New Delhi (DEL) Where to stay and what to do for one night

[Daver6]

I should have said "if you wish to venture more than a block or two out of the transit hotels". No harm in just walking around the block. You can assess the area yourself.

I did this on a few of my stays very much against the wishes of the hotel staff.

It depends where the hotel is actually located of course!

Was that from a security perspective? Or they just thought you were some sheltered westerner?

 

[Austman]

Was that from a security perspective?

I think so. The security staff in some locations were a bit concerned that a guest would just walk out of the hotel grounds. I must admit, in some of the locations where I've stayed, it was a bit confronting out there. I remember thinking how the world changed from 5-star luxury to something quite different at the hotel gate. Also, just outside the hotel, were any number of touts etc ready to pounce on wandering hotel guests.

Other locations were absolutely fine.

I would say, regardless of location, that when I've had just a few hours transit time to spare and wanted to see a bit of the place I was transiting, that hiring a driver/guide/car for a few hours has always been a good experience for me.

 

[Scarlett]

Had something similar with the ‘wandering out of the hotel’ concern from staff, which in this case was a resort in the Dominican Republic. (but more a locals resort anyway in Juan Dolio and with open beachfront anyone could have got in there if they wanted to…)

Confirmation of what they were saying was pretty quickly confirmed with seemingly every third male openly carrying a weapon on ‘security’ duties. Our impression was that if 33% of the male population were acting as security, then another 33% were probably the people they were deterring…

To return to the topic at hand, keen to hear of OPs thoughts post trip. I’ll definitely be getting to India one of these days.

 

[RooFlyer]

I frequently wandered out of the Pullman at Aerocity, with never a qualm by the security bods - but it obviously wasn't a common thing! Aerocity is a well lit, business district and I always felt OK walking around, even at night.

In fact, I (at the time 45-55 yo male) never felt unsafe in any Indian city I've been at - Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, out west in Rajasthan. Obviously not the 'back blocks' but city streets +/- 'heaving' , including at night in Mumbai (where I wasn't staying 5 star). Dress down, make do with a phone camera and learn to walk like a local - on the roads! Edit - there are less likely to be deadly, leg breaking holes in the surface on the road compared to the footpath!!

 

[kermatu]

I'd also vote for the Pullman at Aerocity, and strongly encourage securing transfers from and to the airport through the hotel (free or paid) as well as eating at the hotel for your stay.

As reported here How does Accor treat you as an Elite guest? I had a very good experience here in early 2020, as a stopover enroute to Jaipur to catch-up with my family who started our holiday earlier than I was able to.

Have Platinum status. Contacted the hotel in advance to enquire about transfer options as the room I booked didn't have complimentary ones. Was willing to pay even though probably 10x more than a taxi, but still ok when converted to our $A. Was offered free airport transfers per my status (and was ultimately upgraded to a suite which would have included them), as well as use of a driver and town car for variable hours and reasonable rates during my stay. As others have stated, the transfers significantly ease the arrival experience - eliminates the uncertainty, no need for cash, (which can be an issue in India given restrictions on bringing currency in and out) and quick entry to the hotel. I'd happily have paid.

I've been to Delhi a couple of times in the 90's and 00's so no need to revisit the main attractions, but I was keen to re-acquaint myself with the city. While I have heard very good things about the Metro, I now do not prefer walking or public transport. So the town car was an excellent option. Modern and safe vehicle, with an excellent driver who spoke perfect English, was happy to take me anywhere within the hours allocated and ensure my comfort and safety, including purchasing entry tickets at local rates (which I declined). In the end we just spent a few hours driving around with a few stops for photos and short walks. It wasn't a planned itinerary but you could ask for or advise one. Traffic was fine. Could be an option for your first afternoon and evening to get a night experience.

May not be what you are seeking but worked well for me, so thought I'd mention. Note I did give the driver a good cash tip.

The lounge was good (if you qualify or book an eligible room) - quiet with very decent service and good views. Restaurant for breakfast an excellent, safe option. And with an extensive 24 hour room service. You'll get an acceptable taste of India but should be assured of a safe experience.

Like others, I'd regard India as one of the safest places for a male to wander around just using basic common sense. There are people around everywhere, 24/7, and they'll help strangers if needed.

 

[RooFlyer]

Was offered free airport transfers per my status (and was ultimately upgraded to a suite which would have included them),

That's just reminded me. I recall now that on one of my stays, I didn't have enough Accor status to qualify for the ride back to the airport, so when I booked, I expected to pay - but no, they said, your room qualifies you. That was odd, because I knew it didn't. Then they said I had been upgraded on arrival, but - oops - I hadn't noticed.

And for any India first timers:

Modern and safe vehicle, with an excellent driver who spoke perfect English, was happy to take me anywhere within the hours allocated and ensure my comfort and safety, including purchasing entry tickets at local rates (which I declined).

