India’s capital is generously studded with the biggest names in hospitality. From The Oberoi to The Leela, the Taj Mahal to the ITC Maurya, world-class hotels in Delhi come supersized, with all the sophisticated service, lavish menus and state-of-the-art facilities to match. However, a glimpse beyond their glittering towers and rolling lawns reveals a chaste flock of beautiful boutique hotels. From breakfast on a pretty balcony above the city’s skyline to a lovingly restored Mughal haveli, these are the best independently owned boutique hotels in Delhi.
The Claridges
No relation to Claridge’s of Mayfair, this smart, independent, colonial-inspired hotel nonetheless wields as much prestige. Nods to a bygone era—elegant 19th-century architecture, Ye Old Bakery’s thick wedges of Victoria sponge—are contrasted with chic, contemporary décor and a state-of-the-art spa. Add in a sparkling pool flanked by muslin-draped cabanas, and The Claridges is just the place to start or end a luxury holiday in India.
Mizpah
Mizpah, is located in the upmarket residential area of New Delhi. Fusing both Indian and Australian style, the charming owners have created a wonderful bolthole, with only four rooms on offer in this family home style hotel. With light delicate interiors and excellent attention to detail you will find, inviting furniture, white washed walls and endless pretty block printed fabrics throughout. The small café area, converts throughout the day from dawn to dusk, serving many home baked treats.
Colonel’s Retreat
The highlight of Colonel’s Retreat is breakfast (and lunch, and dinner) on its zinnia-festooned rooftop. Tuck into buttery banana bread with homemade jam while seeking out the pearly domes of Humayun’s Tomb and the Lotus Temple. The second highlight, only by a margin, is its location in the leafy environs of Defence Colony, a quick tuk-tuk from all the blockbuster sights.
Haveli Dharampura
While many of Delhi’s boutique hotels carve out a hip, contemporary edge, Haveli Dharampura prides itself on its unique, rich heritage. Restored from dilapidated ruins, it continues to reflect Mughal grandeur throughout. A talented team of artists put on entertainment most nights, from Kathak dancing to classical Indian music, and there’s an opportunity to fly kites on the rooftop every evening.
The Manor
A contemporary villa set in immaculately tended gardens, The Manor is Delhi’s oldest boutique accommodation and has successfully held its own as India’s luxury hotels rise to the fore. Over the past 20 years, a surfeit of competition has threatened The Manor’s monopoly somewhat, but its tasteful portfolio of 12 guest rooms, central location, remarkable cuisine and intuitive attention to detail keep it ahead of its game.
Tikli Bottom
Situated in the outskirts of Delhi in a leafy part of Gurgaon in the Aravali Hills just 30km from the airport, this charming little guest house is bursting with character, as the name might suggest. This wonderful old Lutyens style bungalow has been loving converted into a quaint guest house popular for a lunch stop, film shoot or just to avoid the madding crowds of central New Delhi. There is a large garden and half-moon pool to enjoy. There are just four spacious ensuite bedrooms giving this a truly intimate home stay feel.
Scarlette New Delhi
A chic quartet of airy guest rooms on the fringe of Hauz Khas, Scarlette New Delhi is helmed by charming French duo Pauline and Elisabeth. This particular boutique hotel in Delhi fashions itself on a traditional bed and breakfast, complete with morning croissants served on your own, private balcony.
Feature images © byheaven/iStock; Haveli Hauz Khas; Colonel’s Retreat; ferrantraite/iStock; The Manor; Shanti Home; Meinzahn/iStock
