Want the nicest hotel in Delhi and more info wanted..please help
Apr 2nd, 2010, 09:33 AM
#1
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Want the nicest hotel in Delhi and more info wanted..please help
Staying in Delhi for a week (10 days total) with my son. Want the nicest hotel with pool..we are going end of july!!! Very hOt I have heard. We plan to go to Agra and see the taj...should we stay overnight and where? My son will be there roughing it for 6 weeks prior so we need some relaxation but this will be my first time in India. Would love input. Dont mind spending money on hotel but want staff to be helpful and not gouging for money. Will need a driver and guide..i think. Is 10 days too long for delhi..I think I lose 2 days with travel..so will it really be 8 days in delhi.
Thanks
Thanks
Apr 2nd, 2010, 11:38 AM
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No problem.
Premier Room, High Floors, Breakfast, Two-way airport transfers, WiFi access at the Oberoi Delhi 9 nights next January:
256,000.00 INR = 5,718.75 USD
Or perhaps the Imperial, same deal;
248,000.00 INR = 5,540.0425 USD
was this the kind of money you were thinking of?
Premier Room, High Floors, Breakfast, Two-way airport transfers, WiFi access at the Oberoi Delhi 9 nights next January:
256,000.00 INR = 5,718.75 USD
Or perhaps the Imperial, same deal;
248,000.00 INR = 5,540.0425 USD
was this the kind of money you were thinking of?
Apr 2nd, 2010, 11:49 AM
#3
The Imperial or the Oberoi in Delhi are lovely hotels. I especially like the Imperial's location. I also found the Shangri-La to be very nice, without quite the pricetag.
In Agra, the Oberoi's Amarvilas is fabulous. I could (and have ) laid by their pool for hours. Get a balcony room.
Oberoi hotels discourage individual tipping, so it eliminates that aspect in your relations with the staff.
In Agra, the Oberoi's Amarvilas is fabulous. I could (and have ) laid by their pool for hours. Get a balcony room.
Oberoi hotels discourage individual tipping, so it eliminates that aspect in your relations with the staff.
Apr 2nd, 2010, 12:06 PM
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Well, dogster has picked the two "best" hotels in Delhi and both are insanely expensive these days. You can probably stay at each of these for less if you don't mind taking a room downgrade. All Oberoi's, as far as I know have a no-tipping policy so that should allay your fears of being gouged. Speaking of which, the Oberoi Amarvilas is THE place to stay in Agra and, if you are there in July, you should be able to get a pretty good rate. The Amarvilas pool is magnificent, by the way and it has the best hotel view of the Taj in Agra. Do stay overnight so that you can see the Taj at different times of the day and also see the other sites: Fatephur Sikri, about 45 minutes from Agra and in Agra the Fort and "baby" Taj. Hire a driver from Delhi to take you there and around.
I think 8 days is too much for Delhi but you don't need more than 2 days to "do" Agra.
I think 8 days is too much for Delhi but you don't need more than 2 days to "do" Agra.
Apr 2nd, 2010, 12:20 PM
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take a look at the nikko in delhi, slightly less and much less formal, with a nice pool area...
the sheraton in agra is convenient and decent with a nice central pool area...
both are far less money....
you might check marriotts and sheratons as well in delhi
the sheraton in agra is convenient and decent with a nice central pool area...
both are far less money....
you might check marriotts and sheratons as well in delhi
Apr 2nd, 2010, 02:09 PM
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Sheraton in Agra=ITC Mughal and yes, far less $ than Oberoi but also WITH outdoor pool , and HUGE spa area.
Dp you REALLY want to spend $500 or mote per night for a room? Heck, for that price, they'd BETTER be "lovely" and "very nice."
Dp you REALLY want to spend $500 or mote per night for a room? Heck, for that price, they'd BETTER be "lovely" and "very nice."
Apr 2nd, 2010, 02:28 PM
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Relax, nurse Cali. The OP asked for the "nicest" hotel with pool and said "don't mind spending money on hotel" thus the recommendations for the Oberoi's. I think the OP can probably decide for her/himself whether to spend $500, take some of the other recos on this thread or go your "IndiaMike" route. There is no "right" way to travel. On our first trip to India in 2005, both the Amarvilas and the Imperial were in the $300+ range and the Amarvilas especially, was one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in.
Apr 2nd, 2010, 06:06 PM
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wow..thanks for the responses. I called the Oberoi and they suggested the Golden Triangle plus flight 1 hour to himmalayas..another hotel there wildflower. they gave me a quote of approx 3, 000.00 dollars for my stay.....including transfers..still have not recieved their official itinerary or price. Delhi-agra-japuir...???Shimla..in himmalays.....what do you think?
