Hotel Pleasant Haveli is a two-story budget guesthouse located right in the heart of Jaisalmer's touristy center, less than 10 minutes on foot from the Rajashtani city's namesake fort. The nine rooms here have a sort of industrial-desert vibe, with exposed brick or sandstone walls paired with bright, colorful linens. All have flat-screen TVs and air-conditioning. Features here are limited, though there is a rooftop restaurant that's open for all three meals with great views, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. The hotel also provides free pick-ups from the train and bus stations, likely to prevent touts from poaching freshly arrived travelers. Those shopping around may want to also consider staying at the Hotel Royal Haveli, which has a similar vibe and room rates.
Pearl Palace Heritage is a small budget boutique guest house located just down the road from the Jaipur Railway Station. Each of the 10 rooms here is individually decorated, with ornate (and some might say over-the-top), traditionally inspired decor and modern amenities including flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and in-room personal computers with internet connectivity. However, there isn't much in terms of facilities beyond free Wi-Fi. The hotel doesn't even have a restaurant, though room service is available from the sister property -- Hotel Pearl Palace -- which may be a better option for those looking for something with a bit more of a social scene. Fun fact, the "Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" was partially shot here.
Three-pearl Jas Vilas is a charming little boutique hotel with a distinctly homelike vibe. In fact, the pretty grounds used to be a family home, with the owners still living on-site. Though set quite a way from the center of town, Pink City attractions and shopping are easily accessible. What's more? A dip in the pretty pool, surrounded by lush plants and flowers, is a great way to cool off after touring the region. With just 14 spacious rooms, it's an intimate hotel, and guests kick back on communal balconies or on the pool terrace. A fresh, Indian menu is served all day, and continental breakfasts are included. Guests looking to be closer to town could check out the Radisson Jaipur City Center, which has similar rates, though lacks the authentic style.
Nahargarh Haveli is a 30-room budget hotel just south of the railway station and a short walk from the shops and restaurants of M.I. Road. There's not a whole lot in terms of amenities, though the hotel does have a relatively spacious rooftop restaurant with 24-hour room service, plus a massage room. All three room types here have air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs, and the suites have an amusing peacock-themed decor scheme. However, past guests have complained about street noise and some rooms lack windows. Travelers may want to consider a stay at Krishna Palace instead, which is in the quieter Bani Park neighborhood, but a bit further from the railway station.
Sunder Palace Guest House is a small budget hotel located near the railway station. The 22 rooms here vary a fair bit, and while only some have air-conditioning, all feature beautiful hand-painted decorative trim on the ceilings. Note that traffic noise may be an issue in some units. Amenities are unfortunately limited, however, and there's really just a simple vegetarian rooftop restaurant and an activities room, though the hotel can also book excursions and such at the front desk. Travelers looking for a spot with a bit more to offer may want to compare rates and amenities at the nearby Nahargarh Haveli, which has similar features and prices, plus a small massage room for guests.
Conveniently located just south of Jaipur Railway Station, Hotel Pearl Palace is a charming budget hotel that in many ways feels more like a mid-range boutique property. The 30 rooms here range from basic dorm rooms (guests can rent out whole dorms or just single beds) to snazzy and spacious air-conditioned Deluxe Rooms. Features include free Wi-Fi, clothing and jewelry shops, and laundry service, but the hotel's most attractive feature by far is its gorgeous Peacock Rooftop Restaurant, a two-story terrace restaurant with a large menu as well as room service. The hotel also offers free pick-ups from the bus and train stations, saving first-time visitors a lot of potential hassle. Travelers may also want to consider Sunder Palace Guest House nearby, which has similar amenities and is a tad mellower.
Perched on a hilltop overlooking Mahabaleshwar, Bella Vista Resort is a three-pearl vacation resort popular with families and walkable to Lingmala Waterfall. The 36 rooms here are simply decorated but well maintained, and come with air-conditioning and balconies; many have lovely views of the valley below. Features are particularly attractive for kids and include a lovely pool with floats, outdoor playground, and a covered outdoor game area with table tennis. There's also a large conference room along with a business center and free Wi-Fi. Continental breakfast is included in room rates and room service is available around the clock. Travelers shopping around may want to also consider Valley View Resort, which has similar rates and amenities.
Part of the Heritage Hotels brand, the four-pearl Maidens offers historic charm and a tranquil environment slightly removed from the center of New Delhi. The well-maintained property's design and decor throughout the 55 spacious rooms, two restaurants, bar, and landscaped grounds reflect distinct British colonial influences. The gym has updated equipment and guests love the buffet breakfast and free poolside refreshments, but Wi-Fi comes with fees. The peaceful vibe also has the downside of not being within walking distance from most tourist sites, though there’s a metro station nearby and chauffeur service is available to several attractions. Guests who want a chain hotel experience in a more central location may prefer the Radisson Blu Marina Connaught Place.