Same when I toured the 'cave' temples of Ajunta and Ellora out of Aurangabad. I had a private tour/driver of Heritage India (which I always used) and one of the best services he provided was to buy tickets for me. There was always a major scrum - and I mean loud, pushing scrum - at ticket huts, so he simply walked round the side, went in through the entry door and bought the tickets that way!!

Where there's a will, and a few rupees extra, there is a way! For that reason, I think, there was never a question of 'local rates'

 

[Daver6]

I made a cancelable booking with the JW Marriott. I contacted them and they want ~2000INR for an airport pickup. While $35 AUD isn't ridicuous, it hardly seems cheap for a 5km ride. Is that roughly what I should expect?

I'm a lowly gold with Accor so I doubt I'd get an upgrade to a suite which is what seems to get you the included airport transfers.

 

[kermatu]

I made a cancelable booking with the JW Marriott. I contacted them and they want ~2000INR for an airport pickup. While $35 AUD isn't ridicuous, it hardly seems cheap for a 5km ride. Is that roughly what I should expect?

I'm a lowly gold with Accor so I doubt I'd get an upgrade to a suite which is what seems to get you the included airport transfers.

Seems steep for one way. Bare in mind most prices quoted in India are exclusive of GST - can add 18% I think is the most common rate.

I've taken taxis from airports in India and they are fine. Pre-paid rates at some from memory. I suspect there'd be quite a bit of competition at the airport so might be a better option for you.

From memory the Pullman's Exec rooms also offered transfers - I don't think it was only suites.

 

[Daver6]

Seems steep for one way. Bare in mind most prices quoted in India are exclusive of GST - can add 18% I think is the most common rate.

I've taken taxis from airports in India and they are fine. Pre-paid rates at some from memory. I suspect there'd be quite a bit of competition at the airport so might be a better option for you.

From memory the Pullman's Exec rooms also offered transfers - I don't think it was only suites.

That rate was with the 18% added on.

Unfortunately work travel policy means I have to book a base room. I'll survive

 

[daft009]

if you want to DIY, it'll be 500Rs max I'm sure. (AU$10ish) one way

on the return you can book OLA (uber equivalent)

 

[k_sheep]

I was going to make my own thread but this one is so similar to what I'm doing! Arrive 8am one day, depart 7pm the next. I was looking and it looks like you can get a transit visa for up to 72 hours, but that requires going to an embassy in SYD/MEL/CBR/PER - any recent experience? I can't get to any of those beforehand, so should I just apply for tourist visa?

Never been to India and am somewhat overwhelmed. Currently have a room booked at Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi/Saket but that has free cancellation if anyone has better ideas - Hilton is my only hotel status currently.

Hoping to cram in a whirlwind visit - would love to do a food tour, but mr k_sheep has a very delicate stomach so not sure that's the best idea! Any recommendation for drivers for the second day? Especially if they can get us back to the airport for the night flight too. Have no idea of what the sights are, had better start researching I guess!

 

[kermatu]

I've been to India several times and know a lot of people there in a number of cities - but I can still find it overwhelming too!

For such a short stay I'd not worry about hotel status and probably stick to an airport hotel and pay a bit more (if you are able to) for some certainties like breakfast and airport transfers. Won't repeat all of what I've said in posts just above, but advantages should be:
- safe food and drink which are important at any time but especially for delicate stomachs and flights to take so quickly. Not absolutely authentic but still good variety at breakfast and good hotels will have a very extensive 24 hour room service menu.
- more likely to get early check-in at airport hotel
- find a hotel which offers a driver and tour service - 4, 6 or 8 hours. They should already have the best half dozen places to go so you don't need to worry, and they'll help you get in to the sites as well.

While not that far from the city centres, the biggest downside of the airport hotels is they can be a bit sterile, with far wider and quieter streets than the real India! But if you take some drives into the city to see the main sites you'll get that experience.

Can't help re the transit visa. Tourist visas are easy enough. But the application process takes time so allow for that. You will need some cash if using a driver or doing any solo travels.

My trips were all pre-COVID but others with more recent experience may have better insights.

Hope this helps, and that it is only your first foray to India!

 

[RB]

I was going to make my own thread but this one is so similar to what I'm doing! Arrive 8am one day, depart 7pm the next. I was looking and it looks like you can get a transit visa for up to 72 hours, but that requires going to an embassy in SYD/MEL/CBR/PER - any recent experience? I can't get to any of those beforehand, so should I just apply for tourist visa?

Never been to India and am somewhat overwhelmed. Currently have a room booked at Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi/Saket but that has free cancellation if anyone has better ideas - Hilton is my only hotel status currently.

Hoping to cram in a whirlwind visit - would love to do a food tour, but mr k_sheep has a very delicate stomach so not sure that's the best idea! Any recommendation for drivers for the second day? Especially if they can get us back to the airport for the night flight too. Have no idea of what the sights are, had better start researching I guess!

