Want the nicest hotel in Delhi and more info wanted..please help
Apr 7th, 2010, 12:14 AM
#41
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,689
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I feel I have to point out that Delhi will not only be very hot in July, but will also be in the <b>midst of the monsoon in July </b>, as will all of India. You may not get a whole lot of chances to lie by the pool. However, the bigger issue I see is going to Shimla in July, when it is <i>very</i> rainy, rainier than Delhi in fact, and because of cloud cover you will be unlikely to see the Himalayas. The desert areas like Udaipur are fine as the don’t get a lot of rain, although it will be very hot. See weatherbase.com and other websites for an idea of rainfall. This is the reason the hotel rates are much lower in July than in January, when temps are delightful and rainfall nonexistent.
For my money in Udaipur, the hotel to stay at would be Devigarh (take a look at http://www.deviresorts.com/), although I can see the attractions of staying in Udaipur itself and near the lake for a first-time visitor. But Devigharh is a better hotel than the Oberoi in terms of service (hard for me to say that as Oberoi is in a class by itself to begin with), and in the <i>most utterly charming</i> ancient fort which they have turned into a five star hotel. Every room is different. The little village it is located in is quite walkable and very interesting. Note that the pool is black marble and will be sitting in a bathtub in July, although you may have similar issues at other hotel pools as well in the desert in the summer.
In Delhi, while I love the Imperial and the Oberoi, I have to note that there is now an Aman hotel there, and it may qualify as the "nicest" in Delhi. Some of the rooms have private plunge pools. It is located quite near the Oberoi. There are other Amans in India that you might consider as well, including at Ranthambore where you might possibly see a tiger. See http://www.amanresorts.com/amannewdelhi/home.aspx
There are of course other hotel options in lesser budgets in India. The ones mentioned so far have been top of the line. A very useful website for hotels in India is http://sawdays.co.uk/, click on the book for India. You can also buy the book, <i>Special Places to Stay India</i>, but the website will give you a very long list of hotels to start with. A lot of these hotels are in the budget range, and all seem interesting and several. Another good operator other than Oberoi is Taj group (www.tajhotels.com. ). Their Gateway hotel in Agra may work for you, it's very pleaseant and some of the rooms have Taj views (suites are especially nice there). There is a small Indian chain called Neemrama (their first hotel is mentioned above) which operates a number of unique hotels in palaces and other old buildings and could be something to consider if you want a different experience. Go to http://www.neemranahotels.com. Sheraton and Marriott run a number of good hotels in India as well, generally in the major cites. The Sheraton in Delhi (called the ITC Maurya) may be a good choice for you, espeically the “ITC One”, which is their boutique hotel-within-a-hotel property. Quieter and more luxurious than the regular Sheraton rooms.
For my money in Udaipur, the hotel to stay at would be Devigarh (take a look at http://www.deviresorts.com/), although I can see the attractions of staying in Udaipur itself and near the lake for a first-time visitor. But Devigharh is a better hotel than the Oberoi in terms of service (hard for me to say that as Oberoi is in a class by itself to begin with), and in the <i>most utterly charming</i> ancient fort which they have turned into a five star hotel. Every room is different. The little village it is located in is quite walkable and very interesting. Note that the pool is black marble and will be sitting in a bathtub in July, although you may have similar issues at other hotel pools as well in the desert in the summer.
