5 Star

Most properties will have a doorman or bell boys stationed as you arrive at the front door. These employees run interference just like in the US. Expect your luggage to be unloaded, carted and moved into the lobby as you make your way toward the reception desk. Because there is more information gathering in India upon check-in, many hotels have individual desks manned almost exclusively by beautiful saree clad Indian women. Here they will request your Passport and Visa as well as any travel vouchers provided by your travel agency (if applicable).

Depending on what property group you’re lodging with (Taj, Oberoi, Claridges, etc.), you may be offered a beverage up front; Also, warm hand towels meant to clean the sand and dust of India off your hands and face. As you move around the country, you’ll become familiar with the following questions asked of you during each check-in:

• What date did you arrive in India?
• What city are you arriving from?
• What city are you departing to?
• How many days in India are you staying?
• Nationality
• Port of Entry
• Name of contact in India

Once completed you are sent off to enjoy your room. The very best hotels have already sent your luggage up with a bellboy waiting to give a short guided tour of the room and explain any features. If the receptionist asks to hold your passport to verify information, this is perfectly normal. Your passport will be returned to your room within the hour, however with some minor exceptions it can be until the following morning.

These properties have a plethora of staff so be sure to ask for any additional help if needed. Payment options are wide open here: credit cards, Cash, Traveler’s Checks. TIP: If traveling under an agency where vouchers have been provided, show the voucher upon check in but explain you will retain until check out. This is to ensure services are rendered and allows the guest to address any issues during their stay that might otherwise be disregarded. The staff will object to this request until they realize your request is not negotiable.

3 Star

It’s doubtful you’ll be met by the traditional doorman here. A decent property will have one or two men designated to help with luggage as well as guide guests to their rooms. In-takes are handled at the standard front desk. Instead of the 5 star computer, expect a log book  where the standard questions will either be asked or you’ll be handed the log book directly. You’ll still need to show your Passport and Visa here. The same person who brought in your luggage will be waiting until your check-in is complete at which time he’ll lead you to your room.

As above, these properties typically have several support staff around  that can help with additional needs or requests. Payment options should be similar as above along with the TIP about travel vouchers.

Budget

Quite frankly these are some of my favorite properties. Although you won’t be met at the front door on most occasions, these properties generally have a small stable of young Indian men that seem to come out the woodwork when needed. These are the true multi-hatted employees…they’ll unload your luggage and haul to your room, bring tea and room service which they probably just cooked. Check-in might be handled at a front desk while at other properties there is no office or desk to speak of. A request for your Passport + Visa is random. These same properties will not expect you to fill out the traveler log book either. Payment is cash, usually paid on check out but expect to pay up front if a really good rate is negotiated.