paharganji-smelly and dodgy area to stay ?

philip007

Hi folks,

Trying hard to book a hotel in Delhi that isnt too cheap and not too expensive either.

Hotels in CP seem really expensive and in Paharganji very cheap (some with real dodgy reviews.)

Is Paharganji really smelly, dodgy and a bad area ? (smells of urine I read !!!)

I was thinking of booking Goodwin Hotel in Paharganji. Is this in a decent area of PH ?

Any info much appreciated.

Philip

Shiver me Timbers

Some relevant threads for you:

paharganj

WHY Paharganj?

Paharganj??

Staying in Paharganj

Where to stay in Paharganj...

Paharganj area?

Paharganj is cheap, very handy for New Delhi train station, and within walking distance of Connaught Place and Old Delhi.

It's also congested, dirty, packed with other tourists and hence, home to some fairly annoying touts/shop keepers, and also some dodgy scams (easily avoided though).

Personally, I like it, and have no problem staying there.

philip007

shiver me timbers,

Many thanks for that.

I am really ill at ease on this. I dont know if I should stay in say Karol Bagah a quieter area. I am fairly robust when it come to areas to stay however I just dont want late night hassle and mega smelly areas. Having said that I am coming to India !!!

I was thinking of Hotel Goodwin or Hotel Ginger both in Paharanji. Although I am nervous about it !.

Thanks for your thoughts - much appreciated.

Philip

fsg

PLEASE What IS your budget?

Amalfi

If you "have" to stay in Paharganj, choose a hotel on Arakshan Road which is comparatively quieter and less smelly than other parts of Paharganj.

Ginger is not in Paharganj but on the other side of New Delhi Railway Station in Ajmeri Gate. Consider yourself lucky if you can get a reservation there. If available , jump at it.

I have lived in Delhi for over 40 years and have taken in the smells of all corners of Delhi and am sorry to say that Paharganj is a winner hands down on "smelliness" and filth . Karol Bagh is also busy but less dirty and smelly compared to Paharganj.

goingback

Amalfi, note what you say about being lucky in getting a reservation for Ginger; we wanted one for Delhi for 2 nights in November, not a chance. We have booked Tara Palace on the recommendation of my friend's family who stay there regularly. Appears to have some good reviews on Tripadvisor too.
Do you know if this area is ok for a family?

spike

I stayed a few times in Paharganj and actually liked it a lot. I didn't find it smelly an dirty at all, but full of atmosphere and very lively. The touts are the same as everywhere, to be ignored. I suppose it can be a bit overwhelming for first timers though.

Hal

I stayed at Tara Palace and found it to be pretty good. I have my suspicions that some of the reviews for Tara Palace are planted.

Old Delhi is a bustling place and you'll probably attract a bit of attention. Just keep your wits about you and keep the children in sight and you should be fine. There's lots to see in the area.

goingback

Thanks Hal. I can't wait to see the faces on our girls as they discover India - taking the rough with the smooth!

Amalfi

Can't say about the hotel but location is Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi which is one of the most hectic and crowded parts of Delhi .However ,if you are an India lover like Spike and don't find Paharganj to be dirty or smelly , then I am sure you will like Chandni Chowk as well and it's crowded and choked streets . It's close to Jama Masjid ,Red Fort, Raj Ghat and is connected by Metro to Connaught place which is the centre of Delhi. Good Indian eating joints and sweet shops are aplenty. I believe Karim's would be really closeby. If your kids want a mcdonalds , there is an outlet nearby as well.

Indizen

Paharganj is best avoided. Karol Bagh is a good option.

green gecko

I didn't mind Paharganj surprisingly. I like the livliness and all the little back alleyways off Paharganj are filled with great little places to eat and friendly people. As long as you can ignore the touts, it's fine!

Brisso

Phil007 - a few of you posts exhibit unjustified anxiety. Don't worry - I doubt you will find India either scary or dangerous.

More likely you will be highly amused on a daily basis!