In Delhi, while I love the Imperial and the Oberoi, I have to note that there is now an Aman hotel there, and it may qualify as the "nicest" in Delhi. Some of the rooms have private plunge pools. It is located quite near the Oberoi. There are other Amans in India that you might consider as well, including at Ranthambore where you might possibly see a tiger. See http://www.amanresorts.com/amannewdelhi/home.aspx
There are of course other hotel options in lesser budgets in India. The ones mentioned so far have been top of the line. A very useful website for hotels in India is http://sawdays.co.uk/, click on the book for India. You can also buy the book, <i>Special Places to Stay India</i>, but the website will give you a very long list of hotels to start with. A lot of these hotels are in the budget range, and all seem interesting and several. Another good operator other than Oberoi is Taj group (www.tajhotels.com. ). Their Gateway hotel in Agra may work for you, it's very pleaseant and some of the rooms have Taj views (suites are especially nice there). There is a small Indian chain called Neemrama (their first hotel is mentioned above) which operates a number of unique hotels in palaces and other old buildings and could be something to consider if you want a different experience. Go to http://www.neemranahotels.com. Sheraton and Marriott run a number of good hotels in India as well, generally in the major cites. The Sheraton in Delhi (called the ITC Maurya) may be a good choice for you, espeically the “ITC One”, which is their boutique hotel-within-a-hotel property. Quieter and more luxurious than the regular Sheraton rooms.
Apr 7th, 2010, 04:05 AM
#43
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,689
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Look at weather websites and see if the rainfall amounts are something you are comfortable with. The average rainfall for July is 17 inches <i>for the month</i>, which is more than half the amount of rain as “rainy” London gets <i>all year</i>. Also consider whether you would be disappointed if you went there and the Himalaya were socked in with cloud cover the entire time. If you are OK with those issues, then Shimla is fine. Temps will be significantly cooler than the plains area of Delhi and Rajasthan (although humidity will be close to 90%), and the little town has a good bit of Victorian charm still left. The train up is fun.
Apr 7th, 2010, 01:11 PM
#44
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 4,571
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some people enjoy travel during monsoon/heavy rain. I'm not one and would change plans accordingly (and did, for upcoming trip in early/mid June).
This has added even more for you to mull over, JJ--no wonder you are
"truly confused."
I think we are all concerned, as people who love India, that your first trip be special and enjoyable and realtively easy however that is accomplished. Please do not take this as criticism, but i sense this becoming too confusing and worrisome for you. To me, planning and anticipation are part of the fun, but it doesn't seem like you are having much fun. That's understandable.
Incidentally, another "unofficial" Oberoi hotel in Shimla, is Clark's. This was Mr Oberoi's first ever purchased hotel, and I've read that because of that, he has a particular fondness for it. It is quite different from the other Oberois, i.e not top of the line cost and services, but more old style Raj-era" charm, and a great location on the Mall. Disclaimer: i've not yet stayed there--this description is based on lots research and travel agent feedback--but am staying there in June.
I too have used Sawdays rec, as mentioned by Cicerone--my experience is that one was a great rec, one was not. Julia, one of the features that I like in Sawday's reviews is he'll mention bed and breakfasts (which, in India, are usually referred to as homestays). In addition to Sawdays, read the Tripadvisor reviews for New Delhi B and Bs, and New Delhi specialty lodging. That would be another way to "ease" into India in a more intimate and supportive venue, and most will arrange for an airport pick up.
I hope you dont mind this suggestion as well. Confused as you say are, in addition to the feedback from Dogster, above ( " you HAVE to do research - clearly, that's been missing. Hurling yourself at strangers in here may well confuse you") I would recommend you get recs from knowledgeable travel planners who can help you, tell you WHAT part of India will have the best weather at the time of your trip and will help you set up everything you and your son want (drivers, car, hotels/inns in your desired price range). It will take a lot of the stress off you.
p.s. Cicerone, thanks for the positive review of both ITC Maurya (where we'll be staying for only$25/night, yippee, adding in Starwood points) and the "toy train" which we'll take.
This has added even more for you to mull over, JJ--no wonder you are
"truly confused."
I think we are all concerned, as people who love India, that your first trip be special and enjoyable and realtively easy however that is accomplished. Please do not take this as criticism, but i sense this becoming too confusing and worrisome for you. To me, planning and anticipation are part of the fun, but it doesn't seem like you are having much fun. That's understandable.
Incidentally, another "unofficial" Oberoi hotel in Shimla, is Clark's. This was Mr Oberoi's first ever purchased hotel, and I've read that because of that, he has a particular fondness for it. It is quite different from the other Oberois, i.e not top of the line cost and services, but more old style Raj-era" charm, and a great location on the Mall. Disclaimer: i've not yet stayed there--this description is based on lots research and travel agent feedback--but am staying there in June.
