Delhi is one of Asia's most bustling cities, with a historical and cultural heritage that's just as complex. It's a premier destination for the refined traveler, and there are many options to choose from when you're planning a stay. However, due to the fact that there are so many choices, you'll want to keep a few things in mind before making any bookings.
1. Navigating Delhi's Geography
Rough Guides describe Delhi as being split into two parts, comprising Old Delhi which is home to the old city of 17th century Mughal architecture, and New Delhi, which was built by the British with wide boulevards and green spaces. New Delhi is where the largest museums and best shopping areas will be found, right alongside Connaught Place in downtown Delhi. If you want to stay in the heart of this area, then a hotel like the Janpath Hotel Delhi is located in the perfect spot.
2. An Array of Accommodations
Due to the fact that Delhi is one of India's most bustling points of entry into the country, according to the official Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, it boasts a huge range of accommodation options. You'll have your pick of everything from deluxe luxury hotels right down to lower end tourist hostels. You'll find prices at the most high end hotels to be affordable, though, and if you plan in advance, you can get some great deals on rates. Research available hotels before you book, though, in order to make an informed decision. Travelers are always willing to tell their stories online, so see what other lodgers had to say before making a final decision on a room. You'll have your pick of hundreds of potential accommodations in Delhi, but a hotel can make or break your stay. Opt for something on the luxurious side if you can.
3. An Ever Growing City
A good sign of Delhi's developing cosmopolitan status is the fact that it's getting richer. According to The Times of India, there's been a 13.5 percent rise in per capita income this year. That means that in order to meet the demand for higher end accommodations and amenities for a wealthier populace, hotels have to up their game. The increasingly elegant environment of New Delhi that includes both newly opened nightclubs and old, established museums sets a high standard that you can expect to encounter when you visit.
4. Exclusive Attractions
You shouldn't only be focused on what the rooms of your destination hotel look like on the website, but also what kinds of attractions are offered within the hotel itself. For example, many luxury hotels offer specialized restaurants with different types of cuisine, as well as world class, internationally lauded bars and social lounges. Due to the fact that hotels are becoming more inclusive of a full travel experience without ever having to set foot outside the door if you don't want to, you should have high expectations of what you'll find. If the hotel you're considering doesn't have more than one restaurant and bills itself as being a first rate establishment, think again. A true luxury hotel will have more than a few amenities, and will also present these services and destinations in the proper way. Surroundings will also be elegant and effortless, and the decor should be fine. True luxury hotels are conscious of their oeuvre right down to the type of fine art they hang on guest room walls.
5. The Comforts of Luxury
There might be a day during your trip that, after walking for hours through Mughal architecture and browsing the open air market, you decide it's time to receive some spa treatment. You should be looking for a hotel that offers this type of service. A standard luxury hotel staple are spa services such as massage and aromatherapy. If you can't find this service listed in your hotel's summary of offerings, then it's probably not a very high level of luxury. If you're going to take a trip to Delhi, there's no reason not to enjoy every single minute that you're there, whether sightseeing or resting.
High end hotels pride themselves on making guests feel at home and earning positive reviews through word of mouth. There's no substitute for a guest who has a good experience, and then goes off to tell friends. Therefore, you can expect that there will be a good number of hotels vying to win over a traveler like you. Just remember that you can basically have anything you want at a true luxury hotel, so do your research carefully.
Martin Wynn
