Here was my approach to escaping DEL and getting a shower during my layovers...
While connecting at DEL outbound (10 hours) 27 Mar and return (6 hours) 04 Apr 2009, I took a taxi to the Radisson for 150 IRs (several minute ride). I couldn't leave DEL fast enough!!! I'd hung out there for overnight connections in '08, and did
not want to do that again.
I found inexpensive hotels a few blocks down the road from the Radisson. (Radisson would've been a budget-buster for this recent trip.)
One provided me the comfort of a bed, air conditioning and hot shower.
Specifically, on the return I negotiated a $15US rate for 3 hours at the quite comfortable Hotel Hanuwant Palace.
If you don't enjoy walking this noisey, dusty, hotel and restaurant-lined Mahipalpur area (where the Radisson is), you should be able to pay the same 150 IRs taxi rate to the Hanuwant, or any number of nearby hotels.
Other hotels in Mahipalpur I visited but did not negotiate with included:
1. 365 Inn Guest House ... stayed there on the outbound. Down a dark alley off a dark alley. Not for the timid, but comfy bed. Cool-water shower.
2. Hotel Lohias (had stayed there before...adequate, hot water.)
3. International Inn...Looked quite nice. Base rate for Deluxe just 1750 IRs, so may be able to negotiate down for a few-hour stay.
4. Hotel The "R" Blues...Also looked quite nice/clean from the lobby. Deluxe room quoted at 2000 IRs nightly.
Mind you, Mahipalpur is
not an attractive area (
see for yourself), but when desperate for a shower and escape from DEL, and not wanting to splurge for the Radisson, I found it an interesting, suitable and even intriguing area. (Then again, I"m rather adventurous.) I even walked around for exercise without any safety problems. YEMV!!!!