Haridwar hotels are all about location, location! There are plenty of options but you'll want to stay somewhere along the Ganga River to really enjoy and appreciate Haridwar. When choosing your accommodations, keep in mind that most hotels are located in three main areas: along the river, on the main road near the railway station and bus stand, and on the outskirts of town along the Haridwar-Rishikesh Highway (you'll find most of the more upmarket hotels there). Here are the best picks that are well positioned and decent.
1. Haveli Hari Ganga
Sharell Cook
The Haveli Hari Ganga hotel is worth splurging on, and is easily the top choice for staying in Haridwar. This charmingly renovated 90 year old mansion, originally built by the Maharaja of Philbirt, sits on the river bank around 300 meters down from the main Hari-ki-Pauri ghat. It has its own private ghat and terrace overlooking the river. At night, there's live music in the courtyard. The hotel also has a spa, and offers yoga packages. Doubles rooms cost 5,000 rupees upwards, per night, plus taxes. Buffet breakfast is included.
2. Ganga Lahari
Ganga Lahari
The Ganga Lahari is part of the same group as the Hotel Haveli Ganga. This intimate heritage hotel has a prominent position on the banks of the Ganga, very close to Hari-ki-Pauri ghat. Apart from the fact that it's located in the heart of the action, its other attractive feature is that all of its 16 rooms overlook the river. The hotel has a regal history -- it was built over 100 years ago by the Maharaja of Tehari Gharwal. It's since been beautifully renovated. Rooms cost 4,500 rupees per night and suites are 7,000 rupees per night, plus taxes. Breakfast is included.
3. Hotel Aditya
Hotel Aditya
The hotel Aditya is an excellent budget choice by the river near Hari-ki-Pauri. The river facing rooms (make sure you stay in one) all have huge windows and balconies overlooking the action, and the sound of the Ganga Aarti can be heard. The hotel also has its own private bathing ghat. Don't miss it for a value for money stay!
4. La Casa
La Casa
La Casa, Spanish for The House, was once the home of a large Indian joint family. Now, it's a modern and rather trendy boutique hotel with 22 very reasonably priced rooms. Rates start from 2,000 rupees plus tax a night for an immaculate double. The hotel isn't located alongside the Ganga, and is around a 10 minute walk from Hari-ki-Pauri, but it's so vibrant, friendly, clean, and well decorated that you won't mind. There's free wireless Internet too. (Needless to say, it's very popular, so do book ahead during busy times).
5. Ganga Darshan
Hotel Ganga Darshan
The Ganga Darshan scores points because it's located right at Hari-Ki-Pauri offering guests an outstanding view of the evening Ganga Aarti. However, what you'll mostly be paying for is the view. Hotels in this area are priced much higher than comparable hotels in other areas. Unremarkable air conditioned rooms cost from 2,250 rupees per day, plus tax.
