Where to stay in Paharganj...

Basically avoid the hotels listed in the Lonely Planet and Rough guide, they usually develop an attitude problem and raise prices, lower the standard of service given that they know they are assured of a steady stream of clientele.

My recommendation from a recent stay in Paharganj - not the cheapest place but reasonable price to quality ratio:

Star Paradise Hotel (http://www.stargroupofhotels.com/, but their website is down right now) at a side street close to Downtown hotel. A nice, clean and comfortable double room with bathroom and AC costed 700 Rs (talked down from 750), had TV and a fridge. Meals and beer could be ordered to the room and laundry service was also available. The guys working there were honest – at one time I forgot to lock our room and being back we found our room properly locked, key at the reception and none of our belongings missing. Another time I misunderstood the amount I had to pay for laundry service, paid 50 Rs too much and got it back within 2 minutes.

What's the word on the Hotel Relax? I hear it is about Rs 900-1000 but it doesn't appear to have a web site. Don't know about the rooms, if they pick up at airport or how to book.

yes, i think i stayed here once...nothing especially good, nothing especially bad. Not many backpackers from what i remember which may or may not be a bad thing for some?

And hotel relax i know of but havent stayed in.

Cottage Yes Please opened a new hotel, Cottage Crowne. Anyone stay there? Reviews

It will be our first time to India - We arrive in Delhi 5th Feb and I can't wait. However, my wife is a little apprehensive ( It has taken me years to talk her into it ) and having read a few threads on IMike I am starting to wonder if PaharGanj will freak her out. I was considering a stay at the Jyoti Mahal Guesthouse. We are only in Delhi 1 night and 2 days before we move on to Jaipur. First impressions can be very important so any suggestions would be welcome. Last year she was a bit apprehensive about going to Thailand but once I got her there she loved it - even Bangkok.

Cheers - Rob

Hi Rob
I have to say that it is indeed possible that paharganj could freak your good lady out. It really is a full-on blast of india and i suspect you may want to find something a bit calmer and more upmarket. I'm sorry but this is not really my department so you may have to look around.

It must be said, however, that Delhi is really a bit much fullstop to start with and my advice would be to get out as soon as you can. And when you return to Delhi after acclimatising, it will seem a new and much easier place!

This said, you never know and maybe it will all be great. One piece of advice though is to try and pick a hotel that will meet you at the airport. This shouldn't cost a lot and will give you a potentially far easier arrival than if you attempt to negotiate the minefield that is the airport taxi system!

Hi Rob,
There's two parts to Pahar Ganj. The "main bazaar" and the other side.

The main bazaar is somewhat of a magnet for the backpacking crowd. It's certainly not clean and it's gone downhill in the last 8 years I've been passing through there.

As far as a a pleasant introduction to Delhi /India, I'd be suggesting either Karol Bargh (a district further out of Pahar Ganj) or, the place I stayed at last time in Pahar Ganj (but not the main section), called "Hotel Ajanta". It's a nice mid-range place and has good amenities and may help you & your wife ease into India.

Cheers
Zoltan

Many thanks Kidsan and Zoltan, It's a tricky one. I want to get it right as I know my wife only agreed to come because she knows I have wanted to see India since I was a kid. She tends to be very nervous and pessimistic at first but quickly becomes very adventurous once she gets the feel of a place. The Hotel Ajanta looks very nice, I think I will book it. Cheers - Rob

Happy to assist.

I hope that both you & your wife enjoy India - it's an amazing place that can grow on you.

And, as a word of advice, get yourself a guide book (any of the many available) and do your research on the places you are going and, scams and annoyances. Being prepared for what you will encounter can make or break a journey for first-timers.

Cheers
Zoltan

What happened was it monkeys?

seems to be plaster peeling from roof or maybe broken glass

yep looks like plaster to me too.....did the ceiling break or did they decide to do a little renovating?

Honza, I definately wont show my wife your picture. At least you weren't in the bed when the ceiling fell down. It looks like an earthquake.

Rob,
enjoy your trip! Be prepared Parharganj is a tip of a joint...just my opinion folks!! Plenty of urine woft!! Saw a stoned fellow Aussie but wasn't interested talking to a f%$%$d in the brain, stoned fellow Aussie...a real eye opened a few hundred meters form anothet tip, i.e. New Delhi Railway Station!!

That said, I loved Delhi & Kolkata in comparison to Mumbai...if you need a driver, Kumar Tourist Taxi Service & ask for Narain...awesome and honest.
Allthe best Hillman fron sunny Melbourne