A Guide to Budget Hotels in New Delhi, India

Chances are, Delhi is the first city you'll land in in India, particularly if you plan to spend time in North India. In my experience, I've spent many nights in Delhi, before traveling to other cities in India. I wish I could say that all of my Delhi hotel experiences have been great, but unfortunately, I've had a couple that were downright scary. Budget hotels can be even more "memorable," particularly from a Western perspective, but that doesn't mean they have to be unsafe. Based on my own experience and research, here are some recommended budget hotels in New Delhi, India, that should do the job well enough if you're trying to tightwad your way through India.

Budget Hotels in the Paharganj Area of New Delhi, India

I personally kind of like the Paharganj area as a great place to shop, since there are multiple bazaars here. Another plus to Paharganj is that it is located very close to the New Delhi train station, so if you plan to travel from Delhi to another city in India by train, the Paharganj area is a great place to stay.

Hotel Downtown

4583 Main Bazaar

New Delhi, India

Telephone: 41541529

As to be expected with a budget hotel, the rooms at Hotel Downtown are small and very sparse, but they are clean and safe enough, and run around Rs. 300 per night.

Hotel Rak International

Tooti Chowk, Main Bazaar

New Delhi, India

Telephone: 23562478

This is a budget hotel in the Paharganj area that actually has windows in the rooms. Windows are a plus or minus, depending on your perspective. As a plus, you'll have some natural sunlight to brighten your room and also be able to watch the street scene below for entertainment purposes. The minus of a room in New Delhi that has windows is the noise, so you might want to pack some earplugs if you plan to stay here. This is slightly higher priced than Hotel Downtown at approximately Rs. 450 per night.

Budget Hotels in the Connaught Place Area of New Delhi, India

Connaught Place is another popular spot in New Delhi, that seems to be a little less harrowing than some other parts of Delhi. Particularly if you're not fond of Indian food, or at the very least might get a hankering for familiar food, Connaught Place is the place to be, since there are plenty of American chain restaurants located in Connaught Place.

Here are two budget hotels in the Connaught Place area of New Delhi, India:

Ringo Guest House

17 Scindia House, Connaught Lane

New Delhi, India

Telephone: 23310605

Email: ringo_guest_house@yahoo.co.in

Sunny Guest House

152 Scindia House, Connaught Lane

New Delhi, India

Telephone: 23312909

Email: sunnyguesthouse1234@hotmail.com

Both of these budget hotels located in the Connaught Place area of New Delhi run around Rs. 400 per night, or about half that if you opt for a room without a bathroom. I'm not sure it's worth going without a bathroom just to save a couple of bucks a night, particularly with the tendency of Western travelers to get "Delhi belly," but for those about to head back home with barely enough money to get to the airport, opting for a room without a bathroom is a chance you might have to take.

References:

Personal experience and Lonely Planet, India