In a country as diverse in India, you can expect accommodations to cover the gamut from backpacker hostels and travel lodges, to five star resorts and boutique hotels. Facilities and amenities get progressively more luxurious with an increase in room rates. In a country as crowded as India, however it’s probably better if you stick to accommodations at the moderate to higher end of the price scale. You’ll find bare rooms for barely $10- $14 a night, but cleanliness could be an issue.
Moderately priced hotels that cost $40 per night and upwards can be found in almost all major tourist towns and cities. You’re assured of clean and comfortable rooms, TV, your own bath (without bathtub), and little else. Don’t expect too many frills, but rooms are comfortable and safe.
At the higher end of the scale are the boutique hotels and five star properties. Boutique hotels are a recent trend in India. These smaller, more intimate hotels boast of designer touches in their décor, and a cozier, yet plush living experience for guests. Most of the major Indian cities have boutique hotels, where the prices are affordable to the Western traveler, and amenities are excellent. Plus, there’s a certain comfort level in living in a smaller hotel with a limited number of guests, where the doorman and the desk clerk are familiar with you and give you personalized attention.
Most of the major hotel chains have set up presence in India. 21st century India is in the midst of an economic boom, and hoteliers haven’t been far behind catering to the increased numbers of business travelers coming in.
As far as amenities and perks go, most of these properties are almost self contained, and you’ll probably never need to step out of the hotel for dining or entertainment, stocked as they are with a choice of Continental, Chinese and Indian restaurants, nightclubs, shopping arcades, fitness centers and health clubs, spas and saunas, and more.
India’s palace hotels form the highest tier in terms of price. These former royal residences turned hotels in many cases have the royal occupants still living within the property. A $600 a night and upwards suite could include breakfast with a true blue maharajah, royal entertainment on the grounds of the palace and a chance to spend the night in an ornate four poster that’s seen many regal occupants in the past!