We got back from India last month. We stayed here for our last night & we were very happy-thought it offered a good alternative to the generally overpriced options at Aerocity.
Vivanta Dwarka New Delhi Hotel
5 Star Hotel in New Delhi near IGI Airport | Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka

If I was in your situation of having an evening flight out I would stay in the city where there is a much bigger choice of hotels and then just catch the airport express out.
I am happy to ask our driver about recommendations for a 2 day/1 day tour if you want to message me the dates.
From Post 39 in my 2013 trip report is a bit of info of what we did for a day in Delhi- note we had been there before & seen other sites like Delhi Gate

 

[Daver6]

I was going to make my own thread but this one is so similar to what I'm doing! Arrive 8am one day, depart 7pm the next. I was looking and it looks like you can get a transit visa for up to 72 hours, but that requires going to an embassy in SYD/MEL/CBR/PER - any recent experience? I can't get to any of those beforehand, so should I just apply for tourist visa?

Never been to India and am somewhat overwhelmed. Currently have a room booked at Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi/Saket but that has free cancellation if anyone has better ideas - Hilton is my only hotel status currently.

Hoping to cram in a whirlwind visit - would love to do a food tour, but mr k_sheep has a very delicate stomach so not sure that's the best idea! Any recommendation for drivers for the second day? Especially if they can get us back to the airport for the night flight too. Have no idea of what the sights are, had better start researching I guess!

Let me close the loop on my experience. I've now been twice staying at both the JW Marriott and Pullman.

First time at the Marriott. Organised the hotel car to pick me up from the airport. Worth it just for the simplicity. I spoke to the concierge and said I have about 4-6 hours to burn, never been to India before and want to see some sights. Hotel organised car (as in hotel car and driver) which is fantastic. Air-con, cold water, cold towels and well looked after. They suggested three main sites and I just went with the flow. It was all new to me. Driver organised payment (if needed) at any sites. All up that cost me maybe $110 AUD. Absolutely not the cheapest option but also zero stress. I'm sure it could have been done for a tenth of the cost in less luxury and a more authentic experience. However, as a first timer this worked well for me. Take cash though. Needed for sites and tipping the driver. Hotels should have ATMs.

I'm confident the hotel can arrange whatever meets your needs.

Second time I stayed at the Pullman. JW Marriott is probably a better hotel but nothing wrong with the Pullman. There is every brand of hotel in Aerocity. Again, used hotel cars to and from the airport.

My rationale for staying at Aerocity rather than elsewhere is the certainty of time planning my return to the airport. It's less than 10 minutes. You're not going to get stuck in traffic. You can obviously plan for the worst case or take the train. It all depends what your hassle appetite is like.

India is an amazing place. Don't be afraid and just go with the flow.

Not sure your airline or lounge access. QF don't have a lounge there at the moment and you get a meal at the Irish pub. It's pretty average.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hoping to cram in a whirlwind visit - would love to do a food tour, but mr k_sheep has a very delicate stomach so not sure that's the best idea!

If you haven’t already tried it… TRAVELAN… available from chemist warehouse. $36, but take a tablet before each meal and pretty much guaranteed free from the local food bug!

In terms of tours or drivers I’ve been using Klook of late. Tours are about 1/3 the price of some more ‘established’ operators. I find booking is fast, and the drivers are almost always on time (once exception in Bali). Great value for money.

 

[k_sheep]

Excellent, thanks everyone! Definitely sounds like closer to airport is safer (plus, Hilton just dropped me from Diamond so I don't have loyalty to them right now ).

Never tried the travelan ... it's some colustrum mix from memory. Maybe I'll force feed him some and see how we go. I've spent way too many holidays hooking him up to IV fluids and metaclopramide.

Yes flying QF home as a gold ... good advice re the pub then, won't go getting to the airport super early to experience it!

@RB 9th and 10th June.

 

[daft009]

It's going to be super hot. Don't try and accomplish too many things imo

 

[Daver6]

It's going to be super hot. Don't try and accomplish too many things imo

Hotel with a pool is the answer

Here's the pub and menu FYI

 

[kermatu]

Yes, summer has already started in Delhi, and May and June can be the hottest months. The humidity doesn't kick in too much there until July/August, so it's manageable. But good points which reinforce a simple stay, and getting a hotel driver with a good car (which you can retreat to easily) if you do choose to explore.

Let us know how you get on.

 

[RB]

Excellent, thanks everyone! Definitely sounds like closer to airport is safer (plus, Hilton just dropped me from Diamond so I don't have loyalty to them right now ).

Never tried the travelan ... it's some colustrum mix from memory. Maybe I'll force feed him some and see how we go. I've spent way too many holidays hooking him up to IV fluids and metaclopramide.

Yes flying QF home as a gold ... good advice re the pub then, won't go getting to the airport super early to experience it!

@RB 9th and 10th June.

This is a link to part of our drivers web site with his contact details & a simple outline for a 1 day look around Delhi-he will adapt things to your preferences Contact Us