I too have used Sawdays rec, as mentioned by Cicerone--my experience is that one was a great rec, one was not. Julia, one of the features that I like in Sawday's reviews is he'll mention bed and breakfasts (which, in India, are usually referred to as homestays). In addition to Sawdays, read the Tripadvisor reviews for New Delhi B and Bs, and New Delhi specialty lodging. That would be another way to "ease" into India in a more intimate and supportive venue, and most will arrange for an airport pick up.
I hope you dont mind this suggestion as well. Confused as you say are, in addition to the feedback from Dogster, above ( " you HAVE to do research - clearly, that's been missing. Hurling yourself at strangers in here may well confuse you") I would recommend you get recs from knowledgeable travel planners who can help you, tell you WHAT part of India will have the best weather at the time of your trip and will help you set up everything you and your son want (drivers, car, hotels/inns in your desired price range). It will take a lot of the stress off you.
p.s. Cicerone, thanks for the positive review of both ITC Maurya (where we'll be staying for only$25/night, yippee, adding in Starwood points) and the "toy train" which we'll take.
Apr 7th, 2010, 11:02 PM
#45
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,689
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To perhaps help you structure plans, and to answer some of the questions you started with:
<b>Flights to/from the US</b>: in most cases, because of the time difference, it takes 1-2 days to travel to India from the US. On the return, some flights take only a calendar day, some take 2. But without knowing the US city of your departure, the airline, and whether the flights are non-stop or connecting, it’s hard to give specific advice. But <i>in general</i>, assuming a departure on Friday, July 23, you will arrive in New Delhi sometime on Saturday July 24. (The non-stop Continental and United flights from EWR depart at 8 pm Friday and arrive at 8:15 pm Saturday, connecting flights on American or Jet Airways via Chicago arrive around the same time. There is a Virgin Airlines flight from EWR via London which departs at 8 am Friday and arrives at 11 am on Saturday, this would even give you some daylight time in New Delhi on your first day which is good for jet lag not to mention some time to see Delhi.)
So assuming you arrive on Saturday July 24, and are departing on August 5, you have 12 nights. With that in mind, I would not try to “do” more than 3 places, but can include a 4th if it is close to one of the other places. Otherwise, you will be too rushed. Also bear in mind the heat and possible heavy rain; the former will slow you down in what you want to see in a day, the latter may throw a complete wrench into a tight travel schedule with flight delays, train delays, etc.
Also consider whether it makes sense to fly into and out of Delhi. If your itin changes and you include south India, it may be easier to fly home from Chennai, Mumbai or Bangalore. You can buy a ticket for a flight into Delhi and out of another city, these are “open jaw” ad usually cost no more than a roundtrip in and out of the same city.
<b>Internal flights</b>: there are many good private air carriers in India. But bear in mind the time it will take to travel to the airport, security, travel time from the arrival airport to a hotel, etc in addition to the actual flight time. Work that into your schedule. If there is a 6 am departure in Delhi for Shimla or Udaipur, do you really want to have to be up and out of the hotel at 4 am? It usually takes about 40 minutes to get from the Oberoi in New Delhi to the airport, and can often take more during rush hours. So spending a night in Delhi at the Oberoi on the return from Shimla may not really be a good idea. Or consider staying for the one night at a hotel nearer to the airport. (The Oberoi have a lovely hotel in Gurgaon, called the Trident. It’s about 15 minutes from the airport.)
<b>Trains</b>: Train stations are generally in or near the town centre, and don't require arriving early for security. For short distances they would be faster then flying and often than driving (or more comforatable). But bear in mind the time trains will take to reach destinations, and consider whether spending 12 hours on a train is your idea of heavan, or your idea of hell. For such a huge system, generally trains are surprisingly on time, but there can be delays, esp in rainy season. Also, would a night train work better for your schedule?
