Where to Stay in Delhi: Best Areas & Hotels (2026)
Delhi is a huge city and where you stay matters. Not only in terms of being close to the attractions, but also in terms of safety and even air quality.
I lived in Delhi for several years, and still return each year for months. I know Delhi very well, and will give you honest feedback about the best areas and properties to stay at.
Quick Answer: Which Area Should You Stay in Delhi?
Stay in South Delhi or Central Delhi (below Connaught Place). These are the leafy, safe neighbourhoods where expats live, the metro reaches everywhere, and you’re close to the major sights. If you only have one or two nights and a very early flight, Aerocity by the airport is the exception.
Avoid Old Delhi and Paharganj – they’re the congested parts of the city, and I explain why below.
Where Not to Stay in Delhi
Do not stay in Old Delhi or Paharganj. It’s honestly shocking to me how many people recommend hotels in these two areas. These are the most congested parts of the city, and not very safe either.
Old Delhi is hugely important from a historic perspective, and you absolutely should visit, but don’t stay there. And trust me, once you visit it, you’ll be glad you’re not staying there.
Paharganj on the other hand is the backpacker area – dirty, noisy and so crowded. It’s popular because of the cheap hotels, but I’m going to give you much safer and better budget options.
Where to Stay in Delhi: Best Areas & Hotels
South and Central Delhi (below Connaught Place) are the best areas to stay in. This includes New Delhi. These areas are greener, safer, more affluent, and well serviced by the Delhi metro.
Best Luxury Hotels in Delhi
These are the best 5 star luxury hotels in South and Central Delhi for tourists. They all have excellent amenities and are well located for exploring the city.
1. The Imperial Hotel New Delhi
Luxurious heritage hotel, located in the commercial centre of Connaught Place (but on the quieter end of it). This is a very walkable area, with many shops, restaurants and sites just minutes away. Ideal for first time visitors. The pool is stunning, there’s art everywhere and a fantastic high tea buffet. My favourite hotel in Delhi. From $300 USD.
Check for price and availability at the Imperial New Delhi
2. Taj Mahal, New Delhi
I prefer this hotel to the Taj Palace, New Delhi. It’s a nicer property and was refurbished a few years ago. Located in the greenest part of New Delhi, Lutyens’ Delhi, the area is quieter and nice for walking. Excellent location to explore Delhi from. Odd numbered rooms have views of parliament and Delhi’s greenery. From $270 USD.
Check price and availability at Taj Mahal, New Delhi
3. Leela Palace New Delhi
Exquisite hotel rooted in Indian culture and luxury. Service, amenities, food – everything is excellent. It’s located in the Diplomatic Enclave of New Delhi and is an ideal base to explore from. I’ve visited this hotel several times and stayed at other Leela properties. Leela always delivers an exceptional experience. From $260 USD.
Check price and availability at Leela Palace New Delhi
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Delhi
These hotels don’t have pools or multiple restaurants and bars, but they are all clean, comfortable and very well located for exploring Delhi.
4. Bloomrooms @ Janpath
Comfortable minimalist hotel in excellent area of Connaught Place. It is just around the corner from the Imperial Hotel, on a quieter street, and you can walk to all kinds of restaurants, shops and many sites from here. Excellent location at a decent price. From $120 USD.
Check price and availability at Bloomrooms @ Janpath
5. Bnineteen
One of Delhi’s best boutique hotels. Located in a lovely residential enclave of South Delhi, next door to Humayun’s Tomb. Some rooms have views of the tomb. You will hear trains from the nearby train station, but other than that the location is great – right in the most historic part of South Delhi. From $110 USD.
Check price and availability at Bnineteen
6. Hotel Palace Heights
I stayed here on one of my first trips to India, and the location was perfect. It’s in the centre of Connaught Place, within a short walk of all amenities and the Delhi metro. They have a terrific Indian restaurant, Zaffran. From $80 USD.
Check price and availability at Hotel Palace Heights
Best Budget Hotels in Delhi
There’s no shortage of budget places to stay in Delhi, but it’s important to choose one in a good neighbourhood – that’s really important in Delhi. These are some of the best budget places to stay that are in good areas.
7. Colonel’s Retreat
This is more of a large guest house, but they have the same amenities as a hotel plus a great rooftop restaurant. It’s located in one of the best residential neighbourhoods in South Delhi, Defence Colony. Located near a fantastic market with lots of restaurants and the metro. From $75 USD (breakfast included).
Check price and availability at Colonel’s Retreat
8. Home@F37
Small hotel on the main road of Greater Kailash in South Delhi. Very close to a good market with loads of restaurants and amenities. Close to the metro, but the location is central – you might not need the metro at all. Rooms are on the larger size. Lots of my readers have stayed here and liked it. From $55 USD (breakfast included).
Check price and availability at Home@F37
9. YWCA International Guest House
Amazing location in Connaught Place, close to many 5 star hotels. The hotel is no-frills, but rooms are among the largest I have seen in Delhi, clean and have AC and ensuite bathrooms. It’s absolutely the best deal in this area, which is one of the most exclusive in Delhi. From $37 USD (breakfast included).