Apr 2nd, 2010, 09:31 PM
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JuliaJane, Wildflower is supposed to be gorgeous--in mts not far from Shimla. It's about $600/night...if money is no object. I'll be in Shimla a couole weeks before you--too bad, or we coud set up a mini gtg.
My point is you can have a perfectly wonderful hotel which meets all your requirements , without exorbitant rates.
"Professor" Craig, i certainly dont think there is just one..or two..or one hundred "right" ways to travel, in India or anywhere. As for those who speak of the "real" India, the Oberoi and taj chains are as "real" as anything else in India, and certianly prove the poit of contrasts. But reading only Fodors, one would get a somewhat skewed idea of how much it is necessary to spend to have fantastic accomodation with helpful staff and
There is very little about India on the Fodors Forum, which is too bad, as I love getting and sharing info. Perhaps this focus on the high-end hotels is one reason.
I will repeat here what I did on a previous thread: None of us OWNS Fodors Forum.
The OP can chose whatever way she want to spend her $ of course. It is all a matter of priorities, without lectures from you or me.
Julia, have you asked your son? Depending on his 6 weeks prior in India,and what he'll be doing there, he may have some ideas as to where he would like to stay and visit
My point is you can have a perfectly wonderful hotel which meets all your requirements , without exorbitant rates.
"Professor" Craig, i certainly dont think there is just one..or two..or one hundred "right" ways to travel, in India or anywhere. As for those who speak of the "real" India, the Oberoi and taj chains are as "real" as anything else in India, and certianly prove the poit of contrasts. But reading only Fodors, one would get a somewhat skewed idea of how much it is necessary to spend to have fantastic accomodation with helpful staff and
There is very little about India on the Fodors Forum, which is too bad, as I love getting and sharing info. Perhaps this focus on the high-end hotels is one reason.
I will repeat here what I did on a previous thread: None of us OWNS Fodors Forum.
The OP can chose whatever way she want to spend her $ of course. It is all a matter of priorities, without lectures from you or me.
Julia, have you asked your son? Depending on his 6 weeks prior in India,and what he'll be doing there, he may have some ideas as to where he would like to stay and visit
Apr 2nd, 2010, 10:33 PM
#12
The OP asked for the nicest hotels, said she didn't mind spending money, and wanted something really relaxing as the son will be coming from six weeks of "roughing it". Why are you upset, Calinurse, that I gave her the names of hotels that met her requirements 100%? We can each define our idea of "best" then let OP figure it out.
I've stayed in everything from a US$10 per night place to Oberois over my five trips to India. I like mixing up the accommodations, and will scrimp some places in order to splurge at others. I don't regret spending my money on the Oberois at all.
Julia Jane- I've stayed at Wildflower Hall twice. It is about 25 minutes outside of Shimla and about 45 minutes from the airport. It is a beautiful hotel and the staff are probably the nicest you'll ever meet. The grounds are very pretty, and there are quite a few hiking and horseback trails that start at the property. they offer white water rafting, mountain biking, and walks with nature experts in addition to a great spa.
To go into town is easy, but does take a while and you will usually have to pay for the hotel car Into Shimla, although you can catch a taxi back for 1/4 the price. Shimla is a lot of fun. The weather will be much cooler than Delhi or Rajastan, although you might get some late afternoon showers. There are lots of activities on the mall each evening as it is the height of Shimla's tourist season.
You might actually consider spending your first or last night in Shimla at Cecil Hall, another Oberoi. It is right in Shimla, so you can walk to the sights and to the shops. it isn't as peaceful as Wildflower Hall, but there is a lot more to do and you don't need to be driving back and forth on the winding roads if you stay late to see a concert on the mall. I can't remember the name, but one of my favorite museums in India is on the edge of Shimla.
The Oberoi in Delhi is really a business hotel; I only stay there to take advantage of other specials that require one night in Delhi or Mumbai. The location is good, veiws really interesting, and the service perfect.
The Amarvilas in Agra is fabulous. Truly one of the best hotels in the world, especially after a day in Agra. All rooms have a full view of the Taj Mahal, and there is a shuttle cart to take you to the Taj. The pool and the grounds are what make it really special though. That and the way the grounds and water features are lit up at night. I felt like a character in Sheherazade's Arabian Nights.
I've stayed in everything from a US$10 per night place to Oberois over my five trips to India. I like mixing up the accommodations, and will scrimp some places in order to splurge at others. I don't regret spending my money on the Oberois at all.
