During our tour of New Delhi brought a blend of memorable experiences, both pleasant and challenging. With a late-night flight arrival and unexpected hurdles, we ended up staying at three different hotels. Here’s a quick overview of our stay, with essential travel tips for those planning a trip to New Delhi.
Plan Ahead: Reconfirm Your Hotel Bookings
Before leaving Sri Lanka, we booked a hotel in New Delhi, anticipating our arrival at midnight. Even so, despite confirming the booking just before departure from Bandaranaike International Airport, we were really shocked to hear that the hotel was fully booked upon arrival. Exhausted and disappointed, we found ourselves back on the streets of Delhi City at 11:30 PM, looking for another place to stay.
Tip - Always double or even triple-check your hotel reservations, especially for late-night arrivals. Confirm the availability not just by email but also by calling the hotel directly to avoid last-minute surprises.
The Connaught, New Delhi - IHCL SeleQtions
Address: 37, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg, Shivaji Stadium, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India.
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3328.6283375928974!2d77.21061207528903!3d28.632776975664612!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x390cfd48c201f4c5%3A0x81ea22042263edd0!2sThe%20Connaught%2C%20New%20Delhi%20-%20IHCL%20SeleQtions!5e1!3m2!1sen!2slk!4v1724084116535!5m2!1sen!2slk" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>Our luck turned around when we found The Connaught New Delhi - IHCL SeleQtions . A single phone call was enough to secured our spot, and we headed there immediately. The hotel, located in the heart of Connaught Place, offered us everything we needed after a tiring journey.
What We Loved at The Connaught New Delhi - IHCL SeleQtions :
- Spacious and Clean Rooms: The rooms were spotless, with a view of the bustling Connaught Place.
- Delicious Food: The breakfast buffet was a treat, there all the three meals included many varieties. Throughout them, Indian food was my favorite. Especially there is a mini cafe on the right side of the reception which offers fresh pastries, cakes, coffees, and chocolates.
- Convenient Location: Ideal for exploring central Delhi, with numerous attractions within walking distance such as Connaught Place Market, Palika Bazaar, etc.
Tip - While the hotel area is generally safe, it’s wise to stay cautious of strangers on nearby roads outside the hotel and avoid unrequested offers from tuk-tuk drivers.
Hotel Singh Empire
Address: 8707-10, D.B. Gupta Road, Paharganj, New Delhi, Delhi 110055, India
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3328.2503793440465!2d77.21292977528951!3d28.644690975658207!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x390cfd41c6875227%3A0x2d89ad360494011d!2sTHE%20SINGH%20EMPIRE!5e1!3m2!1sen!2slk!4v1724082605547!5m2!1sen!2slk" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>Located behind a busy street of Desh Bandhu Gupta Road, Hotel Singh Empire is an affordable best option for budget travelers. However, our experience here was mixed. While the price was low, the first room we were given wasn’t up to standard, so we had to request a room change.
What We Experienced:
- Average Atmosphere: Though the location was convenient, the ambiance was basic.
- Decent Breakfast: They offered a good breakfast menu, although other meals were a la carte and average.
- Helpful Staff: The staff were friendly and accommodating, ensuring we were comfortable despite the initial hiccup. They also help us plan nearby visits.
Tip - This area can be crowded, especially at night. Be cautious when walking around and keep an eye on your belongings.
The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi
Address: 1, CBD, Maharaja Surajmal Marg, Near Yamuna Sports Complex, Delhi 110032, India
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3327.6896741234145!2d77.29951687529027!3d28.66235717564853!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x390cfb6eec83bfab%3A0x9ea4b1f4c3b370f7!2sThe%20Leela%20Ambience%20Convention%20Hotel%20Delhi!5e1!3m2!1sen!2slk!4v1724084142140!5m2!1sen!2slk" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>Our stay at The Leela was nothing short of luxurious. It’s a serene escape from the city’s chaos, where every detail is designed for comfort and elegance.
What Made It Special: The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel
- Luxury and Tranquility: From the calming music in the lobby to the soothing scent in the air, this hotel felt like a sanctuary.
- World-Class Cuisine: The breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets were extraordinary, offering a variety of cuisines.
- Stunning Views: Our room’s balcony overlooked beautiful surroundings, and the bathrooms were immaculate.
If you’re looking to splurge, this hotel is worth every penny for the comfort, service, and ambiance it provides.
Final Thoughts and Travel Advice
Booking hotels in a busy city like New Delhi requires extra care. Even if your plans seem perfect, always have a backup option in mind. For those navigating late-night streets, trust only verified transportation services like hotel-provided taxis or well-known ride-hailing apps. Stay alert, especially around tourist-heavy areas, and avoid engaging with persistent strangers offering rides or tours.
New Delhi offers a mix of experiences—from budget stays to luxurious retreats. With proper planning and a keen sense of awareness, your visit can be smooth and enjoyable, just like ours eventually turned out to be!
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