Check price and availability at YWCA International Guest House
Best Guest Houses in Delhi
Guest houses are a really good option if you want to stay somewhere more budget friendly in Delhi. They are often in quieter, residential neighbourhoods, include breakfast and are more intimate than hotels.
These are three of the best guest houses in Delhi where I recommend visitors stay. They all have ensuite bathrooms.
10. Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast
One of Delhi’s most popular guest houses (so book early). I’ve stayed here several times myself. It’s family run, spotless, and very well located in South Delhi’s Hauz Khas neighbourhood, close to a market, the metro and near sites. From $65 USD (breakfast included).
Check price and availability at Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast
11. Zaza Stay
An upscale guest house with 6 stylish rooms, most have private balconies. It’s in a quiet part of Nizamuddin West in South Delhi, very near some of Delhi’s most important historic sites. Rooms are comfortable with ensuites and a private sitting area. From $60 USD (breakfast included).
Check price and availability at Zaza Stay
12. Indee Home
A highly regarded guest house located in upscale Greater Kailash II in South Delhi. Wonderful location for exploring Delhi, and within walking distance of the GK II M Block Market, a great dining and shopping spot. From $40 USD.
Check price and availability at Indee Home
Best Hostels in Delhi
These two hostels are located in South East Delhi. You’ll need an Uber or the metro to reach the sites, but this area is far better than the backpacker area of Paharganj (and safer).
13. Hosteller Delhi
Popular hostel located within walking distance of the metro. I liked this hostel a lot – it has a friendly atmosphere, an onsite cafe and regularly hosts events for guests. There’s private or shared rooms, a common kitchen and wifi. Pets are welcome in the private rooms. From $10 USD.
Check price and availability at Hosteller Delhi
14. Moustached Delhi
- Moustache Delhi: Another popular hostel in South East Delhi. It’s a 10 minute walk to the metro station. They have a variety of dorm and private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Lots of common areas, free wifi and a rooftop terrace. It looked very clean and staff were friendly. From $10 USD.
Check price and availability at Moustache Delhi
Should You Stay by the Airport?
The airport is a bit outside of Delhi, and it can take an hour or more to get into Central or South Delhi where most of the sites are. The metro is faster than driving, but it still takes time.
There’s not a lot of range of hotels near the airport. Either they are 5 star properties in Aerocity, or budget hotels in the less desirable areas near the airport.
If you want to be 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.
Best Delhi Hotels in Aerocity
Aerocity is perfect for anyone on a layover in Delhi. It’s beside the airport, and you can be at the terminals 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 because of its numerous dining and night life options.
There’s a metro station right there, so you can easily get into Delhi to sightsee.
My top picks for Aerocity hotels:
- Pullman New Delhi Aerocity Hotel (luxury) – from $310 USD
- W Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity (luxury) – from $240 USD
- Novotel New Delhi Aerocity (mid-range) – from $150 USD
Travelling with kids? See my dedicated guide where to stay in Delhi with kids.
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:
Best Hotels for Women in Delhi:
- The Imperial (luxury) – from $300 USD
- Taj Mahal, New Delhi (luxury) – from $270 USD
- ITC Maurya (luxury) – from $200 USD
- Jaypee Vasant Continental Hotel (luxury) – from $140 USD
What if you’re a solo female traveller on a budget?
Connaught Place (inner circle) and Hauz Khas Village are good choices. Both have a lot of foot traffic with loads of shopping and restaurant options.
Connaught Place is more commercial, but very central and much closer to the metro. It’s very easy to navigate this area, and there’s always lots of people out and about. Hotel Palace Heights is my pick here (and I’ve stayed there myself).
Hauz Khas Village is an urban village. It is more boho with windy lanes. On the weekends it’s a party place, but there’s lots of cafes, quirky shops and it has character. It’s also home to the spectacular Hauz Khas Complex. My pick here is Minimalist Poshtel & Suites, or an Airbnb (lots in this area).
You can read more about keeping safe in Delhi here.
Airbnbs in Delhi
Airbnbs are a great option for a longer stay in Delhi. Before moving to Delhi I often rented Airbnbs with my dog. It was more convenient for extended stays.
South Delhi is the best part of the city to stay in an Airbnb. The nicest neighbourhoods are in South Delhi, it’s well connected by metro, and many of the attractions and markets are there.
Areas like Greater Kailash I and II, Hauz Khas, Defence Colony, Lodhi Colony, Safdarjung, Jorbagh, Nizamuddin East, Chanakyapuri, South Extension, Moti Bagh, Anand Niketen, Shanti Niketen and Vasant Vihar are all great places to stay in Delhi.
My favourite area to stay in is Green Park (part of Hauz Khas). It’s 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 (especially at night).
Travelling with a pet? See my dedicated guide to pet friendly hotels in Delhi.
Last Words on Where to Stay in Delhi: Best Areas & Hotels
In Delhi, where you stay is very important. Not only to be close to the monuments and sites, but in terms of safety and air quality. South Delhi is the best area to stay in, with Lutyens’ Delhi and the Diplomatic Enclave being the greenest and most exclusive areas.
When it comes to budget accommodation, Delhi is not the kind of city you want to book the cheapest room in. It’s more important to find a budget friendly room in a good area, and I’ve given you some good options.