Julia Jane- I've stayed at Wildflower Hall twice. It is about 25 minutes outside of Shimla and about 45 minutes from the airport. It is a beautiful hotel and the staff are probably the nicest you'll ever meet. The grounds are very pretty, and there are quite a few hiking and horseback trails that start at the property. they offer white water rafting, mountain biking, and walks with nature experts in addition to a great spa.
To go into town is easy, but does take a while and you will usually have to pay for the hotel car Into Shimla, although you can catch a taxi back for 1/4 the price. Shimla is a lot of fun. The weather will be much cooler than Delhi or Rajastan, although you might get some late afternoon showers. There are lots of activities on the mall each evening as it is the height of Shimla's tourist season.
You might actually consider spending your first or last night in Shimla at Cecil Hall, another Oberoi. It is right in Shimla, so you can walk to the sights and to the shops. it isn't as peaceful as Wildflower Hall, but there is a lot more to do and you don't need to be driving back and forth on the winding roads if you stay late to see a concert on the mall. I can't remember the name, but one of my favorite museums in India is on the edge of Shimla.
The Oberoi in Delhi is really a business hotel; I only stay there to take advantage of other specials that require one night in Delhi or Mumbai. The location is good, veiws really interesting, and the service perfect.
The Amarvilas in Agra is fabulous. Truly one of the best hotels in the world, especially after a day in Agra. All rooms have a full view of the Taj Mahal, and there is a shuttle cart to take you to the Taj. The pool and the grounds are what make it really special though. That and the way the grounds and water features are lit up at night. I felt like a character in Sheherazade's Arabian Nights.
Apr 3rd, 2010, 08:23 AM
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Cali, I'm not sure what you are upset about. People offered JuliaJane the info she asked for. If she wants something different, she can ask. You seem to be upset about how expensive the "best" hotels in India are. You can decide if you want to spend that kind of money, just like juliajane can. Your comment "It is all a matter of priorities, without lectures from you or me." is exactly right, except you seem to be the only person lecturing on this thread.
I also am surprised to note that you think there is little about India here. Just as an experiment, I called up all the threads on India in the last month... 45 of them.
I also am surprised to note that you think there is little about India here. Just as an experiment, I called up all the threads on India in the last month... 45 of them.
Apr 3rd, 2010, 01:17 PM
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Why do you think I am upset? Of course, a response starts "Relax.." as someone did above, i take that as somewhat condescending and lecturing.
Whatever, this reminds me again of why this Forum is a turnoff to many, who are afraid to voice opinions. I'll stop voicing mine after completing this response.
I again ask, why someone would want or NEED to spend$500to $600/night for "relaxation" and a pool? My point to the OP was she does NOt have to spend that much to get what she desires. She may have the misconception, which I've heard before, that you have to go super high end to get good and caring service and attracive accommodation in a relaxing atmosphere in India.
I work with many NRIs who often go back "home" and travel with family there, and return saying they have paid questionably exorbitant amounts by US standards .
Whatever is chosen, I wish the OP a wonderful safe trip to "incredible India"!!
Whatever, this reminds me again of why this Forum is a turnoff to many, who are afraid to voice opinions. I'll stop voicing mine after completing this response.
I again ask, why someone would want or NEED to spend$500to $600/night for "relaxation" and a pool? My point to the OP was she does NOt have to spend that much to get what she desires. She may have the misconception, which I've heard before, that you have to go super high end to get good and caring service and attracive accommodation in a relaxing atmosphere in India.
I work with many NRIs who often go back "home" and travel with family there, and return saying they have paid questionably exorbitant amounts by US standards .
Whatever is chosen, I wish the OP a wonderful safe trip to "incredible India"!!
Apr 3rd, 2010, 01:39 PM
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What made me think you were upset? Perhaps it was the caps in your response, perhaps it was the tone of your response that clearly conveys that you think that no one should spend $500-$600 a night for accommodation. While I don't spend that kind of money for a hotel, I figure it's none of my business if someone else wants to spend it. Others have offered info on less expensive hotels and you are certainly welcome to do so as well. And offering up your opinion that the OP can get what she is looking for in a less expensive hotel is useful.
If someone suggesting that you relax is a turnoff to you, then your choice to not participate may be right for you. But no one is chasing you away, you are choosing whether or not to post.
The forum functions best when people share info and opinions in a mutually respectful way, and don't take off-hand comments too personally or make personal attacks.
If someone suggesting that you relax is a turnoff to you, then your choice to not participate may be right for you. But no one is chasing you away, you are choosing whether or not to post.
