Finding Accommodation in India: Best Areas, Hotels & Comfortable Places to Stay.

Who This India Accommodation Guide Is For

This guide is for travellers who:

• Prefer private rooms over dorms and very basic guesthouses
• Are happy to pay a bit more for cleanliness, comfort and reliable air‑conditioning
• Are visiting India for the first time or returning but want calmer, well‑located bases
• Are travelling solo, as a couple, with friends or with family

India can absolutely be done on a tight budget, but this page focuses on:

• Mid‑range and above hotels
• Reliable chains
• Comfortable heritage properties and boutique stays
• Locations that balance access to sights with at least a chance of a good night’s sleep

Best Types of Accommodation in India (If You Don’t Want Dorms)

City Hotels

In big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai, we tend to look for:

• Modern rooms with good air‑conditioning and hot water
• Strong Wi‑Fi and a decent desk if we’re working
• Reliable housekeeping and security
• Easy access to metro/rail or safe, straightforward taxi/ride‑hailing routes

Well‑reviewed 3★–4★ city hotels and international or strong local chains (e.g. Taj, ITC, Oberoi, Lemon Tree, etc.) can make India feel much more manageable, especially at the start of a trip.

Serviced Apartments & Aparthotels

In major metros (particularly Mumbai, Bengaluru, Gurgaon), you’ll find serviced apartments that work well if you:

• Are staying a week or more
• Want a kitchenette and living area
• Prefer more of a “home base” while you explore or work

They’re great for families and digital nomads who want more space and the option to self‑cater.

Boutique & Heritage Hotels

Across Rajasthan (Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur), hill stations and older city districts, there are lots of:

• Heritage havelis (traditional mansions)
• Converted palaces and forts
• Small boutique hotels in restored buildings

These often have loads of atmosphere and can be surprisingly affordable compared with other countries—just check that they’ve been sensitively renovated with modern plumbing and AC.

Beach Resorts

In coastal areas such as Goa and parts of Kerala (like Kovalam, Varkala and parts of the backwaters), you’ll find:

• Beach resorts ranging from simple to very high‑end
• Smaller guesthouses and villas near the sand
• Yoga/ayurveda retreats focused on health and wellness

If comfort is a priority, we’d usually steer you towards mid‑range and above places or reputable retreats with consistently good reviews.

Where to Stay in India: Areas That Work Well for Comfortable Travel

Below is a quick “comfort‑focused” overview of key hubs. You can build individual city pages later.

Delhi (New Delhi & Central Areas)
For first‑timers, we’d generally suggest:

• New Delhi / Aerocity / Connaught Place area rather than deep into the busiest, most chaotic markets
• Well‑reviewed hotels fairly close to the metro so you can get around without battling traffic the entire time
• If you’re flying in late at night, Aerocity (near the airport) can be a practical, relatively calm first or last‑night base

Jaipur & Rajasthan Cities
Rajasthan is where heritage hotels really shine:

• Jaipur: Look for heritage havelis or mid‑range hotels in quieter streets that are still a short ride from the Pink City
• Udaipur: Lake‑view properties or hillside hotels with rooftop restaurants are popular and often great value
• Jodhpur / Jaisalmer: Smaller heritage places within or just outside the old city walls are atmospheric, but check recent reviews for noise and water pressure

Goa (Beach Areas)
Goa feels like a different country again:

• North Goa (e.g. Calangute, Baga, Anjuna): Busier, more nightlife and crowds—choose carefully for quieter pockets
• South Goa (e.g. Palolem, Agonda, Benaulim): Generally calmer beaches, more relaxed stays, better for quieter holidays
• We’d lean towards mid‑range resorts or boutique guesthouses with AC and good cleanliness scores

Kerala (Backwaters & Coast)
Kerala is softer and more laid‑back than many parts of North India:

• Kochi (Fort Kochi): Small hotels and homestays in historic streets
• Backwaters (Allepey/Kumarakom): Houseboats or backwater resorts—check what’s included (meals, boat trips)
• Hill stations (Munnar, Thekkady): Tea estate stays and nature lodges—great climate, but check for power backup for heating/AC if needed

Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai & Other Tech/Business Cities
In these hubs, business hotels and chains are your friend:

• Stay in established, central neighbourhoods with good reviews rather than the absolute cheapest outskirts
• Business areas often feel safer, with better infrastructure and predictable facilities

How to Choose the Right Location in India

How long are you staying in each city?

• 1–3 nights:
  
  • Prioritise being close to the main sights or good transport hubs, and choose a well‑reviewed mid‑range or chain hotel.
• A week or more:
  
  • Consider an area with cafés, quieter streets and some greenery (where possible) so you’re not overwhelmed.

What’s your priority: sightseeing, work, or downtime?

• For intense sightseeing:
  
  • Stay somewhere central enough to minimise commute times, even if it’s a bit busier.
• For remote work or slower travel:
  
  • Aim for areas with reliable internet, calmer streets and some walkable food options.
• For beach or relaxation:
  
  • Look at Goa, Kerala coast or hill stations with resort‑style or nature‑retreat accommodation.

How will you get around?

• In larger cities, you’ll likely rely on a mix of taxis, auto‑rickshaws and app‑based rides (e.g. Uber, Ola), plus metro where available.
• Look for well‑known neighbourhoods rather than very remote bargains; it’s worth paying a bit more for easier logistics and safety.

How important is calm and quiet?

• Central Indian cities can be loud—traffic, horns, festivals, dogs.
• If you’re noise‑sensitive:
  
  • Avoid being directly on major road junctions or next to markets and temples
  • Prefer higher floors and hotels with mention of good soundproofing in reviews
  • Use recent reviews to check for construction noise nearby

Typical Costs for Comfortable Stays in India (in INR)

These are broad ranges per night for a double/twin room, assuming you book mid‑range or above and avoid the absolute cheapest options. Prices can vary a lot by city, season, festival dates and quality.

• Comfortable mid‑range: ~₹3,000–₹6,000
• Nicer 4★ / boutique / resort: ~₹6,000–₹12,000+
• Luxury / palace / big‑name 5★: from ₹10,000+