi

There are many hostels and backpacker accommodations, most of them located in Central Delhi near the New Delhi Railway Station in a congested and noisy area called Paharganj (don’t stay there!). These two are NOT in that area. Prices are low, US$10-25 a night.

Hosteller Delhi

Hosteller Delhi is a very popular Delhi hostel, located in the south east part of the city, within walking distance of the metro. It’s an excellent choice for everyone on a tight budget wondering where to stay in Delhi.

I like this hostel a lot – it hosts regular events for its guests (they had a comedy show the night before I visited) and has a very friendly vibe. There’s also an onsite cafe which makes good food.

Hosteller Delhi has private and shared rooms, a common kitchen and wifi. Pets are welcome in the private rooms.

From $10 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Hosteller Delhi

Heistel Delhi

This is another favourite hostel in Delhi. The location is very good, in South Delhi next to a metro station. With dorm rooms starting at $7 USD and breakfast for $1, you really can’t go wrong if you’re on a tight budget.

Heistel Delhi offers private and shared rooms. There is a community room, garden, restaurant and free wifi.

From $10 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Heistel Delhi

Best Delhi Airport Hotels – Aerocity

Aerocity is perfect for anyone on a layover in Delhi. It’s conveniently located beside the Indira Gandhi International Airport and you can be at the airport terminal in minutes. Plus Aerocity is a haven of better hotels, restaurants and shops all in a walkable and easy to navigate setting.

It was built with international travellers in mind, but it’s become a hot spot for Delhiites as well because of its numerous dining and night life options. There’s a metro station right there making so you can easily get into Delhi to sightsee.

But if you don’t need to be by the airport, don’t stay there. You’ll spend a lot of extra time in transit trying to see the Delhi sites.

Here are my top picks for Aerocity hotels:

Best Hotels for Women in Delhi

Many Delhi hotels have special rooms and dedicated floors for solo female travellers, often referred to as ‘Eva’ rooms.

These rooms offer special amenities and services, like extra security, unique toiletries, all female staff and a female escort for airport pick-ups.

So far, it’s just the high end hotels in Delhi that offer this. Here are the best:

Imperial Hotel

For solo female guests, the Imperial Hotel offers Eliza rooms which are on a dedicated female only corridor and have special linens, toiletries and bathrobes. Airport pick up with a female escort can be arranged and female serviced room service is available.

The hotel location is ideal for sole female travellers. It’s on a very walkable main road in Connaught Place, within walking distance to restaurants, shops, sites and the metro. This is a high foot traffic area, ideal if you’re out in the evening.

From $300 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Imperial Hotel

ITC Maurya

ITC Maurya is a luxury hotel in the diplomatic enclave of Delhi. The hotel is directly across the street from the Buddha Jayanti Park and very close to many South Delhi sites. This is a green, exclusive part of Delhi.

Eva rooms are on a designated floor and have their own special Eva cocktail trolley, so that female guests can enjoy cocktail hour without having to venture solo into the hotel’s lounge.

The hotel caters to business and leisure travellers and has a full business centre, a spa, health club, outdoor pool, multiple restaurants, lounges and shops. Rooms are elegantly appointed with all the amenities you would expect from a 5 star luxury brand.

From $200 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at ITC Maurya

Taj Mahal, New Delhi

The Taj Mahal, New Delhi is a 5 star luxury hotel with women only rooms and floors. The location is excellent, in a very exclusive area known as ‘Lutyens’ Delhi’ close to many sites and the upscale Khan Market.

Eva rooms are well appointed and comfortable with video phone, female housekeeping staff and a dedicated female concierge. The hotel has business services, a pool, spa, health club, several restaurants and lounges.

The Taj group are famous for their high standards and luxury brands. This is one of the best hotels in the city.

From $270 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Taj Mahal, New Delhi

Jaypee Vasant Continental Hotel

This 5 star hotel is located on the main road in Vasant Vihar, an upscale residential area of Delhi. The location is excellent for women as it’s next to a metro station and the Priya Complex, an excellent dining and shopping hub.

