Delhi is one of those cities where choosing the right hotel can significantly influence your entire stay. With the huge number of hotels available in this million-plus city, choosing the right one can be a challenge for many travellers.
Moreover, many hotels in Delhi do not actually offer what they promise in their photos, and it is very easy to find yourself in an unpleasant situation.
For this reason, I am bringing you recommendations for tried-and-tested hotels in Delhi.
There is no single hotel I would recommend to everyone.
That is why I have selected several options depending on what you expect from your stay. Whether you prefer historic havelis, iconic luxury hotels, or smaller and more affordable boutique hotels, these are my recommendations.
For History Lovers:
Haveli Dharampura,
If you want your accommodation to be part of the experience rather than simply a place to sleep, Haveli Dharampura, is one of my favourite options.
This beautifully restored haveli is hidden in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi and allows you to experience a completely different side of the city.
The approximately 200-year-old historic building has been carefully restored with an emphasis on its Mughal heritage, while still offering all the modern comforts you need. The hotel has only 14 rooms, giving it the feel of an intimate boutique hotel rather than a large hotel complex.
And its location is one of its greatest advantages.
You are right in the heart of Old Delhi, close to Chandni Chowk and the Red Fort. As soon as you step outside, you find yourself in one of the most intense and fascinating parts of the city.
Choose it if: you want history, atmosphere and an authentic Indian experience.
Best for: first-time visitors to Delhi and travellers who want to experience Old Delhi authentically while still enjoying comfort.
My tip: This is not the hotel to choose if you are looking for complete peace and a perfectly polished environment. Choose Haveli Dharampura because you genuinely want to experience Old Delhi.
For Classic Heritage Luxury:
The Imperial New Delhi
The hotel opened in 1936 and is one of the city's most prominent historic hotels.
It is located in the centre of the city, surrounded by beautiful gardens. The interiors are filled with history, and the hotel also boasts an impressive art collection.
This is the kind of hotel where the building itself becomes part of your Delhi experience.
The atmosphere is elegant and traditional without feeling outdated.
Choose it if: you love elegance, architecture and classic luxury.
Best for: couples, discerning travellers and those who appreciate hotels with history and character.
My tip: If you are deciding between a modern five-star hotel and The Imperial, I would choose The Imperial for its atmosphere and sense of place.
For Palace-Style Luxury:
The Leela Palace New Delhi
If luxury in Delhi means marble, chandeliers and impeccable service to you, The Leela Palace New Delhi is an excellent choice.
Located in the diplomatic district of Chanakyapuri, it combines the character of historic Delhi with contemporary Indian luxury.
The hotel offers personalised service, including butler service, and is one of the best-known luxury hotels in Delhi.
One of its highlights is the rooftop swimming pool overlooking the city.
The location is also very convenient for travellers who want to explore Delhi's main attractions but return in the evening to a quieter and more prestigious part of the city.
Choose it if: you want impeccable five-star service.
Best for: luxury travellers, special occasions and those who love palace-style hotels.
For modern luxury:
The Roseate New Delhi
If you are looking for something completely different, there is The Roseate New Delhi.
This is a hotel I would recommend to travellers looking for peaceful, modern luxury rather than a heritage palace hotel.
It is set among beautiful gardens with water features and plenty of greenery, making it feel more like a retreat than a traditional city hotel.
The architecture combines modern design with references to Mughal architecture, and the hotel offers exclusively suites with personalised service and butler service.
It is particularly ideal after several intense days of travelling around India.
You return to the hotel, slow down, have dinner, take a walk through the gardens or simply enjoy the feeling of being away from the city's hustle and bustle — without actually leaving Delhi.
Choose it if: you want privacy, design and peaceful luxury.
Best for: couples, honeymoon travellers and those who prefer luxury combined with a tranquil atmosphere.
For a Practical Stay Near the Airport: Lemon Tree Premier, Delhi Airport
Sometimes you simply need comfortable accommodation before an early morning flight.
In the area around Delhi Airport — Mahipalpur — I recommend being very careful when choosing a hotel.
There are hundreds of hotels in this area, and many of them have fake reviews or do not even exist.
The safest option is to stay with established international hotel chains. This can help you avoid the unpleasant situations that are unfortunately quite common in this part of the city.
My practical choice is Lemon Tree Premier, Delhi Airport.
It is located in Aerocity, approximately 3 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport, making it very convenient for late arrivals, early morning departures or short stopovers.
It is primarily about comfort, a practical location and saving time when travelling to and from the airport.
Choose it if: you have an early flight or need a hotel for just one night near the airport.
Best for: longer layovers and short stays.
My tip: If you have several days in Delhi, I would not stay near the airport without a specific reason. The most interesting places are elsewhere.
A Boutique Hotel at a More Reasonable Price:
East Park Inn
f you are looking for something more affordable but do not want to go all the way down to a basic budget hotel, East Park Inn in Karol Bagh is an interesting option.
It is a smaller hotel with 33 rooms, located close to the Karol Bagh markets and with good connections to central Delhi.
The rooms are modern. The hotel also offers a small restaurant and a rooftop terrace.
The neighbourhood itself is lively and much more local than the areas of South Delhi.
It is not a luxury hotel, but it offers a pleasant base for travellers who would rather invest more in experiences, restaurants and exploring the city.
Choose it if: you want comfort, a good location and a reasonable price.
Best for: solo travellers and those looking for more affordable accommodation.
My tip: Karol Bagh is a good choice if you want to experience a busier and more local side of Delhi.
For a Peaceful Boutique Stay:
The Manor
The Manor is one of my favourite options for travellers who do not want to stay in a large five-star hotel.
It is located in the residential neighbourhood of Friends Colony in South Delhi and is surrounded by greenery. It feels peaceful, almost residential, and offers a pleasant escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
It is ideal for those who enjoy smaller boutique hotels with character — peaceful, stylish and somewhat hidden from the chaos of the city.
Choose it if: you prefer small hotels, design and a quieter atmosphere.
Best for: couples, solo travellers and guests who prefer a boutique hotel over a large hotel chain.
My tip: The Manor is a great choice if you want an affordable hotel in a peaceful and clean neighbourhood.
So, Where Should You Stay in Delhi?
To simplify it:
For history: Haveli Dharampura,
For classic heritage: The Imperial,
For modern luxury: The Roseate
Pre heritage palace: The Leela Palace
For a stay near the airport Lemon Tree Premier
For more affordable accommodation: East Park Inn
For affordable accommodation and a peaceful atmosphere: The Manor
If you are travelling to India for the first time,I would choose Haveli Dharampura,if you want to experience the authentic atmosphere of Old Delhi, or The Imperial,if you prefer greater comfort.
f you have already travelled around India and want your stay in Delhi to be more of a peaceful stopover, I would choose The Roseate or The Manor.
Choose a trusted hotel so that after a full day of exploring the city, you can return to a pleasant and clean place.
Because Delhi can be intense.
The right hotel gives you a place to pause and breathe between everything you want to see.
[For more tips on travelling to Delhi, read the other articles in our series.]
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