We are looking for a "contemporary" and vibrant place to stay in Delhi. Budget is approx. 200 USD for a double room. A non chain choice (=no Hilton, Holiday, Sheraton, etc.)is prefered.



[This message has been edited by Oliver (edited 08-05-2001).]

Maybe anyone experienced "The Manor" ???

Some major non-chain hotels are the Ashoka, Oberoi, Taj Mahal and Taj Palace. Delhi unlike Bombay goes to sleep early so I am not sure how vibrant these places will be. Taj Palace is located closer to the city center. Taj Mahal and Ashoka are closer to the airport (10 miles) near the Diplomatic Area of Delhi. I think $200 a night should find you a decent room in these hotels. The Ashoka is run by the govt. and has a more traditional architecture. However I am not sure how the service levels would compare with the privately hotels. Taj is one of the biggest chain of hotels in India and in general you should expect high service levels.

There are a number of other smaller hotels near the City center which can offer a different atmosphere.

As noted above, the Ashoke is a 'government' hotel... enough said. I've been reasonably impressed with the Imperial, which is not associated with the very upscale Japanese chain. It is located on Janpath, just south of Connaught circle and undergoing renovation. Last time I stayed in Le Meridien which was... a Le Meridien; next time I will give the Imperial a try.

Most of these hotels, whether western chains or home grown (Oberoi, Taj) are fairly similar -- large and contemporary, but not particularly vibrant (I believe it is the Sheraton that has a popular nightclub in it). I did recently read about a new luxury boutique hotel that might be what your looking for, however I don't remember the name or where I read it (perhaps Conde Naste).

Always avoid government run hotels. The Ashoka is really not very good and is in desparate need of refurbishment. I believe that the govt is going to be selling it actually.

I don't think it's a wise choice to not stay at a reputable chain hotel.

My choice is the Maurya Sheraton but the hotel next door, which is the Taj Palace, is good as well.

The Sheraton doesn't have what I would consider a nightclub, it has a disco which is generally fully of geeks. The disco at the Taj, called 'My Kind of Place', is more like a club.

If you're more interested in the night life, you could take a look at the Hyatt Regency. This definitely has the best club but the place is more like a large bar than a club. It has way more atmosphere and way fewer geeks than the other places. It also has a more cosmopolitan type crowd. I don't know what the rooms are like at this place but make sure you don't mix it up with the Grand Hyatt which is a new and grand hotel but in the middle of nowhere. I think it is safer than the other clubs as most search bags but this place utilises metal detectors as well.

Actually Taj PALACE is located closer to the airport, near the diplomatic area. Taj MAHAL is closer to the center.

Ashoka, although, not a good choice to stay in, has the best Indian restaurant in Delhi.

Maurya Sheraton, along with the disco, "Ghunghroo" (I've never seen geeks there, but I haven't been there in 6 or 7 years), has two other great places for Indian food.

Hyatt Regency has lately been the rage because of the night-life it boasts of (again relatively speaking) but I'm not sure what you can get there for $200.

ANd indeed, Delhi does tend to go to bed early, except some of the aforementioned hotels.

A newer hotel in south Delhi called Park Royale also has the best possible amenities. I'm not sure of the prices, food and night life, although they too have a bar/"club", called Float.

good luck.

I have always stayed at the Oberoi or Taj, but then I'm not much for the nightlife since I made the mistake of ordering a drink with ice. Silly me! It's made from WATER!
Go to the library and look at their most recent travel guides. They have hotel reviews for all price levels. If you want to try a local favorite, check out Moti Mahal - great tandoori.

[This message has been edited by flowerchild (edited 08-24-2001).]

Oops...Float is the place I was referring to as decent...not Djinn's but Djinn's is popular as well although it closes at about 1am - I think.

And Ghunghroo's is very geeky.

Interesting note about ice. A very good friend, who underwrites insurance policies on a number of Asian hotels, told me that if you get sick from ice with a hole in the center, rarely is the problem with the water, which is usually at least filtered. The problem generally lies with bacteria-infested chiller rods not being cleaned for an extended period. Now, didn't you always want to know that

Can anyone tell me where I should stay. I want somewhere in the best spot for tourist purposes. Options are as follows:
Hotel Nikko @ USD85
Intercontinental @ USD90
Crowne Plazza @ USD80
Sheraton @ USD110

I am leaning towards the Intercon as it seems to be right down town and very nice.

Thanks,
MD

Try Meridian or Hyatt

My recommendations would be..

1. Le Meridian
2. The Oberoi
3. Hyatt
4. Taj Palace

I have stayed at the Le Meridian and Hyatt. Both peoperties are nice though I like Le Meridian's location and its proximity to the main tourist attractions.

Thanks guys - I will make a booking at the Meridien. Looks like a great property in a great location.

MD

good tip, thanks.

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