The forum functions best when people share info and opinions in a mutually respectful way, and don't take off-hand comments too personally or make personal attacks.
Apr 3rd, 2010, 04:54 PM
#16
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Thanks for your help...I will need more. Although I want the nicest hotel I don't want to pay 600 a night..I think I am paying in the 300 range but I am not sure. This is the itinerary Oberoi sent me...first I will leave the us on the 23rd so I wont be in India until the 24th right?
The Oberoi New Delhi 23rd – 25th July 2010 (Two nights 01 Premier Room)
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur 25th – 27th July 2010 (Two nights 01 Premier Room)
The Oberoi Rajvilas , Jaipur 27th – 29th July 2010 (Two nights 01 Premier Room)
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra 29th – 31st July 2010 (Two nights 01 Premier Room)
The Oberoi New Delhi 31st July –01st August 2010 (One night 01 Premier Room)
Wildflower Hall , In the Himalayas 01st – 04th August 2010 (Three nights 01 Premier Room)
The Oberoi New Delhi 04th – 05th August 2010 One night 01 Premier Room
Total No. of Nights 13 nights
I have to cut back number of nights...I think I lose at least 2 days with travel....what should I cut...I dont want to be too rushed...also should I cut out stay in delhi...and get just as much service, relaxation and pool..as cali suggested for less money..Delhi hotel seems like the least special....thoughts please/.you are all so helpful.
Juliajane
The Oberoi New Delhi 23rd – 25th July 2010 (Two nights 01 Premier Room)
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur 25th – 27th July 2010 (Two nights 01 Premier Room)
The Oberoi Rajvilas , Jaipur 27th – 29th July 2010 (Two nights 01 Premier Room)
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra 29th – 31st July 2010 (Two nights 01 Premier Room)
The Oberoi New Delhi 31st July –01st August 2010 (One night 01 Premier Room)
Wildflower Hall , In the Himalayas 01st – 04th August 2010 (Three nights 01 Premier Room)
The Oberoi New Delhi 04th – 05th August 2010 One night 01 Premier Room
Total No. of Nights 13 nights
I have to cut back number of nights...I think I lose at least 2 days with travel....what should I cut...I dont want to be too rushed...also should I cut out stay in delhi...and get just as much service, relaxation and pool..as cali suggested for less money..Delhi hotel seems like the least special....thoughts please/.you are all so helpful.
Juliajane
Apr 3rd, 2010, 06:11 PM
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Well, that's gonna cost you $4100 plus one night @ $315. You'll save about $175 a nite on this deal.Plus flights. Airport transfers are included in your deal.
Lose the second stay in Delhi and Wildflower Hall. That frees up four days and loses you three travel days.[Agra - Delhi/Delhi - Wildflower/Wildflower to Delhi.]
Hang around longer in Agra, Jaipur or Udaipur. That's enuf. The Delhi Oberoi is nice but not special.
Fly Delhi to Udaipur. Drive to Jaipur. I suppose you HAVE to see the Taj, so you'll HAVE to drive another 5 hours to get there and then four hours to get out.
But, in the middle of this, I'm thinking - where's your son in all of this? After roughing it around India for six weeks, ten days in the Oberois might spin him out. A cup of coffe at breakfast will be costing more than he's been paying for a days worth of food. Literally!.
So where is he in this? Ain't this bonding time? Or are you doing a bondi-tourist mix? I don't think you've thought this out - but the Oberoi deal might be perfect. You'll be shielded, untipped and gouged, you won't get sick, their service is excellent. Do it. Save yourself grief. They'll pick you up at the airport and love you till you leave. If you're happy paying that $$ then this is the best Oberoi deal you'll get.
If you want to hear what Cali is trying to say to you, well, that's a whole other thing. But don't just wave your arms around and play Pollyanna - if you want to do it sideways, cheaper and have a lot more fun, you'd be advised to think differently IMHO. Get your son's input. And you HAVE to do research - clearly, that's been missing. Hurling yourself at strangers in here may well confuse you.
They WILL say that travelling every two days is TOO much. Maybe yes, maybe no - only you know that.
Lose the second stay in Delhi and Wildflower Hall. That frees up four days and loses you three travel days.[Agra - Delhi/Delhi - Wildflower/Wildflower to Delhi.]
Hang around longer in Agra, Jaipur or Udaipur. That's enuf. The Delhi Oberoi is nice but not special.
Fly Delhi to Udaipur. Drive to Jaipur. I suppose you HAVE to see the Taj, so you'll HAVE to drive another 5 hours to get there and then four hours to get out.