<b>Your Itinerary Should Match Your Interests</b>: India is a huge country both geographically and culturally, and you have many choices. The problem is going to be narrowing them down. However, IMO if you want to enjoy the trip and get the most out of it, then what you ultimately decide to see has got to match what it is <u>you</u> like to do and see. Some people could spend days on the burning ghats in Varanasi, others want to lie on a beach in Goa, others want to see all the museums in Delhi and go shopping. There is nothing wrong with any of these choices. If you haven’t already done so, I would suggest you go to your library and get some guide books. (Old editions don’t’ matter, as the basic information and tourist site info does not change. When you have some ideas of what you want to see and do, then buy the newest editions for restaurant and hotel recs and the latest travel tips for that country.) While this site is a wealth of information, IMO you will get better advice once you have decided what YOU want to see and do on this trip; otherwise <i>you will end up on someone else’s vacation</i>.
And also consider what may interest your son, as he may want to revisit a place he loved, or may wish not to revisit a place he did not enjoy.
This site is better, IMO, in helping you to narrow choices once you have a basic itinerary. I don’t think you really are at that stage yet. The fact that you did not know it was monsoon season in India seems to indicate to me that you have not done enough basic research.
<b>Oberois</b>: Much as I respect the Oberois as hoteliers, I would strongly suggest that you please stop using them as your sole source of hotel/itin choices. They want to sell you a package trip for <i>their</i> hotels, and are even more anxious to do so as you want to travel in low season when business in down. There are other fine hotel options which don’t include the Oberois. Would you even have considered Shimla (or had you even heard of it) before the Oberois suggested it?
<b>Random thoughts</b>: Just to name some places where there aren't any Oberoi hotels, but which could make for a very interesting vacation, you could consider including Varanasi, a very holy city on the Ganges. Or rather than Shimla, consider Ladakh, which offers cool temps and Himalaya in spades, but does not have the rain issues and will offer a look at Buddhist India. Or consider Rikisesh, which is in lovely hill country with some Himalaya views (weather permitting) and would offer white-water rafting in addition to the opportunity to see and experience a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. (You can also consider staying at the fantastic Ananda Spa, where you can combine pampering with culture http://www.anandaspa.com/). Or if you want coastline and beaches without rain, then consider the east coast of India, places like Chennai or smaller places like Pondicherry. (where I will be myself in July.) But do some reading first and think about what <u>you</u> want to see and do.
<b>Flights to/from the US</b>: in most cases, because of the time difference, it takes 1-2 days to travel to India from the US. On the return, some flights take only a calendar day, some take 2. But without knowing the US city of your departure, the airline, and whether the flights are non-stop or connecting, it’s hard to give specific advice. But <i>in general</i>, assuming a departure on Friday, July 23, you will arrive in New Delhi sometime on Saturday July 24. (The non-stop Continental and United flights from EWR depart at 8 pm Friday and arrive at 8:15 pm Saturday, connecting flights on American or Jet Airways via Chicago arrive around the same time. There is a Virgin Airlines flight from EWR via London which departs at 8 am Friday and arrives at 11 am on Saturday, this would even give you some daylight time in New Delhi on your first day which is good for jet lag not to mention some time to see Delhi.)
So assuming you arrive on Saturday July 24, and are departing on August 5, you have 12 nights. With that in mind, I would not try to “do” more than 3 places, but can include a 4th if it is close to one of the other places. Otherwise, you will be too rushed. Also bear in mind the heat and possible heavy rain; the former will slow you down in what you want to see in a day, the latter may throw a complete wrench into a tight travel schedule with flight delays, train delays, etc.
Also consider whether it makes sense to fly into and out of Delhi. If your itin changes and you include south India, it may be easier to fly home from Chennai, Mumbai or Bangalore. You can buy a ticket for a flight into Delhi and out of another city, these are “open jaw” ad usually cost no more than a roundtrip in and out of the same city.
