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Before I moved to Delhi I spent a lot of time staying in hotels and guest houses. Delhi is such a huge city, staying in a safe and well located area can make a big difference. With hundreds of hotels to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to pick one. These are my top recommendations on where to stay in Delhi for every budget.
Off the top, I don’t recommend staying in Old Delhi or Paharganj. Both are great to visit for the day, but not the best areas for a tourist to stay at, especially if it’s your first time in Delhi. 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.
If you’re flying into Delhi, here are the best options to get into Delhi from the airport.
Best Luxury Hotels in Delhi
Delhi has no shortage of 5 star luxury properties, generally ranging between US$180-300 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.
Check prices and availability at Shangri-la Eros New Delhi
Imperial Hotel
Art lovers will adore this hotel – it has a priceless collection of British art, which is displayed throughout the property. It’s also one of the very best hotels in Delhi and exudes traditional comfort and luxury. The location is excellent – right on Janpath and within walking distance of many attractions and Connaught Place.
There is a dedicated floor for solo female guests with ‘Eliza’ rooms that has extra security and a dedicated female staff.
I highly recommend the curated art tour at the Imperial. It’s a must do for any lover of 17th and 18th Century British art.
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.
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 and Shangri-La Eros, but because it’s only a 5 minute walk to the Civil Lines metro station you can easily go anywhere else in the city.
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$80-120 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, restaurants and cafés, art galleries, numerous high and mid-end shops and a local bazaar.
It’s a walkable area and easy to navigate because all the blocks are lettered. There is a metro station there and it’s easy to get an auto rickshaw. Many of Delhi’s attractions and sites are close by.
This is a mid sized hotel with 90 rooms and suites, and also well set up for business travellers.
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.
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.
Check prices and availability at Hotel Palace Heights
Bloomrooms @ Janpath
This is a comfortable minimalist hotel with a fabulous, quiet location. As the name suggests, it’s on Janpath Lane, very close to many sites and the main commercial and retail centre, Connaught Place. Rooms have the basic amenities as well as 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.
Check prices and availability at Bloomrooms @ Janpath
Best Budget Hotels in Delhi
There’s no shortage of budget accommodation, where it’s safe for every traveller to stay in Delhi. These are some of the best in the city, and they cost about US$60-80 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. Colonel’s Retreat has a quiet location in one of the better 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.
Check prices and availability at Colonel’s Retreat
Home@F37
This is a small hotel with 21 guest rooms. It’s located in South Delhi within walking distance of the popular GKI M Block Market and a few minutes walk to the Kailash Colony metro station, making all attractions and sites accessible.
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. The hotel has a restaurant, business centre and meeting room. A buffet breakfast is included in the room rate.
Check prices and availability at Home@F37
Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station
Another hotel by Bloomrooms, this one is adjacent to the New Delhi Railway Station in the backpacker haven, Paharganj. This is a busy, congested neighbourhood and would not be my first pick, but if you are traveling through the New Delhi Railway Station, the location is convenient. Plus the price is great.
Bloomsrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station is clean and comfortable with minimalist decor and a bright yellow theme. All rooms have cloud beds and rain showers.
The hotel has a restaurant, iMac lounge and common areas on each level with free non alcoholic drinks and snacks.
Check prices and availaibility at Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station
Best Guest Houses in Delhi
Guest houses are a really good option for visitors. They are often in quieter, residential neighbourhoods, include breakfast and are smaller and more intimate than hotels. These are three of the best guest houses in Delhi where visitors should stay, for every budget. Prices range between US$40-60 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.
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, and is within walking distance of the local market and metro. A home cooked breakfast is included, and the guest house offers airport transfers.
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. Lodhi Garden, Humayun’s Tomb, Nizamuddin, Sunder Nursery, Khan Market and India Gate are all 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.
Check prices and availability at Zaza Stay
Best Hostels in Delhi
There are may 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. These two are NOT in that area. Prices are low, US$8-20 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.
Check prices and availability at Hosteller Delhi
Moustache Delhi
Moustache Delhi is another favourite hostel in Delhi. It’s also located in the south east section of the city, within walking distance of the metro and near the Lotus Temple.
Moustache Delhi offers private and shared rooms. There is a community kitchen, garden and wifi.
Check prices and availability at Moustache Delhi
Best Delhi Airport Hotels – Aerocity
Aerocity is perfect for anyone on a layover. 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 all the attractions and sites of Delhi accessible.
Here are my top picks for Aerocity hotels:
- Roseate House New Delhi (luxury)
- Pullman New Delhi Aerocity Hotel (luxury)
- Lemon Tree Premier (mid-range)
- Ibis New Delhi (mid-range)
Best Hotels for Women in Delhi
Many hotels now 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 service. 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 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.
Check prices and availability at The Imperial
ITC Maurya
ITC Maurya is a luxury hotel in the diplomatic enclave of Dehli. The hotel is directly across the street from the Buddha Jayanti Park and very close to many South Delhi sites.
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.
Art lovers will appreciate the exquisitely painted vaulted ceiling in the lobby by Indian artist Krishen Khanna. The mural took four years to complete and is called The Great Procession, depicting subjects and imagery from Mauryan history.
Check prices and availability at ITC Maurya
Taj Mahal, New Delhi
The Taj Mahal, New Delhi is another 5 star luxury hotel with women only rooms and floors. The location is excellent, in a very exclusive area known as ‘Lutyen’s 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.
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.
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.
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. As a solo female traveller and someone that knows the Delhi neighborhoods and where to stay, these are my top picks for every woman on a budget:
Choose a hotel that is right in the heart of Connaught Place like Radisson Blu Marina Hotel Connaught Place or Hotel Palace Heights, both mid-range hotels.
