Hotel Ajanta

The Hotel Ajanta is housed in a five-story whitewashed building that features a mix of colonial and modern styles that's a bit of a hodgepodge, but at least offer a clue as to the mixed bag of style and substance on offer at the Hotel Ajanta. Inside, the lobby is a good deal nicer than what one would expect of a budget hotel, with a dark-wood reception desk and dark-wood trim along the windows and doorways, plus a modern false ceiling and a few pieces of Edwardian-style furniture. Old framed photos and beautiful floor tiling in the hallways add to this Old World appeal, and there are numerous nooks with seating areas and brightly painted accent walls. Most guests are budget travelers wanting access to the nearby railway station, and the property attracts both domestic and international visitors, including families.

The Hotel Ajanta is located on Arakshan Road at the edge of the Paharganj neighborhood of New Delhi. The area is mostly known for its cheap flophouses aimed at international backpackers, though this particular strip is more popular with domestic travelers needing easy access to the nearby New Delhi Railway Station; the western entrance to the station is only a seven-minute walk from the hotel. Paharganj's main bazaar takes about the same amount of time to reach, and is full of backpacker-friendly eating joints plus numerous vendors selling cheap hippie clothes and costume jewelry. 

There are plenty of upmarket shops, restaurants, and cafes at nearby Connaught Place, a five- to 10-minute drive from the hotel. Old Delhi attractions such as the Red Fort and the busy market area of Chandni Chowk are also a 10-minute drive from the hotel, while it takes a bit longer to reach Old Delhi Railway Station due to consistently congested traffic in the area. Factor in about 15 minutes by car to India Gate, or 20 minutes to Humayun's Tomb. South Delhi attractions such as the Lotus Temple and the Qutub Minar can take 30 to 45 minutes to reach depending on traffic. It's likewise at least 30 minutes by car to Indira Gandhi International Airport, though traffic at peak times means at least an hour should be budgeted. Alternatively, it will take about an hour on the Airport Express from the railway station, which is the closest metro station to the hotel. 

The Hotel Ajanta offers four room types: Deluxe Rooms, Superior Rooms, Family Rooms, and Suites. Family Rooms are especially large, with two double beds and plenty of room to roam about, but even the entry-level Superior Rooms feel bigger than average. Decor varies a bit depending on room type -- some have marble floors while others are done in hardwood -- and the overall aesthetic is traditional and a bit dated. Furniture is generally wooden, and most rooms come with -- at a minimum -- tables with chairs, desks, large wardrobes, and small nightstands with drawers. Some of the Suites are more pleasant than most of the other rooms -- one has a blue motif, with a four-poster bed, a couple of hanging lanterns, and periwinkle-hued accent walls and trim and all have separate seating areas with small sofas and chairs. Note that while rooms here are kept clean overall, some do show signs of wear and tear, such as scratch marks on the wooden floors or tired-looking furniture. All rooms come with air-conditioning, tube or flat-screen TVs with cable, free Wi-Fi, blackout drapes, and minibars. Like the rooms, bathrooms are large and feature big walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, spacious vanity areas with plenty of counter space, and small wall-mounted hairdryers.

The Hotel Ajanta's amenities are very much aimed at overseas visitors and include foreign currency exchange, tour and train bookings, luggage storage, and free hotel-wide Wi-Fi. There's also a restaurant -- Vagabond -- with colorful seating and a menu featuring food from across India, plus a casual cafe, Voyage Cafe, serving teas, coffees, and pastries. Room service is available around the clock. The hotel makes a point of noting their high hygiene standards and use of mineral water to reassure international guests concerned about tummy upsets. Airport pick-ups are included in some room rates.