<b>Internal flights</b>: there are many good private air carriers in India. But bear in mind the time it will take to travel to the airport, security, travel time from the arrival airport to a hotel, etc in addition to the actual flight time. Work that into your schedule. If there is a 6 am departure in Delhi for Shimla or Udaipur, do you really want to have to be up and out of the hotel at 4 am? It usually takes about 40 minutes to get from the Oberoi in New Delhi to the airport, and can often take more during rush hours. So spending a night in Delhi at the Oberoi on the return from Shimla may not really be a good idea. Or consider staying for the one night at a hotel nearer to the airport. (The Oberoi have a lovely hotel in Gurgaon, called the Trident. It’s about 15 minutes from the airport.)
<b>Trains</b>: Train stations are generally in or near the town centre, and don't require arriving early for security. For short distances they would be faster then flying and often than driving (or more comforatable). But bear in mind the time trains will take to reach destinations, and consider whether spending 12 hours on a train is your idea of heavan, or your idea of hell. For such a huge system, generally trains are surprisingly on time, but there can be delays, esp in rainy season. Also, would a night train work better for your schedule?
<b>Your Itinerary Should Match Your Interests</b>: India is a huge country both geographically and culturally, and you have many choices. The problem is going to be narrowing them down. However, IMO if you want to enjoy the trip and get the most out of it, then what you ultimately decide to see has got to match what it is <u>you</u> like to do and see. Some people could spend days on the burning ghats in Varanasi, others want to lie on a beach in Goa, others want to see all the museums in Delhi and go shopping. There is nothing wrong with any of these choices. If you haven’t already done so, I would suggest you go to your library and get some guide books. (Old editions don’t’ matter, as the basic information and tourist site info does not change. When you have some ideas of what you want to see and do, then buy the newest editions for restaurant and hotel recs and the latest travel tips for that country.) While this site is a wealth of information, IMO you will get better advice once you have decided what YOU want to see and do on this trip; otherwise <i>you will end up on someone else’s vacation</i>.
And also consider what may interest your son, as he may want to revisit a place he loved, or may wish not to revisit a place he did not enjoy.
This site is better, IMO, in helping you to narrow choices once you have a basic itinerary. I don’t think you really are at that stage yet. The fact that you did not know it was monsoon season in India seems to indicate to me that you have not done enough basic research.
<b>Oberois</b>: Much as I respect the Oberois as hoteliers, I would strongly suggest that you please stop using them as your sole source of hotel/itin choices. They want to sell you a package trip for <i>their</i> hotels, and are even more anxious to do so as you want to travel in low season when business in down. There are other fine hotel options which don’t include the Oberois. Would you even have considered Shimla (or had you even heard of it) before the Oberois suggested it?
<b>Random thoughts</b>: Just to name some places where there aren't any Oberoi hotels, but which could make for a very interesting vacation, you could consider including Varanasi, a very holy city on the Ganges. Or rather than Shimla, consider Ladakh, which offers cool temps and Himalaya in spades, but does not have the rain issues and will offer a look at Buddhist India. Or consider Rikisesh, which is in lovely hill country with some Himalaya views (weather permitting) and would offer white-water rafting in addition to the opportunity to see and experience a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. (You can also consider staying at the fantastic Ananda Spa, where you can combine pampering with culture http://www.anandaspa.com/). Or if you want coastline and beaches without rain, then consider the east coast of India, places like Chennai or smaller places like Pondicherry. (where I will be myself in July.) But do some reading first and think about what <u>you</u> want to see and do.
Apr 8th, 2010, 01:27 AM
#46
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Juliajane, have come into this quite late in the piece, but we stayed at the Park Plaza Noida (4-5 star) in February. Beautiful hotel, only 2 years old, beautifully decorated, very light and modern interior. The staff were wonderful from doormen, to reception to restaurant staff - all very lovely, helpful and friendly. Could not fault it. Hotel car picked us up from the airport as we arrived 2am, hotel was about 40 minute drive, longer however in the traffic during the day. We were only in Delhi 5 days for a fair, however the hotel helped us with driver etc to visit a couple of different places when we had spare time and markets etc. I researched alot of hotels before our trip to New Delhi, and was very plesed with our choice - will definitely stay there again. Have a wonderful trip - in amazing India.