The Delhi Bed and Breakfast is a good value, two-and-a-half-pearl homestay located in the South Delhi Friends Colony East neighborhood, not to far from the Lotus Temple. There are only three rooms here, and all are homey and cozy, with locally crafted decor, flat-screen TVs with DVD players, and air-conditioning. There aren't a ton of amenities, though breakfast is included in room rates and the owners provide reverse osmosis-filtered water that's safe to drink -- a boon for those who don't want to waste plastic (or money) buying lots of small bottles. There's also a kids' computer, and adults' computer, and free hotel-wide Wi-Fi. Those looking to be closer to the city center and the Paharganj neighborhood should consider the Hotel Godwin Deluxe, which has modern rooms and lower rates.
Umaid Bhawan Heritage House Hotel is an ornately decorated three-pearl heritage-style property in the predominantly residential Bani Park neighborhood of Jaipur, a short drive from the Pink City and the railway station. The 41 rooms here have beautiful, old-fashioned furniture and hand-painted floral designs on the ceilings. Prices are a bit higher than competitor hotels, but amenities and freebies add way more value. There's a rooftop restaurant and an elegant indoor restaurant, plus a bar, free breakfast buffet, and room service. There's also a beautiful courtyard pool with a few lounge chairs, and nightly cultural entertainment. Travelers may also want to consider Nahargarh Haveli, which is a little closer to the railway station and has slightly lower room rates -- but no pool.
The two-and-a-half-pearl Residency Hotel offers modern accommodations with solid value in central Mumbai. The property is within walking distance of dining, shopping, and sights, including Victoria Terminus. Common areas have high-quality traditional decor, and while some of the 40 guest rooms are small, they're streamlined and tidy, and well-equipped with AC, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel offers a free hot breakfast that receives high marks from guests, and there's also an all-day cafe, 24-hour room service, and a lobby lounge with a foot massage chair. Travelers looking for rooms with decor that's a step up might want to consider nearby Abode Bombay.
The Red Fox Hotel, Delhi Airport is a bright budget airport hotel with 207 rooms and suites. All have simple, modern furnishings and flat-screen TVs plus air-conditioning and mini-fridges. Amenities include a modern fitness center with a good selection of weight-training and cardio equipment, a conference room, and a cafe serving Indian and international cuisine, plus 24-hour room service. Wi-Fi is free for one device, but high-speed internet and multiple device use costs extra. Also, there's no airport shuttle service, which is a bit surprising given its location near IGI. Travelers looking for something a bit more upscale with a pool may prefer the Radisson Blu, right across from the airport.
The Hotel Amax Inn is a popular budget hotel in Central Delhi's Paharganj neighborhood, a backpacker area known for cheap digs, cheap shops, and cheap restaurants. The 36 rooms here are pleasant, with up to three beds, and almost all have air-conditioning. While the property itself is off in a relatively quiet alley, there have been complaints of noise in rooms emanating from within the hotel, notably from the hotel's kitchen and the generator, which keeps the electricity going during Delhi's power cuts. There's a well-liked restaurant and a travel desk, as well as free Wi-Fi (not always a given in Delhi hotels), but features are otherwise limited. As an alternative, check out Hotel Hari Piorko, which is nearby and has rooms with mini-fridges and, unusually, aquariums.
The 132-room Radisson Blu Resort Goa Cavelossim Beach is an upper-middle-range hotel popular with families, and located a 10-minute walk from Cavelossim Beach. Like common areas, spacious rooms have Indo-Portuguese touches, plus flat-screen TVs, minibars, and kettles. Adults and kids have their own outdoor pool, and a kids' club has a game room. Dining options include a 24-hour buffet eatery, Indo-Portuguese spot, and Portuguese restaurant and bar with live music. A simple spa houses treatment rooms, a sauna, hot tub, and fitness center. A ballroom caters to functions, but frequent wedding parties can swamp the property and leave facilities closed to existing guests. Other downsides include complaints of faulty electrics and poor air-conditioning, and some parts of the hotel are dated. Travelers wanting a beachfront property should consider Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa.
The Hotel City Star is a pleasant mid-range hotel in Delhi's Paharganj neighborhood, a short walk from the New Delhi Railway Station. The 31 rooms here are crisp and modern, with much sleeker decor than at the many backpacker haunts all around. However, those facing the street can pick up traffic noise and the bathrooms, while pleasantly done up in marble, run small. Hotel features include a small fitness center and a pleasant rooftop restaurant serving Indian and international food, plus 24-hour room service and free airport pick-ups. While the hotel is right by Delhi's main backpacker street, it's not in the center of the action -- travelers looking to meet others might be better off at the Hotel Hari Pikoro, a classic -- but less sharp -- budget hotel.