5 Star Luxury of Delhi India Imperial Hotel

Accommodations in India are not what you think. Well, OK, maybe some of them. After all, there are duds in every country. From cheap hotels to luxury hotels, from hostels to secluded desert oasis tent retreats, the services and amenities offered in India rival if not exceed most foreign countries.

Hotels

Although international brands such as Marriott, Best Western and Holiday Inn are everywhere in India, the best way to experience the many sides of India is patronizing domestic chains or independent locations. Successful chains employ managers from across the country, yet you won’t find the true taste of a city or wayward town unless you rely on a local establishment. Local owners go out of their way to ensure guests have access to all the functions their location may offer. Many decorate their buildings with traditional designs only found within the region or state you are traveling. And local businesses hire locally. Staff speak the local languages, they understand the local food as well as knowing where to go and what places to avoid.

Hostels Rs 50-300

Scary images of bug infested rooms in the movies aren’t quite what tourists of India should expect. Today, budget traveler’s tastes are changing. Newer, modern facilities with amenities such as on site kitchens, computer access and/or WiFi enabled buildings and attached bathrooms are more common. Read More…

Budget Rs 300-800

$10 a night for this small but efficient room

You can always count on a small staff of young Indian men within earshot of the front desk. With just a snap of the finger, ring of the bell, verbal command or some unknown gesture, these boys come running to assist. Need your luggage moved? No problem. Thirsty for a cup of hot chai? No problem. The eager smiling faces on staff work hard to make your stay comfortable. They clean, take orders, cook, arrange tours, and more. They will tug at your heart at times while telling you great stories about their families. They know all the places to get contraband in town. They know what markets or shops to avoid. And they come with 1000 questions about your country. But above all, they will jump hoops to make sure you are safe and healthy.

Mid-Range Rs 900-2000

Mid-Range hotels can be as comfortable as luxury for half the cost

The surroundings are nicer, rooms are often bigger and slightly more comfortable, and the amenity list swells. All this and sometimes not much of a price increase. A relaxed atmosphere is similar to budget locations but with a more professional appearing staff.

Luxury Rs 2000 & Up

Luxury in India can be deceptive. Some properties charge exorbitant rates for nothing more than a mid-range experience while others roll out the red carpet. Fitness rooms, pools, spas, in-house restaurants along with safaris, camel treks, boat rides and more are part of the hotel services common with 5 star properties. Any request is handled with a smile, a head wobble and a “No problem.”

B & B or Guest House

Sparce, clean & cheap room at a new, still unknown homestay

Prices for these properties can swing like a monkey from the treetops. And the set-up can be just as wildly changing. Some businesses may run from inside the owner’s home while other owners are absent managers with homes in another city. The best experience isn’t always from the owner run guest house. A live-in manager ensures your comfort, your hunger and just about any other needs are met.

Owner run guest houses can be exhausting given the curious bevy of questions lodged at unsuspecting guests. Absent owner properties are more relaxed allowing guests to come and go without feeling as if being watched by your mother. Quick friendships generally follow either type of setting. Cooking classes, private tours of the city or nearby surroundings or help arranging local sightseeing are just some of the more personal touches these businesses can offer. If you want to see the “real India”, consider more time spent in this environment.

What to Expect

Amenities

In all price levels travelers can find their basic needs met without much fuss. Unlike other foreign countries, staff members of hotels in India are trained to assist in nearly any request.

Budget: Room service/Food available, Laundry, Guide Services, Tour packages for local sights, Transportation booking, Western toilets, Hot water.

Mid-Range: Room service/Food available, Laundry, Guide Services, Tour packages for local sights, Transportation booking, Western toilets, Hot water, Full time running water.

Luxury: Room service/Food available, Laundry, Guide Services, Tour packages for local sights, Transportation booking, Western toilets, Hot water, Full time running water, Pool, Spa, Massage, Gourmet dining, Desert/Train/Mountain excursions based on location, Entertainment, Courier service, In-house shopping.

Bargaining

Published rates are only a guideline in India. All rates are negotiable. Holiday periods are harder to find better deals so be sure to know what celebrations may affect room occupancy beforehand. Length of stay, payment and number of persons greatly affects the room rate. Prepayment in cash for two nights, two people, with go further than one person, one night with credit card.

Owners/managers may strip out the breakfast normally included the following morning to show they are trying to offer a better rate. Get the upper hand immediately by asking for the best rate in cash with breakfast and all taxes included. Also inform them you don’t need a receipt upon check-out. This will almost always guarantee the lowest rate. If all else fails, walk out to the competition. Have several locations arranged to keep the hunt for a cheap room short.

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Book Ahead

With few exceptions pre-booking hotel rooms in India is not advantageous. The best rates are to be found with a conversation in person at the front desk. Various holidays, conventions or festivals can impact room occupancy allowing you greater wiggle room with a little advance planning.

This does not apply to tourists utilizing a full-service travel agency.

Hotel Vouchers: Using a full-service travel agency in India for your Indian holiday will include working with hotel vouchers. Learn how to use them smartly to avoid any problems while you enjoy your India vacation. Read More…