The hotel is well located for sightseeing and about 8 km away from the Indira Gandhi International Airport. It’s the most budget friendly in this group, so a great choice if you don’t want to spend several hundred a night on a room.

Dedicated female traveller rooms have extra security measures (doorbell and video phone) and are on an upper floor. This is a good hotel with all standard amenities and business services.

From $140 USD

🚩 Check prices and availability at Jaypee Vasant Continental Hotel

What if I’m a Solo Woman but Can’t Stay at a Luxury Hotel with Female Only Floors?

Location is key here! Find a hotel in a better South Delhi neighbourhood with amenities, people and transportation options close by.

Connaught Place (inner circle) and Hauz Khas Village are good choices. Both are walkable areas with loads of shopping and restaurant options.

Connaught Place is more commercial and much closer to the metro. Hauz Khas is more boho with windy lanes. On the weekends it’s a bit of party place, but there’s lots of cafes, quirky shops and it has character. It’s also home to the spectacular Hauz Khas Complex.

Both are high foot traffic areas.

I recommend these hotels for solo women on a budget:

I don’t think Delhi is much more unsafe than anywhere else in the world, but check out these tips on how to keep safe in Delhi.

Best Hotels in Delhi for Families

South or Central Delhi are the best parts of the city to stay at with children. These are nicer areas and many kid friendly attractions and sites are close by.

Family friendly hotels with pools, babysitting and special kids activities are:

Best Pet Friendly Delhi Hotels

There are quite a few pet friendly hotels in Delhi. Although these hotels currently allow pets, I recommend contacting reservations to confirm the pet policy has not changed. Most hotels charge a fee for checking in with a dog or cat.

A quiet room, away from high traffic areas and unfamiliar noises will help put your pet at ease in strange surroundings.

Delhi is reasonably dog-friendly and there are many places you can bring your canine companion.

My favourite hotels where you can stay with a pet in Delhi are:

India’s Hotel Aggregators: OYO Hotels, Fabhotels & Treebo in Delhi

These are all budget hotel brands/aggregators that you will likely come across while searching for accommodation.

Although each brand is supposed to deliver a uniform level of service at their hotels, quality and amenities can vary greatly. Check reviews carefully.

Prices start at US$20 a night.

Airbnb in Delhi

Airbnb is a great option for a longer stay in Delhi. Before moving to Delhi I often rented an Airbnb with my dog. It was much more convenient for longer stays.

South Delhi is the best part of the city to rent an Airbnb. That’s where the nicest neighbourhoods are, and the area is well connected by metro. It’s also where many of the attractions and markets are located.

Areas like Greater Kailash I, Hauz Khas, Defence Colony, Lodhi Colony, Safdarjung, Jorbagh, Nizamuddin West, Chanakyapuri and Vasant Vihar are all good options.

My favourite area to stay in is Green Park (part of Hauz Khas), a very quiet and leafy residential enclave. Before I discovered Green Park, I often stayed in Hauz Khas Village which is also excellent, but more lively than Green Park.

I recommend these Delhi Airbnbs:

Tips for Staying at an Airbnb in Delhi

• Make sure there is a RO water filtration system or the host provides ample drinking water – tap water is not safe to drink in Delhi
• In winter (December and January) make sure there is a heater and air purifier
• In summer (May – September) make sure there is AC
• Confirm the bathroom has a water geyser for hot water
• Know which neighbourhood gate is open after dark and where it is

FAQ Where to Stay in Delhi – Best Areas and Hotels for Every Budget

The Wrap-up on Where to Stay in Delhi for Every Budget

Delhi has many options at every budget – visitors have plenty of choice about where to stay in the city.

Luxury hotels are on par with those around the world, and there are many clean and comfortable mid-priced properties. When it comes to budget accommodation, Delhi is not the kind of the city you want to book the cheapest room in – it’s more important to find a budget-friendly room in a good area.

If you’re planning to visit the Taj Mahal while in Delhi, here are my top recommendations for hotels in Agra.

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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