But, in the middle of this, I'm thinking - where's your son in all of this? After roughing it around India for six weeks, ten days in the Oberois might spin him out. A cup of coffe at breakfast will be costing more than he's been paying for a days worth of food. Literally!.
So where is he in this? Ain't this bonding time? Or are you doing a bondi-tourist mix? I don't think you've thought this out - but the Oberoi deal might be perfect. You'll be shielded, untipped and gouged, you won't get sick, their service is excellent. Do it. Save yourself grief. They'll pick you up at the airport and love you till you leave. If you're happy paying that $$ then this is the best Oberoi deal you'll get.
If you want to hear what Cali is trying to say to you, well, that's a whole other thing. But don't just wave your arms around and play Pollyanna - if you want to do it sideways, cheaper and have a lot more fun, you'd be advised to think differently IMHO. Get your son's input. And you HAVE to do research - clearly, that's been missing. Hurling yourself at strangers in here may well confuse you.
They WILL say that travelling every two days is TOO much. Maybe yes, maybe no - only you know that.
Apr 3rd, 2010, 06:36 PM
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Thank you...do you mean skip wildflower altogether? When you say fly to udaipur...would that be my 2nd stop after Delhi? I do need to do more research but already finding info from all of you helpful. This deal also includes breakfast!! His trip he will be staying in Ashrams throughout India....we want to bond, see some sights and get some pampering....we will also shop! I want to have fun but don't want stress....I also thinj it will be extremely hot!!! Thanks for the advise, can I keep asking?? Also I am wondering if I should stay at different hotel in Delhi when we first arrive?
Apr 3rd, 2010, 07:28 PM
#19
Julia- I wouldn't worry about your son. He will do as he should and tell you how you could be sleeping for $10 a night, but likely he'll be the first one to suggest room service!
My daughter- the vegetarian, recycle everything, green engineer- spent 6 months in India ath the cheapest of places, yet still says the week in Oberoi hotels at the end was the best transition she ever could have enjoyed.
Doing it the Oberoi way is easy, and expensive. Thirteen days is a lot of money. You could shorten the total trip. I love the Udaivilas, but it will be brutally hot in July, and like Shimla, Udaipur involves flying. i think I'd do that OR Shimla, but not both. Given the heat in July, I'd do Shimla, and then shorten the trip. Or another thought is stay at less expensive hotels in some of your cities. Samode haveli is a lovely heritage hotel in Jaipur and is about 1/3 the cost of an Oberoi. You could also choose a cheaper hotel for you last days in Delhi.
Or yet another option would be to fly directly to Shimla when you first hit India. I vaguely remember that the Shimla flight connected well with my international arrival on one trip. Do one night at Cecil Hall, two nights at Wildflower, then fly back to Delhi and take the train or drive Agra and Jaipur. You could do this trip in maybe 8 nights, saving a bucket of $$. the Oberoi will be happy to arrange trains or drivers even if you are spending a night at a different hotel in between theirs.
My daughter- the vegetarian, recycle everything, green engineer- spent 6 months in India ath the cheapest of places, yet still says the week in Oberoi hotels at the end was the best transition she ever could have enjoyed.
Doing it the Oberoi way is easy, and expensive. Thirteen days is a lot of money. You could shorten the total trip. I love the Udaivilas, but it will be brutally hot in July, and like Shimla, Udaipur involves flying. i think I'd do that OR Shimla, but not both. Given the heat in July, I'd do Shimla, and then shorten the trip. Or another thought is stay at less expensive hotels in some of your cities. Samode haveli is a lovely heritage hotel in Jaipur and is about 1/3 the cost of an Oberoi. You could also choose a cheaper hotel for you last days in Delhi.
Or yet another option would be to fly directly to Shimla when you first hit India. I vaguely remember that the Shimla flight connected well with my international arrival on one trip. Do one night at Cecil Hall, two nights at Wildflower, then fly back to Delhi and take the train or drive Agra and Jaipur. You could do this trip in maybe 8 nights, saving a bucket of $$. the Oberoi will be happy to arrange trains or drivers even if you are spending a night at a different hotel in between theirs.
Apr 3rd, 2010, 07:30 PM
#20
And double check that the Oberoi is not per person vs per night.
There are lots of ways to enjoy India. I do know that I loved having nice hotels the first time I went, and it took away a lot of my fears. (And those fears were unjustified, but i didn't know that till I got there!)
There are lots of ways to enjoy India. I do know that I loved having nice hotels the first time I went, and it took away a lot of my fears. (And those fears were unjustified, but i didn't know that till I got there!)
