I like to mention the hotels we usually stay in because we have found them to be comfortable and in great locations which makes the stay all that more enjoyable.
These days there is only a limited amount of time on tour and a great deal of that time is spent marshalling to and from hotels. So we think that staying in a hotel in a great location is an added bonus. This saved time can be used to get to know the place and surrounding sights even more.
As I’ve mentioned in earlier posts, we used to stay in all sorts of hostels when we first started travelling in India. These days though, we tend to choose 5-star hotels — we enjoy the comfort, good food, and the peace of mind that comes with clean, reliable facilities
Our hotel on the waterfront in Mumbai was stunning. The Leela Palace on the beach in Goa was a sheer delight and a foodie heaven. Pushka was slightly remote and the choice of hotel was limited but what a gem found… the Bhanwar Palace was cute and ornate and full of character that simply made us smile. The ice cream for dessert was very good here.
The Jaypee Palace Hotel is stunning and has a very good gift shop where we found lots of interesting gifty type items to buy at reasonable price.

The hotel at Varanasi put on an outdoor feast for Deepavali and we celebrated and danced the night away. In the morning we found a silk shop nearby and bought loads of scarfs, then we walked to the mall for a coffee.
As you can see I can chat on for ages about our hotel experiences… but I will put a link for each of the hotels so you can check them out.
🏙️ Delhi
Here are a few options we liked in Delhi, depending on your style and budget;
Le Meridian, Delhi – A luxury stay in central Delhi, we stayed here.
Dharampura Haveli, Old Delhi – A beautiful midrange haveli tucked into the historic lanes of Old Delhi.
Madpackers Hostel, South Delhi – Great for backpackers and budget travellers looking to meet others.
🕌 Pushkar
Pushkar has a lovely range of places to stay, from royal-style retreats to budget-friendly guesthouses:
Bhanwar Singh Palace – A luxury resort just outside town, we stayed here and enjoyed the peaceful setting.
Hotel Everest – Budget-friendly and well rated by travellers.
Inn Seventh Heaven – Midrange, quirky and atmospheric with a rooftop restaurant.
Hotel Brahma Horizon – A more modern luxury option with great views.
🎨 Jaipur
From heritage havelis to eco hostels, Jaipur has something for every kind of traveller:
Trident Jaipur – A lovely luxury hotel overlooking Mansagar Lake, we stayed here.
Samode Haveli – A restored royal home with lots of charm
Arya Niwas – A family-run midrange favourite with a peaceful garden
Chalo Eco Hostel – Budget-friendly, with a sustainable ethos and a creative vibe
🐅 Ranthambore National Park
Here are some options if you’re staying near Ranthambore for a safari:
Rathambhore Regency– Comfortable and close to the park entrance, we stayed here.
Nahargarh Ranthambhore– A grand palace-style hotel, with beautiful courtyards and gardens.
Utsav Camp Sariska in Alwar– A peaceful eco-retreat in the nearby Sariska Tiger Reserve
🏰 Agra
Good options near the Taj Mahal for different budgets:
Jaypee Palace Hotel – Luxury, we stayed here.
Crystal Sarovar Premiere Agra – Midrange with modern amenities.
Orchard Retreat – Highly rated budget range with exceptional cleanliness, friendly staff, and a peaceful garden setting.
🏯 Khajuraho
Known for its temples and culture, these hotels are great choices:
Khajuraho Radisson, Khajuraho – Luxury, we stayed here.
Hotel Ramayana – Midrange with friendly service.
🌊 Varanasi
Spiritual and historic, here are some good places:
Varanasi Radisson, Varanasi – Luxury, we stayed here.
BrijRama Palace- A Heritage Hotel – A Heritage Hotel with luxury charm
Hotel Ganges View – Luxury and stunning river views.
Ganpati Guesthouse – Budget-friendly and welcoming.
Aashray Homestay – Budget and cosy homestay.
Stay Inn Heritage – Budget accommodation with character.
🏖️ Goa
From luxury resorts to budget-friendly stays:
The Leela Goa (now called St Regis)– Luxury resort on the beach with pool, fine dining & golf course, we stayed here.
Casa da Graça – Midrange boutique hotel.
Art Prive Resort – Budget, right on Palolem beach
Village homestays – Budget-friendly local stays.
Homestay.com – A variety of budget homestays.
Anahata Retreat – Quiet retreat for rest and wellness.
🌆 Mumbai
A wide range of places to stay in India’s bustling city:
The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel– Iconic luxury
Trident Nariman Point – Next best luxury choice and great location, we stayed here.
InterContinental Marine Drive – Luxury with harbour views.
Abode Bombay – Midrange, great reviews and location.
Residency Hotel Fort – Midrange, close to train station.
Ferreira House – Small, historic homestay with charm.
These were our picks — a mix of comfort, charm, and local flavour. Hope it helps you find your perfect stay! 🏨♡ Janet
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