India's best bargain hotels

Domestic fares shot up 18% in the previous quarter, according to the recent American Express Business Travel Monitor. Says Sandeep Shastri, VP and GM of American Express’ Global Business Travel, India: “High inflation rates and network disruption have pushed up domestic fares, and these are likely to stay up, at least for the quarter.”

So, the only avenue to save on upcoming holidays is hotel stays. Thankfully, ‘budget hotels’ are no longer synonymous with seedy, tacky holes in the wall. Today, travellers have ample choice for quality rooms at bargain rates. ET lists some of the best bargain picks across the country.

Hotel Omasila, Leh

It is conveniently located and is walking distance from the main market. The hotel also serves organic fare from its own kitchen garden.

Room rate: Rs 2,400-5,930

Average tariff in the area: Rs 3,000

Tripura Castle, Shillong

The hotel was once a palace of the Tripura royal family, so you can be sure of huge, sprawling, majestic rooms, each with a cosy fireplace as well as picturesque surroundings. It is situated away from the crowded Police Bazaar, the town’s mall road in essence.

Room rate: Rs 3,000-5,000

Average tariff in the area: Rs 2,000

Dekeling Hotel, Darjeeling

Dekeling hotel is situated near the Chowrasta square, in the heart of Darjeeling’s tourist district. The hotel offers a commanding view of the entire panorama of the majestic Kanchenjunga range as well as the town.

Room rate: Rs 1,200-3,200

Average tariff in the area: Rs 3,200

Kedareswar, Varanasi

The best feature is that this sixroom gem is located right by the Ganges. So, even if you don’t want to shell out extra for the room with the river view and pick one at the back of the hotel, there’s free terrace access to keep you happy.

Room rate: Rs 1,000-2,200

Average tariff in the area: Rs 3,400

Lemon Tree Hotel, Indore

Multiple food and beverage options on the premises, a full-fledged business centre, complimentary packaged drinking water in the in-room mini fridge ... this hotel promises all the niceties of an upscale three-star hotel for bargain rates.

Room rate: Rs 2,350-4,800

Average tariff in the area: Rs 2,500

Sri Lakshmi Comforts, Bangalore

The hotel is well-located just off the MG Road, so shopping and nightlife options are at your doorstep. Sightseeing stops, such as the Cubbon Park and the museums, are all within a 2-km radius.

Room rate: Rs 884-2,160

Average tariff in the area: Rs 6,681

Hotel Arya Niwas, Jaipur

Arya Niwas is a renovated heritage mansion or haveli. The main hall is 150 years old, painstakingly restored and maintained, but boasts nice-tohave modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, web conferencing and the like.

Room rate: Rs 900-2,200

Average tariff in the area: Rs 4,849

Bougainvillea Guest House, Candolim

The Portuguese-style guesthouse is located a stone’s throw away from Fort Aguada, among the must-dos in this sun and sand hotspot. It has only six rooms so an idyllic holiday is guaranteed.

Room rate: Rs 2,000-3,000

Average tariff in the state: Rs 6,500

Kaiya House, Varkala

Located just a 10-minute walk from Varkala's famous cliff tops, this boutique hotel promises a different international theme in each of its seven rooms, such as African, Chinese, Native American and more.

Room rate: Rs 2,000-2,500

Average tariff in the state: Rs 5,914 (for budget hotels)

Tourist Hotel, Manali

The hotel is centrally located, and is walking distance from the Mall Road and the bus stand. As a plus, most of the rooms promise scenic mountainscapes.

Room rate: Rs 990-2,200

Average tariff in the area: Rs 4,000

Room rates are per couple per night. Source: TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice winners, State Tourism Department officials, MakeMyTrip.com and HVS Hospitality Services