If you are prepared to plunge in, you will find that Delhi — built and destroyed seven times, with hundreds of monuments to show for its extraordinary past — has so much more to offer than the sprawling, chaotic, incoherent city might at first promise. However, this is a city best enjoyed with the advice of people in the know. This is why our Hotel Gurus recommend staying in a guesthouse — both for the city tips from the hosts and also the residential locations which are infinitely calmer and more appealing than where the larger hotels are situated. With this in mind, our hotel experts have compiled a collection of the best guesthouses in Delhi selected for their design, location, and service. Whether you would like a characterful traditional bungalow or something a little more contemporary, there is plenty to choose from. So why not browse through our collection to start planning your next trip?

For city style

Bungalow 99

  • The Ahuja Residency is a legendary guesthouse in Sunder Nagar, popular with true Delhiwallahs. Mrs Ahuja prides herself on the care of her guests who are drawn from the UN, WHO, the embassies and the media. She can arrange anything: taxis, car hire, onward travel. Cleanliness and security are the key. The rooms are comfortable, most have a balcony, and the food is all home-cooked. Be sure to ask for a lime soda with a pinch of salt: divinely refreshing.
  • There's the popular, b nineteen which has just six rooms, so you need to book early to get a room at this well-located guesthouse. Nicely decorated with Indian art and antiques against a contemporary backdrop, b nineteen is near Humayun's Tomb, and is the ideal laid back base from which to explore Delhi. Plus there's a fantastic rooftop terrace with lovely views, where breakfast is served.
  • Chic Bungalow 99 offers everything the modern traveller needs and is a breath of fresh air in New Delhi. Clean, modern rooms provide the perfect base for exploring the city, whether travelling for work or pleasure. Open plan living means you'll feel right at home.

For a traditional stay

  • For a different kind of traditional, consider the Haveli Dharampura, a one of a kind haveli located in the beating heart of chaotic Old Delhi. A haven of tranquillity, Mughal style rooms feature ornate arches and stained glass windows but benefit from modern bathrooms. Traditional Indian dishes are beautifully presented and served with a modern twist.

For a homestay

  On the House

  • On The House is a charming homestay near historic Sarfdajung's Tomb, with eight individually decorated rooms which are filled with Oriental and Indian knick-knacks. There's also a well-stocked library and sitting room, a buffet breakfast is served and delicious home-cooked meals are available on request.
  • Colonel's Retreat is a family-owned six-bedroom guesthouse, nestled in a quiet residential corner of leafy South Delhi. Rooms are fresh and bright and each floor has its own sitting-room. The real lure is the charming hosts and the proximity to Defence Colony market

Still not sure where to book?

The 6 Best Guesthouses in Delhi

b nineteen

Delhi

Popular, comfortable, fun and homely guesthouse near Humayun's Tomb. Colourful rooms feature a collection of Indian art and antiques. Fantastic breakfasts are served on the rooftop terrace with epic views. The ideal laid back base from which to explore Delhi.

  • Local exploring - Well positioned in a pretty residential colony with easy access to Humayan's Tomb, Nizamuddin Dargah, and Sunder Nurseries
  • Hideaway - The colony - Nizamuddin East - provides a tranquil and green setting in the heart of the city
  • Sights nearby - Humayun's Tomb is within walking distance while Lodhi Gardens, Safdarjung's Tomb, and Old Delhi are all easily accessible
  • Tennis - There are tennis courts in the colony which guests can use for a small fee
from $81 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Ahuja Residency

Delhi

A legendary guesthouse, popular with true Delhiwallahs. The decor is simple and contemporary with several terraces to unwind on. With friendly service, comfortable rooms, and a Golf Links postcode, this gives the experience of living like a local. Ideal for short-stay business or leisure travellers.

  • Hideaway - Set in a manicured and quiet colony with gardens and terraces, this is a tranquil base to return to after a busy day in the city
  • Local exploring - Located in the upmarket Golf Links area, Khan market and Lodhi Gardens are within walking distance
  • Sights nearby - The Indian Habitat Centre and Crafts Museum (with the lovely Cafe Lota) are closeby
  • Great walks - A stroll around Lodhi Gardens is a (daily) must for any Delhiite
from $89 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
On The House

Delhi

A charming homestay well positioned in the city centre. Individually decorated rooms are filled with antique artefacts and knick-knacks. There is a well stocked library and sitting room for guests to congregate. A buffet breakfast is served and delicious home-cooked meals are available on request.

  • Local exploring - Well positoned close to the historic ruins & boutique stores of Hauz Khas village plus Lodhi Gardens & Humayan's Tomb are nearby
  • Value chic - Superb value for this part of town - and a true home away from home
  • Sights nearby - The Mughal tombs - Sarfdajung and Humayan's are a real must visit
  • Great walks - Early mornings in nearby Deer Park are truly magical
from $51 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Haveli Dharampura

Delhi (Dharam Pura)

A one of a kind haveli set in the beating heart of bustling Old Delhi- yet a haven of tranquility. Mughal style rooms feature ornate arches, stained glass windows and benefit from modern bathrooms. Traditional Indian dishes are beautifully presented and served with a modern twist. An authentic stay.

  • Value chic - Experience all the grandeur of an original haveli offered at very reasonable rates
  • City Style - Decorated in a typically Mughal style, with contemporary luxuries - a unique stay.
  • Restaurant - Old Delhi delicacies and rich Mughlai cuisine is served in the pretty courtyard restaurant Lakhori
  • Great walks - Delhi Heritage Walks and Delhi Food Walks - a great way to avoid getting lost!
from $107 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Bungalow 99

Delhi (Delhi)

A chic boutique hotel with six bedrooms offering everything the modern traveller needs. Stylish modern rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, modern Indian art, and pale wooden furniture. Open plan living means you'll feel right at home. Well positioned for exploring the city.

  • Local exploring - With a central location in Defence Colony you have boutique stores in Khan Market, Lodhi Gardens, and Mughal architecture nearby
  • City Style - A boutique hotel with a mix of contemporary furniture, modern artwork, and bright fabrics creating a stylish stay
  • Sights nearby - Visit the majestic Humayan's Tomb and neighbouring Sunder Nurseries which is also filled with Mughal architecture
  • Local markets - Defence Colony market has a good range of shops, cafes, and restaurants and is within walking distance
from $126 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Colonel's Retreat

Delhi (Delhi)

A family-owned six-bedroom guesthouse, nestled in a quiet residential corner of leafy South Delhi. Light and airy rooms are decorated with bright colours and pale wood furniture. Each floor has its own sitting room and you're within walking distance of shops and cafes. well priced and positioned.

  • Local exploring - Well positioned in the heart of the city. Defence Colony market is within walking distance while Mughal ruins are nearby
  • Value chic - Stylish yet homely and with a very central postcode, you are getting a lot for your money here
  • Sights nearby - Humayan's Tomb, Lodhi Gardens, Sunder Nurseries, and the Nizamuddin Dargah are all nearby
  • Local markets - The popular Sunder Nurseries farmers' market held every weekend is a real must
from $42 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.