Traditionally, there haven't been many quality options as far as New Delhi airport hotels are concerned. However, the revamping of Delhi airport and opening of the new terminal T3 is set to bring a number of reputable hotel brands to the airport. Most won't commence operating until 2012 or 2013 though. Until then, passengers will need to make do with existing budget hotels. Most are located around National Highway 8, which runs alongside the airport, in the Mahipalpur area. This guide to New Delhi airport hotels will point you in the right direction of which are worth staying in and which are avoidable.
1. Delhi Eaton Smart Transit Hotel
Delhi Eaton Smart Transit Hotel
Yes, the new terminal T3 at Delhi Airport has a transit hotel! Opened in March 2011, it's located on level five of the terminal. The hotel is divided into two wings to service both domestic and international passengers. It offer 57 rooms for international travelers and 36 rooms for domestic travelers (excluding those flying on low cost carriers from terminal T1). There are also Aqua pods to shower and freshen up in, along with spa, gymnasium, and transit lounge serving food, tea, and alcoholic drinks.
2. Radisson Hotel Delhi
VFM Leonardo Media
The best option for a decent stay near New Delhi airport. This luxury hotel is located on Highway 8, around 5 minutes drive from the new T3 domestic and international terminal and 10 minutes from the T1 domestic terminal (for low cost carriers). You can get a double room for less than $300, including tax.
3. Shanti Palace
Shanti Palace
Quite a pleasant and clean mid range option, with rooms that have been recently refurbished. It's one of the better choices if you want to stay near New Delhi airport. The hotel is situated approximately mid way between terminals T3 (domestic and international) and T1 (domestic low cost carriers) in Mahipalpur. It has a bar, and restaurant that serves decent food. There's a business center and free wireless Internet too. Don't expect much as far as hotel service goes though. Rooms cost from $140 plus tax.
4. Hotel Impress
Hotel Impress
If you're on a budget and don't want to spend too much, the relatively new Hotel Impress stands out and is above average. It's more contemporary, cleaner, and quieter than a lot of the hotels in the Mahipalpur area. The hotel is a boutique one, with 33 rooms and quite a lot of facilities including free wireless Internet. Expect to pay around $60 per night for a double room.
5. Hotel Eurostar International
Eurostar International
If you're looking for a cheap, no frills stay near New Delhi airport, Hotel Eurostar International is probably the pick of the bunch. Double air conditioned rooms are available for $30 per night. The rooms are small, but the hotel staff are friendly and helpful (which is a bonus compared to many of the hotels in the area). And the hotel is located down an alleyway, so it's not too noisy. Some taxi drivers may have trouble finding it though, and some guests may be intimidated by the location. Overall, it's great value for money. Free wireless Internet too!
6. Hotel Waves
Hotel Waves
It seems like it's luck of the draw when it comes to staying at Hotel Waves, a budget hotel in the Mahipalpur area near New Delhi airport. Experiences are variable. Note that some guests have found the hotel to suffer from quite a bit of traffic noise, due to its main road location. There's a bar and restaurant on the premises. The hotel has 45 rooms, and offers free wireless Internet. Rates start from around $60 for a doube room, per night.
7. Centaur Airport Hotel
The Centaur is another not particularly appealing but conveniently located airport hotel that caters to the masses. It markets itself as a luxury (four or five star) hotel, but in reality it's not. Well, maybe it was back in its heyday, but now it's a large and somewhat run down building with rooms that need refurbishing. It consistently receives negative feedback but is often recommended by airport and airline staff. Note that the reason why is probably because it's owned by the Indian government, and Air India (also government owned) has a contractual agreement with the hotel. What's positive: there's a shuttle bus to the hotel. But really, you'd be better off paying to stay elsewhere! Double rooms start from around $140 plus tax.
8. Airport Hotel
The Airport Hotel is another poor quality hotel to watch out for near New Delhi airport. It's very conveniently located opposite the old domestic terminal T1. However, this is probably the only good thing about the hotel. Facilities are quite basic and rooms are reportedly not very clean. Room rates start from around $55 for a non air conditioned double. Expect to pay around $100 for a suite, plus tax. Warning: Apparently the photos on the hotel's website are not an accurate representation of the hotel. Definitely book at your own risk!
