North Goa
This top-notch choice has unusual, stylish, dome-shaped huts – some look like giant hairy coconuts – made of a combination of all-natural local materials,…
Must-see hotels in India
Jaipur
Situated in a quiet suburban street and yet close to the bus station, this hotel is managed by three generations of women of a Bikaner noble family. The…
Siliguri & New Jalpaiguri
Very comfortable Sinclairs, 1km north of the Central Bus Terminus, offers a delicious escape from hectic Hill Cart Rd, with professional, friendly service…
Mumbai (Bombay)
This modern Four Seasons is everything you expect it to be, with exemplary service, psychic staff that pampers the 202 rooms of guests, and classic yet…
North Goa
Set around a leafy, shaded courtyard that’s home to Bean Me Up, Vagator’s best vegan restaurant, rooms here look simple but are themed with individual…
Jaipur
In a building erected by Brigadier Singh in 1950 and run by his gracious descendants, this very welcoming hotel has comfortable and spotless rooms, with…
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Preening itself above a palm-slope entry drive, this impressive luxury hotel uses vast windows to great effect in its inviting open-plan restaurants, and…
Nagaland
Rooms at the upscale Vivor have soft beds, snow-white linen, desks, tea and coffee makers, ultra-clean bathrooms and large windows. There are fine views…
Amritsar
This good-value backpacker stalwart offers pocket-friendly prices and humble rooms with high ceilings and fans. There’s a small restaurant, a cute little…
Udaipur
Professionally run by two helpful brothers and efficient staff, this smart place has spotless, unfussy rooms with good beds, TVs and attractive block…
Mysuru (Mysore)
Recently renovated, this heritage property once served as the residence for the maharaja’s British guests. It has spectacular grounds and a choice of…
Kodagu (Coorg) Region
This delightful farmhouse is surrounded by verdant coffee plantations, with good birding in the vicinity. Its nine rooms are spacious, and most have good…
Bundi
Dev Niwas is a fine haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence), just off the busy Sadar Bazaar. Inside is a peaceful oasis with courtyards and…
Panaji
Run by the friendly Jeanette, this pretty Portuguese townhouse offers eight spacious, well-kept rooms with timber ceilings. The little rooftop terrace…
Jaipur
This friendly hotel has clean, cool and comfortable rooms, though mattresses may be a bit thin. There’s no restaurant, but there is a kitchen and relaxing…
Assam
The smart KRC, about 1km northwest of the centre, is a cut above Tezpur's other options. Rooms (creatively categorised as Deluxe, Elegant, Sparkling and…
Uttar Pradesh
Gorakhpur's hippest choice is this new, fresh and well-run 17-room place decorated with designer touches and colourful pop art. There's little in the way…
Udaipur
A 350-year-old heritage building on the lakeshore, with delightful rooms featuring cushioned window seats, coloured glass and little shutters. They’re set…
Udaipur
This 19th-century palace has plenty of heritage character, though some rooms are rather old-fashioned. There's a central garden with a small pool shaded…
Arya Ayurvedic Panchakarma Centre
Gokarna
At the southern end of Kudle, this ayurvedic centre has some of the best rooms on the beach. It offers simple yet elegant accommodation with quality…
Mangaluru (Mangalore)
Next to the Pilikula Nisarga Dhama park, with views of the Gurupur River and coconut groves, this lodge offers a tranquil natural environment for those…
Jaipur
This small but impressive hotel was built in 1950 and is still run by the same charming family. It offers spacious rooms, most of which face the large…
Jaipur
This sparkling, spacious and relaxing hostel comes from the folks at Arya Niwas, and is adjacent to another of their concerns: Jai Niwas. There's a…
Chandigarh
With a gorgeous location on the shore of a lake 8km from the hill-station of Morni, Tikkar Taal Tourist Complex has clean, comfortable rooms with private…
Hampi
Seriously stylish new place with stunning accommodation. Book a terrace suite for maharaja-size space, including your own hot tub. The grounds are…
Pushkar
Once belonging to the maharaja of Kishangarh, the top-end Hotel Pushkar Palace has a romantic lakeside setting. The rooms have carved wooden furniture and…
Ranthambhore National Park
A lovely little hotel with simple but immaculate rooms, each with terrace seating overlooking a beautifully tended, flower-filled garden. It’s about 1km…
South Delhi
There's an urban factory feel to this excellent hostel with wooden-crate bed frames and exposed brick walls. Dorms and private rooms all have en suites,…
Panaji
In an old Hindu mansion, the nine divine, colonial fantasy rooms at Panjim Pousada are set off by a stunning central courtyard, with antique furnishings…
Kolkata (Calcutta)
This plush and stylish edition of the Swissotel chain is the closest luxury address to the airport – you're barely a 10-minute drive away. Rooms are…
Jodhpur
Above the restaurant of the same name are nine delightful and spacious rooms carved out of a beautiful haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence)…
Mt Abu
The former summer residence of the maharaja of Kishangarh is now an interesting though faded and forlorn heritage hotel. The deluxe rooms in the main…
Mysuru (Mysore)
Right in the heart of the city, with most attractions within walking distance, this hotel represents fine value. Decor is over-the-top kitsch, but with…
Kodagu (Coorg) Region
Owned by a hospitable couple, this rustic homestay boasts a hillside location and stunning valley views. It's just the spot to enjoy nature and perhaps do…
Gokarna
Cottages and rooms are scattered around a shady hillside plot in this Kudle institution, located above the beach and owned by a very amiable German yoga…
Kashmir & Ladakh
Central Jammu’s most stylish and attentively businesslike hotel has a glass elevator, a fine North Indian restaurant, a 24-hour coffee shop and a bar –…
Hampi
Shanthi offers attractive, earth-themed thatched cottages with couch swings dangling in their front porches. The location is stunning, with a row of…
Kodagu (Coorg) Region
These lovely old bungalows scattered among coffee plantations have been luxuriously renovated by the Tata group and have fine features such as wooden…
Mt Abu
The Lake Palace has an excellent location right beside the lake and away from the crowds. There are a couple of terraces overlooking the lake and…
South Goa
At the northern end of Patnem Beach (reached by road via Colomb), Kala Bahia is a sweet guesthouse, veg restaurant and something of an event centre, with…
