India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [367]
Shanti Home Winner of the Best Bargain category in the 2009 Traveller’s Choice Awards (though it’s nowhere near as fine as either of the similarly priced, and comparatively luxurious Amarya properties), this addition to the despairingly small number of nonhotel options has fast become very popular, so book early. Hardly surprising: it’s both an ideal transit option, offering excellent value and super efficient airport pickups, as well as a comfortable, reliable base in the city. Aside from the clean functional rooms, thematically styled by owners Rajat and Sanjana, the well-trained staff is knowledgeable about city sights and shops. There is a lovely terrace garden which doubles as a restaurant and plenty of lounges to read, watch TV, or chat with fellow guests. With easy availability of all manner of facilities, we’re happy to overlook its slightly inconvenient location—half hour from the city center; the metro station is however, a mere hop away.
A1/300, Janakpuri, New Delhi 110 058. 011/4157-3366. Fax 011/2561-9418. www.shantihome.com. 17 units. Rs 7,000 premium double; Rs 8,000 luxury double; Rs 1,000 extra bed. Rates include taxes and breakfast. MC, V. Amenities: 1 restaurant; bar; airport transfer (Rs 500); concierge; currency exchange; doctor-on-call; complimentary laptop in lounge; ayurvedic massage; room service; steam; TV in lounge. In room: A/C, minibar (on request); Wi-Fi (complimentary).
Inexpensive
Delhi Bed and Breakfast This is an excellent homestay-style option if you don’t mind being a little way out of the center. Besides a comfortable, homey bedroom (with fresh flowers, back-supporting foam mattresses, and plenty of cupboard space) and the option of regular home-cooked meals (served in a tiny family dining room), you’ll have access to the advice, assistance, and lively repartee of your enthusiastic and hands-on host, Sheikh Pervez Hameed, who can hook you up with good guides, taxis, and all sorts of tours; his wife, Lubna, will even take you shopping. The nearby commercial center also has dozens of restaurants and bars. Bear in mind that you’ll be in a fairly busy neighborhood: Traffic sounds are never far away. But you get to live like a pampered local: Have the family barber summoned for a trim or escape to a plant-dappled terrace and meditate on suburbia.
A-6, Friends Colony East, Delhi 110 065. 98-1105-7103.www.delhibedandbreakfast.com. delhibedandbreakfast@gmail.com. 3 units (with showers). Rs 3,550 double; Rs 1,250 extra bed. Rate includes breakfast. No credit cards. Amenities: Dining room; airport transfer (Rs 650); cooking lessons; doctor-on-call; mobile phone hire; TV lounge. In room: A/C, Wi-Fi (complimentary).
Master Guest House Staying here is your best opportunity to rub shoulders with sophisticated, down-to-earth, extremely knowledgeable Delhiites—Avnish and Urvashi Puri are the hands-on owners who’ve put their immense energy and creative panache into making this one of Delhi’s most satisfying experiences. Don’t expect hotel-like amenities, however, but rather a genuine opportunity to dip into local life. You’ll stay in one of four immaculate guest rooms—each with comfortable bed, writing table, and carefully sourced artwork. Rooms share pristine, eco-conscious bathroom facilities; all rooms how have attached eco-conscious bathrooms, and the purification system means you’ll shower in water that’s clean enough to drink. Book at least one healing session with Urvashi, a reiki master, and then set off with Avnish on one of his wonderful “Hidden Delhi” tours; he