The capital draws countless diplomats and businesspeople, which in turn has led to a thriving (and ridiculously pricey) five-star accommodations sector, meaning that you'll probably need to dig a little deeper in your pockets if you want a certain level of luxury -- not a bad idea if this is your first stop in India. Although a five-star hotel may serve as a gentle introduction to India, most are bland reproductions of what you can expect anywhere in the world, and some are downright hideous despite the hefty price tags. While big luxury hotels are more numerous than we need to mention, there are a few very special options for travelers looking for affordability, style, and something out of the ordinary. We've long acknowledged the innovations offered by Master Paying Residential Guest Accommodation (reviewed below), the best place by far to stay if you're watching your rupees and would like to live among charming Delhiites. A small chain of slightly more formal guesthouses, Amarya Haveli and Amarya Gardens, is owned and operated by a pair of Frenchmen; these stylish digs are truly in a league of their own, and reviewed below. Two more to consider seriously are Oberoi Maidens, Delhi's oldest hotel, and The Manor, the city's first boutique-style option; both offer an alternative to the anonymous atmosphere of larger hotels, not to mention great value.
With so much parity in the top-end market, our hands-down recommendation is The Imperial, a classy hotel with an authentic colonial old-world atmosphere, friendly staff, superb restaurants, and the most central location (it's walking distance to Connaught Place); the only drawback is the temperamental approach to honoring reservations. More of a brand, but still the ultimate in luxury, The Oberoi has the most lavishly cozy rooms of all the top-end hotels in Delhi, but you'll shell out for the privilege. It's worth checking the going rate at Hyatt Regency, which is not as conveniently located as either of these but operates a daily rate, so you never know what special deal you might strike. Another unadventurous big hotel option, which is a resounding favorite with foreigners (including Bill Clinton), is the ITC Maurya Sheraton Hotel and Towers (tel. 011/2611-2233; www.welcomgroup.com; from $500/£250 double). Its location in the diplomatic sector and the expensive rooms are major drawbacks, but foodies will enjoy easy access to Bukhara, widely considered the best restaurant in the country. Note, too, that there is now a second Sheraton property in south Delhi (Sheraton New Delhi Hotel, District Centre, Saket; tel. 011/4266-1122), with typically sumptuous rooms starting at a far more affordable $300 (£150).
Note that if you're literally in transit, the Radisson (National Highway 8, New Delhi 110 037; tel. 011/2677-9191; fax 011/2677-9090; www.radisson.com) is your best bet near the airport. It's perched on the edge of a major highway, but guest rooms (from $265/£133) are large and sumptuous, with contemporary furnishings and king-size beds. Ask for a pool- or garden-facing unit.
Note: The prices listed are sometimes given in rupees, with U.S. dollar conversions; others are stated in U.S. dollars only, which is how many hotels targeting foreign markets quote their rates.
