The unreasonably high rates at deluxe Indian hotels is a consequence of the supply & demand situation. There has been a boom in tourism in India in the past 2 years. There are some concerns being expressed about the high tariffs. See -

http://www.expresshotelierandcaterer...strack01.shtml

and

http://www.expresshotelierandcaterer...gpoint01.shtml

i can honestly tell you that i have considered not going to india because of the hotel prices and the stories i have been reading about people arriving with confirmed reservations for a specific room or just for a room in general and being told that there are no rooms available...all were taken elsewhere...

rhkkmk..I don't know if you are into this, but did you ever consider taking a tour through India..I know from reading your posts that you are probably not into tours..but you should check out
imaginative-traveller.com
They have several tours through India for all sorts of budgets..They now have In Style Tours for more comfort..Also alot of the tours use Heritage Hotels..You are well taken care of and believe me, you don't miss out on anything..Just a thought...

tracy---in fact tonight i did receive a proposal from compass tours in delhi for a private tour...the price is ok actually... i think i was in a bad mood when i wrote the other piece...

That's great Bob..Hope all of your plans work out! I am looking so forward to our second trip to India in November! Don't worry..you will be in a bad mood in India some days as well!

never in a bad mood while travelling...i slam the taxi door and that cures me