10 Delightful Delhi Homestays and Bed n Breakfasts

This B&B is full of charm and character. It's located in a residential area of east New Delhi, in a three story building with enchanting terraces and rooftop garden. There are plants everywhere and seating to relax in. The hosts are a husband and wife whose family has been in the hospitality business for three decades, and it shows in their warmth and helpfulness. Guests will be treated to superb food, interesting conversation, and Indian cooking lessons if they wish. Children are welcome, and the host can organize tours and take care of travel arrangements. Be sure to book well in advance!

• Address: Friends Colony, East New Delhi. Ph: (91) 98-1105-7103.
• Price: 3,000 to 3,550 rupees ($70 to $85) per room.

Bed and Breakfast at Eleven is set in a colonial bungalow that's very well located in a quiet area of south Delhi's classy Nizamuddin East Colony. It's just across the road from Khan Khanna's Tomb and is within walking distance of the Humayun Tomb. The property has four large and well equipped guest rooms, located at the rear with their own entrance. The likable host makes a big effort to ensure guests feel comfortable. Hearty breakfasts are cooked to order.

• Address: 11, Nizamuddin (East), New Delhi. Ph: (91) 98-1108-8966.
• Price: 4,750 rupees for a single room and 5,000 rupees for a double room.

What makes the tranquil Tree of Life unique is its wellness focus. One of the hosts practices and teaches yoga and foot reflexology -- perfect for tired and stressed travelers! The other owns a reputable car rental company, and is very helpful with making travel arrangements (including booking train tickets) and providing sightseeing advice. There's also a terrace with a fabulous view of Qutub Minar, and a DVD and book library. All in all, this bed and breakfast is a haven for relaxation. You'll feel very well taken care of. When you do want to venture out, there's a Metro train station only five minutes walk away!

• Address: D-193, Saket, New Delhi (near PVR complex). Ph: (91) 98-1027-7699.
• Price: 4,000 rupees for a single, 4,500 rupees for a double per night.

The Estate is a gorgeous property that consists of a delightful rambling mansion and annex with peaceful garden, located in the quiet outskirts of south Delhi. The bed and breakfast is only around 25 minutes from Delhi airport, which makes it a great alternative to an airport hotel. There are eight rooms -- five in the annex, two in the main house, and one in The Estate extension. The rooms are modern and beautifully decorated in warm, rustic tones. It's child friendly, and kids will love the swings in the garden. There's also a communal lounge with books for guests to relax in.

Address: House 29, Sultanpur Estate, Mandi Road, Mehrauli, New Delhi. Ph: (91-987) 336 0002.

Price: Average 4,000 rupees per room.

Visit Their Website

Saubhag Bed and Breakfast has quickly risen become one of the most popular homestays in Delhi, and it gets faultless reviews by the hundreds. Guests love the central location (15 minutes away from Connaught Place and New Delhi Railway Station), tasty western and Indian food, beautifully decorated rooms, and plant-filled courtyard. The host, Meera, is a retired school teacher who's returned to India after living abroad. She's renowned for giving personalized attention without being intrusive, and loves making new friends from all over the world.

• Address: R-668, New Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi Ph: (91) 98-9916-6656.
• Price: Around 4,500 rupees per night for a double.

Sai Villa is a new B&B that's been architecturally designed and remodeled. It's located in an exclusive residential neighborhood, near Delhi's up-market shopping malls and restaurants, and the IT hub of Nehru Place. The B&B is run by a personable young professional couple. Guests will love the stylish furniture and special mood lighting in the rooms, as well as the unlimited breakfast and complementary tea, coffee, juice, and cold drinks available throughout the day. The second floor room that opens onto a terrace is particularly attractive. Guests will also appreciate the ease of being able to get auto rickshaws nearby.

• Address: E-578, Greater Kailash Part II, New Delhi. Ph: (91) 98-1106-9943.
• Price: 2,900 to 3,500 rupees per room including tax.

Grace Home is the perfect choice if you're looking for a budget homestay without sacrificing comfort. There's a terrace garden with wonderful views and a bicycle to ride for free. Food is excellent, and rooms are kept spotlessly clean even have air conditioning. It's run by a friendly and well-traveled professional family of three -- an engineer, doctor, and school teacher. They'll make you feel very welcome while still respecting your privacy.

• Address: D-182, Saket, New Delhi (near PVR complex) Ph: (91) 98-1106-9943.
• Price: 1800 rupees for a single, 2,200 rupees for a double, and 3,500 rupees for a family room, including tax.

G 49 Bed and Breakfast has a lovely setting, surrounded by trees, that's best appreciated from one of the rooms with a balcony. Rooms are spacious and decorated with splashes of bright color, and there are plenty of books around to read. Service is efficient and the host is jovial. G 49 is located five minutes away from Humayun Tomb, Nizamuddin Mosque, and Lodi Gardens. The only drawback is that it's not near a Metro train station. Auto rickshaws are easy to get though.

• Address: G-49, Nizamuddin West, New Delhi. Ph: (91-11) 4737-3449.
• Price: Rates range from 4,000-6,000 rupees.

Located in the hip neighborhood of Haus Khaz village, the French owners of The Rose have created a chic haven with 11 fresh and bright rooms overlooking a rose garden. Reflective of the arty feel that the village is known for, The Rose also has an art gallery featuring various artists in residence. Don't miss the popular Sunday brunches, with Japanese and French style cuisine, in The Roses's cafe.

• Address: T-40 Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi. Ph: (91-11) 6450-0001.
• Price: Rates range from 4,800-7,000 rupees.

Colaba House, with the same French owners as The Rose, is not far away from Haus Khaz village. It offers four unique rooms of various descriptions and also has a private rooftop terrace. In addition, there are two serviced apartments that can accommodate up to five people in each. It's a peaceful an elegant place, with spacious and clean accommodations, and welcoming staff. Those who want a break from spicy Indian food will love the cuisine here.

• Address: B2/139 Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi. Ph: (91-11) 4067-1773.
• Price: Rates range from 5,500- 6,500 rupees.