World City Guide

Hotels

As befits a capital city of more than 13 million people, Delhi boasts a large number of hotels, which offer accommodation ranging from air-conditioned, marbled luxury to cockroach-infested squalor. The most expensive luxury hotels in Delhi quote their prices in US dollars (only resident Indians are permitted to pay in rupees) and the visitor should be aware that the quoted rates do not include substantial local taxes. For the luxury hotels, these will amount to another 20% on top of the quoted room rates.

The prices quoted below are starting prices for a standard double room, excluding local taxes and breakfast, unless otherwise specified. All hotels listed have air conditioning.

The hotels listed have been classified according to price as follows:
$ up to Rs2,500
$$ Rs2,500 to Rs6,000
$$$ US$150 to US$300
$$$$ over US$300

Business

Maurya Sheraton Hotel & Towers
A large, well-appointed international hotel, the Maurya Sheraton caters for the needs of the business traveller and the tourist alike. Visitors will find a fully equipped business centre and full conference facilities. The lively hotel bar has a golfing theme. The hotel also boasts a swimming pool, tennis courts and a health club and is a popular venue for lavish Indian weddings.

Diplomatic Enclave
Tel: (011) 2611 2233.
Website: www.welcomgroup.com
Price: $$$.

Taj Mahal Hotel
The flagship hotel of the Taj Group, the Taj Mahal is a large, well-appointed international hotel, conveniently situated in the heart of New Delhi. The refurbished lobby is restrained and graceful. It has all the facilities that one would expect to find in a hotel of this class and also caters for the needs of the business traveller.

1 Mansingh Road
Tel: (011) 2302 6162.
Website: www.tajhotels.com
Price: $$$.

Luxury

The Imperial
The most famous hotel in Delhi, The Imperial opened in 1933 and was a favourite haunt of Nehru, Mountbatten and other luminaries, who schemed and gossiped in its lush gardens. Its decoration is traditional colonial (‘Lutyens Delhi’) and the ambience calm and sophisticated. This is the first choice among luxury hotels in Delhi.

Janpath
Tel: (011) 2334 1234.
Website: www.theimperialindia.com
Price: $$$.

The Oberoi New Delhi
A stylish and most luxurious modern hotel, The Oberoi occupies a peaceful position overlooking New Delhi’s principal golf course. It has every conceivable convenience for the travelling businessperson or well-heeled tourist. In contrast to some of its competitors, the hotel is decorated with an understated, restrained charm. It seems to attract an ostentatiously upmarket clientele.

Dr Zakir Hussain Marg
Tel: (011) 2436 3030.
Website: www.oberoidel.com
Price: $$$$.

Moderate

The Claridges
Set in the leafy boulevards of New Delhi, The Claridges is of a piece with its surroundings. The building, dating from the 1920s or 1930s, has a mildly Art Deco feel to it and a calm understated elegance, in keeping with the spacious bungalows that line the streets of the city. The lobby has a fine double-crescent staircase.

12 Aurangzeb Road
Tel: (011) 2301 0211.
Website: www.claridges.com
Price: $$$.

Jukaso Inn
Jukaso Inn is situated in the peaceful enclave of Sunder Nagar, close to Humayun's Tomb, Purana Qila and the Lodhi Gardens. It is small, light and airy hotel, having only 50 rooms and suites but stylish in a old-fashioned way and immaculately clean. All rooms have marble baths. The hotel also has business and conference facilities.

49-50 Sunder Nagar
Tel: (011) 2435 0308/9 or 2137.
Website: www.indiamart.com/jukasoinn
Price: $$.

Other Recommendations

Ahuja Residency
Located in the quiet suburb of Defence Colony, renowned for its market and restaurants, Ahuja Residency offers rooms and self-contained flats in light, airy and modern buildings, at reasonable rates. The atmosphere is friendly and all rooms and flats are provided with a houseboy to do the cleaning and prepare breakfast. Internet access is available.

193 Golf Links
Tel: (011) 2461 1027.
Website: www.ahujaresidency.com
Price: $.

Nirula’s Hotel
Nirula’s Hotel, located on Connaught Place, the hub of New Delhi, overlooks the swirling traffic; many of the city’s best shops, bazaars and restaurants are on its doorstep. This is another smaller hotel but the rooms are comfortable and spotlessly clean. Attached to the hotel is the famous Nirula’s ice cream parlour and a patisserie.

L-Block, Connaught Place
Tel: (011) 2341 7419.
Website: www.nirulas.com
Price: $$.