Where to Stay in India: From Budget Stays to Luxury Hotels

Finding the right place to stay in India can be overwhelming. With so many options, it helps to know what’s out there before you arrive. From budget hostels to luxury hotels, there’s something for everyone.

Budget Accommodation in India

If you’re looking to save money, India has plenty of budget-friendly options. Hostels, guesthouses, and homestays are available throughout the country. Budget travelers will find India to be one of the best destinations for cheap stays.

Hostels

Hostels are the best option if you’re a solo traveler or on a tight budget. They offer dorm rooms, private rooms, and common spaces where you can meet fellow travelers. Expect to find free Wi-Fi, and sometimes breakfast is included.

In big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, hostel prices range from ₹400 to ₹800 per night. Vagabonds, Zostel, and Backpacker Panda are some popular hostel chains.

Guesthouses & Homestays

Guesthouses and homestays are great if you want a more authentic experience. Guesthouses provide basic amenities but are usually much quieter than hostels. This is a good option if you’re looking for privacy without spending too much.

In popular tourist spots like Goa, Kerala, and Rishikesh, prices can range from ₹600 to ₹1,200 per night depending on the location and facilities. Sometimes, families host travelers in spare rooms and offer home-cooked meals for an additional fee. This could be a great way to enjoy local food!

Mid-Range Accommodation in India

If you’re willing to spend a little more, mid-range options like boutique hotels, upscale guesthouses, and serviced apartments offer comfort at a reasonable price. You’ll find these types of accommodations in almost every city and tourist area.

Boutique Hotels

Boutique hotels are slowly becoming popular in India. They blend modern amenities with local design and culture. Rooms often come with free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast.

In cities like Jaipur, Kochi, and Udaipur, boutique hotels can cost between ₹2,500 and ₹5,000 per night. If you’re in a major city, expect to pay slightly more. Shanti Home in Delhi and Devraj Niwas in Jaipur are some standout options in this category.

Upscale Guesthouses

If a full hotel experience isn’t necessary, upscale guesthouses offer a cozy and relaxed stay. What’s different from budget guesthouses? They often provide better amenities like air conditioning, more stylish interiors, and in some cases, small restaurants or cafes attached.

You can find good guesthouses along the major tourist circuits like Rajasthan, Kerala, and parts of the Himalayas. Expect to pay around ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per night in these regions.

Serviced Apartments

For longer stays or if you need more space, consider renting a serviced apartment. These are becoming increasingly popular in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. You get the comforts of a home, with added services like cleaning staff and 24-hour reception.

A studio or 1-bedroom apartment typically costs ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 per night. Places like Airbnb and Oyo Rooms list daily and weekly rentals for travelers.

Luxury Accommodation in India

India has no shortage of luxurious stays. From five-star hotels to heritage properties and luxury resorts, there are many options for travelers looking to splurge. The hospitality in these places often goes beyond your expectations.

Luxury Hotels

If you want luxury, India’s iconic hotel groups like The Taj, Oberoi, and Leela offer world-class service. You’ll find these high-end hotels in all major cities, as well as at popular tourist hotspots like Jaipur, Goa, and Kerala. Prices can range from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 per night.

Staying in places like the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur or Oberoi Udaivilas doesn’t just give you a comfortable bed; you also get private pools, fine dining restaurants, and a personal butler in some cases.

Heritage Hotels

For a stay that’s more about history and culture, consider a heritage hotel. Many old palaces and havelis (traditional mansions) have been converted into luxury accommodations for guests. You can sleep in rooms that were once occupied by Indian royalty while enjoying modern amenities.

Some of the best heritage hotels are located in Rajasthan and Kerala. Prices vary, but ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 per night is a common range. Samode Palace in Jaipur or Neemrana Fort Palace near Delhi are highly recommended.

Luxury Resorts

Looking to relax? Head to a luxury resort. India has many, especially in states like Goa, Kerala, and Uttarakhand. These resorts typically offer full-service spas, yoga classes, private beach access, and gourmet restaurants. Popular destinations for resort stays include Varkala, Kovalam, and the foothills of the Himalayas.

Lodging costs for resorts tend to be between ₹12,000 and ₹30,000 per night, but you’ll get premium treatments and services in return. The Leela Goa and Kumarakom Lake Resort in Kerala are well-known for luxurious experiences.

Unique Stays in India

India is full of quirky and unique accommodation options. You can stay in treehouses, houseboats, mud huts, and eco-lodges! These are perfect for travelers who want something different from their stay.

Treehouses

Treehouses are a hit in Kerala and some parts of northern India. Imagine waking up to the sound of birds while living above the trees! These places are perfect for a peaceful retreat and are designed with eco-consciousness in mind.

Treehouse stays typically range from ₹6,000 to ₹18,000 per night. Vythiri Resort in Kerala is one of the most popular spots for treehouse stays.

Houseboats

If you’re visiting Kerala or Kashmir, you must consider staying on a houseboat. In Kerala, these houseboats slowly cruise along the backwaters, letting you take in the sights of coconut groves, rural villages, and paddy fields. In Kashmir, houseboats float on Dal Lake, surrounded by mountains.

Houseboat stays include meals, and prices generally start at ₹7,000 per night. The more luxurious options can cost ₹15,000 per night or more. Popular houseboat destinations include Alleppey in Kerala and Srinagar in Kashmir.

Eco-Lodges

Eco-lodges are spread across India for those who want to have a sustainable and eco-friendly stay. These are often located near jungle areas or in remote locations where nature plays a big part in your experience. Solar-powered lights, rainwater harvesting, and organic farming are some features.

Costs can range wildly depending on the location and type of lodge, but you can expect prices to start around ₹4,000 per night and go up to ₹14,000 for fancier setups. Shakti 360° Leti in Uttarakhand and Spice Village in Kerala are top picks.

Where to Stay in Major Indian Cities

Delhi

Delhi offers every kind of stay. If you’re on a tight budget, look for hostels or budget hotels in Paharganj and Karol Bagh. Boutique hotels and serviced apartments near Connaught Place or Hauz Khas are better suited for a mid-range budget.

For luxury travelers, areas around Connaught Place, Chanakyapuri, or South Delhi feature high-end hotels like The Lodhi and Taj Mansingh.

Mumbai

Mumbai can be more expensive than other cities. Budget travelers should look for hostels in Colaba or Fort areas. Backpacker Panda Colaba is a popular option.

If you want a mid-range stay, consider Bandra or Juhu for boutique hotels. Luxury seekers should go for places like the Taj Mahal Palace in Colaba, or the Oberoi in Nariman Point.

Bengaluru

Backpackers can choose areas like Koramangala and Indiranagar for affordable hostels. Mid-range hotels like The LaLiT Residency or Treebo offer comfort without breaking the bank.

Luxury stays are easily found around UB City and MG Road. The Ritz-Carlton and The Leela Palace are top choices in this category.

Goa

Goa has an extensive range of accommodations, from cheap beach huts to grand resorts. For budget travelers, the hostels and guesthouses in Palolem and Anjuna are popular. You can look at Zostel or Red Door Hostel for an affordable yet cozy stay.

Mid-range hotels are often located near Candolim and Baga beaches. Boutique hotels like Vivenda Dos Palhacos in the south give a quieter experience. Luxury resorts in south Goa (like Alila Diwa or The Leela) are perfect for pampered beach escapes.