1

G/f says that Ajanta is really good. I've not been, but she has, several times.

2

when I first went to India I too did not know where to stay and saw an ad for Ajanta and booked there. I was travelling alone and came into India in the wee hrs of the morning and felt a little vulnerable, I spent three days there mostly sleeping the first day. they have a really nice and reasonable restaurant. The area is the typical one in Paharganj dirty chaotic busy but I enjoy that from the sterile quiet efficient type in the western world. while there a rickshaw driver said to me "why do I stay at this expensive place? and I asked him if he had another suggestion and he took me up the street a few short blocks to another hotel, adequate, not as nice, but the price was 1/3 so I moved over there. I can't remember the name now since it was more than 4 yrs ago and I ended up coming back there so many times every time I came back to Delhi. There's no need for u to have the hotel send u a taxi as it is so easy to go to the prepaid taxi desk and take a taxi from there (at the airport). If u want to stay at another place other than Paharganj there are many many hotels that fall into the cheaper category and in nicer areas. check the Lonely Planet guide or section under hotel booking on line, go to indiamike,com or a place like hostelbookers.com. hey enjoy yr stay in India u are going to love it.

3

I have stayed at the Ajanta and would not go back.

Without going in to all the details let's just say it wasn't horrible, but IMHO not worth ever staying there again.

4

The problem in Delhi is, there are loads of (realy)budget hotels, and top scale, not much in between. Few months back I checked out a few hotels in Paharganj for friends on a budget. Even in PG there'r a few good clean hotels. Ajanta is ok (just ok though), and so is Cottage Yes Please, and the rooms above Sam's Cafe (both cheaper). If you're looking for a hotel in Paharganj, check out the recently renovated Metropolis, within your budget, and a nice rooftop restaurant. But never ever go to Hotel Lord Krishna, it's a sh*t hole, someone recommended it here on TT few months back, tout, for sure.
Out of Paharganj: Karol Bagh.
And a lot of other area's, but then you'll have to shell out more...
Good luck.

Enjoy!

5

Yeah thats what ive noticed, seems to jump quite a bit in price from the budget ones to the nicer hotels! Can u suggest one that might be a bit more money but worth the value? As we wouldnt mind paying extra ifwe knew it was decent and confortable..ajamta seems to be a bit iffy :/ thanks for the feedback!

6

Think Hotel Metropolis in Paharganj is fine. If you don't want to stay in Paharganj: try Hotel Diplomat, Chanakyapuri, never checked out the rooms, but think the rate is reasonable. Only know the restaurant, which is great, mediteranean food, award winning chef. If the rooms are anything like the restaurant, you'll be more than fine..:-).

Enjoy!