The best accommodations South India

Taxes. Levies on services and luxury goods such as large hotels and alcohol vary from state to state. In Tamil Nadu, for example, the posted rate for a night in a luxury hotel will include an additional 35% tax imposed by the government. Even if you get a discount on the room rate, you'll have to add a large and unexpected tax.

It's naturally more expensive to sleep in the city than in remote areas. Big cities like Mumbai, Bangalore or Chennai are more expensive, and hotel prices are close to those in Europe. You'll be hard pressed to find a decent room in Mumbai for less than €50 (around Rs. 4,000). Hotels can also be expensive in medium-sized, less touristy towns. On the other hand, it's easy to find a room for as little as 800 Rs in small towns frequented by Western tourists. Generally speaking, hotels are slightly more expensive in the south of the country than in the north.

General information

The major tourist cities offer a vast choice of hotels. There really is something to suit every budget and taste. Our price classification refers to double room rates. Generally speaking, the cleanliness of budget hotels has improved, especially in establishments catering mainly to foreign tourists. In the most popular tourist areas, however, it is striking to note that rates have risen considerably in recent years, and it is often difficult, if not impossible, to bring them down, especially in the high season. Some budget hotels are a little too expensive for the quality of their services.

In all categories, the abundance of new establishments has created competition among hoteliers, both in terms of price and comfort. It has become easy to find charming hotels with well-kept surroundings at reasonable prices. As for luxury hotels, a few large specialist hotel groups share the segment, or former palaces or dream properties are transformed into hotels. It's difficult to define the quality of a hotel by financial criteria alone. Accommodation that may seem good value for money here may appear rudimentary elsewhere. It's harder to find a good-value room that meets even modest Western standards in the big cities. You'll need to pay at least Rs. 1,000 a night in Mumbai for a room of very limited comfort. Some cities, however, lack world-class hotel infrastructure, so it can be difficult to find something satisfactory. Sometimes you'll have to splurge and opt for a higher category of accommodation, or agree to drop down a few rungs and spend a night or two in hotels for Indian travellers, who aren't the type to play around. That's part of the trip too! Restaurants generally offer both European and Indian cuisine. Their quality is often linked to the quality of the establishment. The higher you go, the better, but some budget hotels also offer delicious Indian cuisine. Travelers will also find a number of beach resorts, palace hotels, country retreats and hotels on important historical sites, all owned by international groups. Prices at these luxury hotels are generally lower than in the West. However, they are subject to various taxes, including a luxury tax, and variable service charges (often 10-15%).

Formalities

When you check into your hotel room, you'll be asked to fill in an entry form: full name, address, passport and visa numbers, date of arrival in India, last city visited, next destination. You'll also need to present your passport for copying. Make sure you receive it promptly. Many lower-end hotels don't have photocopiers, so you'll have to go to the nearest store that does. These formalities are compulsory, and the hotelier will refuse you a room if you don't comply.

Categories

Youth hostels. Prices range from Rs. 150 to Rs. 500 per bed. These hostels can be a good choice, but you have to go and see for yourself, although they are the same in almost every city. You don't need to be a member. The downside is their rules, where men and women are segregated. You can't sleep with your sweetie if you're traveling together. When you arrive somewhere, ask if there's a YMCA or YWCA in town.