India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [368]
R-500 New Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi 110 060. 011/2874-1089 or 011/6547-9947 or 011/2874-1914. www.masterbedandbreakfast.com. info@master-guesthouse.com. 4 units. Rs 3,500 double. Rate includes breakfast. No credit cards. Amenities: Dining room; airport transfers (pickup Rs 595–Rs 850; drop-off Rs 295–Rs 395); library; meditation; reiki; yoga. In room: A/C, heater, Wi-Fi (free).
South Delhi
Hyatt Regency Like all the city’s big, modern hotels, the exterior is forgettable, and the lobby, with its faint resemblance to a Hindu temple, feels a little dated, but it has some of the city’s best dining options, supported by locals, which keeps it abuzz. Accommodations, styled with business travelers in mind, are constantly updated to keep with the times. They’re not huge, but the parquet-wood floors, sleek furnishings, and queen-size beds with thick mattresses will certainly make you feel comfortable—ask for the pool-facing bay rooms, aside from the view, they’re a fraction more spacious (but slightly more expensive). Hyatt Regency features the city’s most authentic Italian restaurant (don’t miss the pizzas here), the excellent China Kitchen (arguably the best Chinese restaurant in India), our favorite Japanese restaurant and the Polo Bar, rated one of the city’s best after-dark hangouts.
Bhikaji Cama Place, Ring Rd., New Delhi 110 066. 011/2679-1234. Fax 011/2679-1122. www.delhi.hyatt.com. 508 units. Rates change daily and can vary from Rs 10,000—Rs 25,000 depending on whether you opt for the Hyatt Guest Room, Pool View Room or the Regency Club Room. Taxes extra. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 4 restaurants; bar; patisserie; babysitting; currency exchange; doctor-on-call; fitness club; outdoor pool; room service; 2 outdoor tennis courts. In room: A/C, TV, minibar, Wi-Fi (Rs 325/hr., Rs 925/day).
North Delhi
Oberoi Maidens This peaceful Georgian gem is a little out of the center of Delhi, but it has more character and charm than most of the big hotel competitors and is just a short stroll from the nearest Metro station, so getting into the city is a breeze. Operating since 1903, it retains much of its grand architectural ambience—all stained-glass windows, thick columns, stately arches, and deep corridors—hinting at what it might have been like when Lutyens stayed here while supervising the development of the Raj Bhavan. Of the standard (superior) rooms, no. 105 is a particularly good option, with a second, smaller bedroom, a large bathroom and plenty of natural light. Lovely grounds, with plenty of established trees and shrubs, and a period kidney-shaped pool add further serenity, only disrupted when parties and weddings are hosted here. Good news is that the Maidens is just a short stroll from the nearest Metro and convenient to city center.
7 Sham Nath Marg, Delhi 110 054. 011/2397-5464 or 1800/11-7070. Fax 011/2398-0771. www.maidenshotel.com. 56 units. Rs 11,500 superior double; Rs 13,500 premium; 17,500 deluxe suite; Rs 20,500 luxury suite; Rs 3,500 extra bed. Taxes extra. Check online for good off-season discounts. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; airport transfer (Rs 2,000); babysitting; currency exchange; doctor-on-call; outdoor pool; room service; 2 tennis courts. In room: A/C, TV, DVD player (deluxe suites only), hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi (Rs 250/hr., Rs 1,000/day).
WHERE TO DINE
Delhi’s dining scene is booming. Ask locals to name their favorite restaurant, and the only thing you can be sure of is that you won’t get a predictable response—from fiercely criticizing Bukhara (Delhi’s long-reigning restaurant champion) to praising some modest hole-in-the-wall, people are talking, and writing, about food. With the culinary revolution clearly in full swing, it’s no longer necessary to hide out in hotel eateries for fear of contracting “Delhi belly.” More likely, you’ll experience a dent in your budget if you choose to eat