New Delhi has accommodation for every budget from 300 INR dorm beds to 30,000 INR luxury suites. Location is the most important decision: the wrong neighborhood can mean 90-minute commutes to attractions. This guide names specific hotels and areas with real price ranges in Indian Rupees.
Where to Stay in New Delhi by Area and Budget
Luxury Hotels in Central and South Delhi
The Imperial at Janpath, Connaught Place (15,000-30,000 INR/night, $180-$360) is Delhi’s most historic luxury hotel, built in 1936 with an outstanding art collection in the lobby. The Leela Palace at Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri (18,000-35,000 INR, $216-$420) has a rooftop infinity pool and is the top luxury pick near embassies. The Lodhi near Humayun’s Tomb (16,000-28,000 INR, $192-$336) offers spacious 50-square-meter entry-level rooms. The Taj Mahal Hotel at 1 Mansingh Road (14,000-25,000 INR, $168-$300) sits between India Gate and Khan Market. All have excellent security, concierge services, and restaurants. Pro: flawless service. Con: 5-10x the price of good mid-range options.
Mid-Range Hotels Near the Metro
Bloomrooms at 8591 Arakashan Road, Paharganj (3,500-5,500 INR, $42-$66) is the best hotel in the backpacker district with clean, modern rooms and a good cafe. The Prime Balaji Deluxe at 8574 Arakashan Road (2,500-4,000 INR, $30-$48) offers good value near New Delhi Railway Station. In Karol Bagh, Hotel Godwin Deluxe at 8501/7 Arakashan Road (3,000-5,000 INR, $36-$60) has a rooftop restaurant. In South Delhi, the Lime Tree Hotel at 49 Friends Colony East (5,000-8,000 INR, $60-$96) is a quiet boutique option 15 minutes from Humayun’s Tomb.
Budget Hotels and Hostels
Zostel Delhi at 5 Arakshan Road, Paharganj (dorm beds from 400 INR/$5, private rooms from 1,200 INR/$14) is the most popular backpacker hostel with a rooftop cafe and organized tours. Madpackers Delhi at S-39A Panchsheel Park South (dorms from 500 INR/$6, private rooms from 1,800 INR/$22) is quieter and in a residential South Delhi neighborhood. Joey’s Hostel at 1/49 G Block, Paharganj (dorms from 300 INR/$3.60) is the cheapest option with a social vibe. For budget private rooms, Hotel Hari Piorko at 4746 Main Bazaar, Paharganj (800-1,500 INR, $10-$18) has clean rooms with AC at backpacker prices.
Where to Stay Near Delhi Airport
Aerocity, directly connected to IGI Airport Terminal 3, has 20+ international chain hotels. The JW Marriott Aerocity (8,000-14,000 INR, $96-$168) and Holiday Inn Aerocity (5,000-8,000 INR, $60-$96) are reliable choices. The Airport Express metro reaches central Delhi in 20 minutes. These hotels work for short layovers or early morning flights but are sterile and disconnected from Delhi’s character. The Delhi neighborhoods guide has more details on each area.