The centre of Connaught Place is a hive of activity in a walkable, colonnaded setting. There are always people around and you won’t have to go far for restaurants, shops or the Palika Bazaar. There are attractions within walking distance and plenty to keep you occupied. The Rajiv Chowk metro station is right there, making everything in Delhi accessible.
Another good option is accommodation in Hauz Khas Village. It’s a lively urban village in South Delhi that is full of restaurants, bars, shops and cafés and has a lot of pedestrian traffic.
There aren’t many hotels in Hauz Khas Village, but there is a Minimalist Poshtel & Suites (mid-range, Japanese/Scandinavian minimalist decor) and Airbnbs.
Even though Connaught Place and Hauz Khas Village are high traffic, walkable areas with more tourists, it’s still not a good idea to be out alone long after sunset. Follow the 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 in 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:
- Maidens Hotel (luxury)
- Taj Palace (luxury)
- Sheraton New Delhi (mid-range)
Best Pet Friendly Delhi Hotels
Delhi has quite a few pet friendly hotels. Although these currently allow pets, I recommend contacting reservations before making your booking 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 companion at ease in strange surroundings.
Delhi is reasonably dog-friendly and there are many places you can bring your canine companion.
Pet Friendly Hotels in Central Delhi
- Jaypee Vasant Continental (mid-range)
- Ambassador, New Delhi (mid-range)
- Bungalow 99 (mid-range)
- Let’s Bunk Poshtel & Suites (budget)
Pet Friendly Hotels Close to the Delhi Airport
- Andaz Delhi (luxury)
- The Leela Ambience (luxury) – for stays 7 days or longer in the Residence section
- Ibis New Delhi (mid-range)
- Vivanta by Taj (mid-range)
While these hotels are pet friendly, Aerocity itself does not allow pets in any of the shopping or restaurant areas. There are wide sidwalks though, for dog walking.
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.
OYO
- OYO Rooms (super budget)
- OYO Premium (budget)
- OYO Townhouse (budget)
- https://www.oyorooms.com/
FabHotel
- Fab Express (super budget)
- Fab Hotels (budget)
- Fab Hotels Prime (lower mid-range)
- https://www.fabhotels.com/
Treebo
- Treebo Trend (budget)
- Treebo Trip (mid-range)
- Treebo Tryst (mid-range)
- https://www.treebo.com/
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 stays longer than a few days.
South Delhi is the best part of the city to rent an Airbnb. That’s where the nicest residential neighbourhoods are, and the area is well connected by metro. It’s also where many of the monuments, attractions and markets are located.
Areas like Greater Kailash I, Hauz Khas, Defence Colony, Lodhi Colony, Safdarung, Jorbagh, Nizamuddin West, Chanakyapuri 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 was also excellent, but more lively than Green Park. I’ve stayed at both of these Airbnbs multiple times and recommend them both:
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
New Delhi vs Old Delhi – Where Should I Stay?
They are both parts of Delhi. Old Delhi refers to the historic part of the city built by Mughal ruler Shahjahan between 1639 – 1648. New Delhi is the part built by the British mostly in the 1920s and 1930s.
I don’t recommend staying in Old Delhi. It’s great to visit for the day, but it’s not the part of town you want to go back to every night. Old Delhi has its charm, but it’s also noisy, dirty, crowded and chaotic. And it’s not the safest part of the city to return to after dark.
In terms of historic significance Old Delhi is enormously important. The Red Fort, Jama Masjid and numerous other historic sites are located in Old Delhi. When it was built it was beautiful, characterized by mughal gardens and a canal which reflected the moon at night. But in the 1850s during the revolts, Old Delhi was completely looted and destroyed by the British. It never recovered.
New Delhi is the capital of the nation. It was designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker and has wide, leafy boulevards, roundabouts, parks and colonnaded buildings. New Delhi is actually one of the greenest capital cities in the world.
What is the Best Area of Delhi to Stay in?
South and Central Delhi are the best and safest areas to stay in, this includes New Delhi. Almost all luxury and many mid-priced hotels will be in these areas. Many monuments and attractions are also located in South and Central Delhi. These areas are especially good for first time visitors to Delhi. If it’s your first trip to Delhi, read my complete guide and suggested itineraries for Delhi.
Neighbourhoods like Greater Kailash, Vasant Vihar, Golf Links, Shanti Niketan, Hauz Khas, Nizammudin West, Saket, Chanakyapuri, Connaught Place, Civil Lines and Defence Colony are all great options.
Old Delhi, East Delhi and North Delhi is where you will find a lot of budget lodging. Paharganj is the area immediately north of Connaught Place, next to the New Delhi Railway Station and famous for low cost accommodation and backpacker hostels.
Lots of budget travellers end up in Paharganj but there are budget options in much better parts of the city, like Bed & Chai Guesthouse in Greater Kailash I. The service and property maintenance is not what it used to be (new management) but for the same price as Paharganj you can be in a much nicer and safer part of the city.
FAQ Where to Stay in Delhi – Best Areas and Hotels for Every Budget
South Delhi is the best location to stay in. It is a nicer part of the city and close to many sites and the metro.
Aerocity is the best place to stay near the airport. It has many 4 and 5 star hotels, dining and shopping options.
New Delhi is much better to stay at than Old Delhi. New Delhi is greener, safer and less congested than Old Delhi. Old Delhi is very important historically and you should visit, but do not stay there!
No, you should not stay in Paharganj. It is known as the backpacker area of Delhi, full of cheap accommodation. The area is congested, polluted, noisy and not that safe to return to at night. There are better budget options in South and Central Delhi.
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
