, A Comfortable Oasis Among Delhi’s Chaos

By pure luck I became acquainted with Amarya Villa, a boutique hotel in Delhi, after befriending a foreign couple on a flight into Indira Gandhi International. Sight unseen they reserved a room in this property which only opened it’s doors in October 2010. After my rapid walk-through of the front entrance and lobby, plus their delight with the facilities, I was impressed enough to reserve a room upon my future return to Delhi just 3 weeks later.

The French owners took what they describe as a city mansion, and transformed it into a home-away-from-home. Finding Amarya Villa can prove tricky if arriving after a late-night touchdown into the airport. There is no sign nor placards pointing guests in the right direction. It takes good old fashioned street number reading to arrive at the nondescript building just inside the upscale Safdarjung Enclave. Any trepidations immediately vanish upon passing through the white picket fence gate. New arrivals are met with smiles and welcomes by any number of friendly, well-spoken staff.

Crushed rock lines a narrow stone pathway leading past the building on the left, and the continuing white picket fence on the right. Privacy comes easily from this high fence blocking views of the street and surrounding neighbors. At the end of the pathway is a small, efficient office where no request too big or small is handled with the simplest asking. Adjacently located through French doors is a beautifully decorated lobby dripping in traditional vibrant Indian colors. This large space conveys a warm feeling with large glass doors on either end, a luxurious glass chandelier in multi-colored hues, and simple, elegant furnishings that exude meticulous thought and caring into their existence.

Access to guest rooms comes via a winding staircase quietly positioned in the corner. Upstairs, the ambiance turns into a homogeneous stark white cocoon broken up with scattered doors here and there. Unlock any door to discover well-appointed rooms so neat and clean they can honestly be called spotless. Color once again enters the environment by way of whimsical bedding, wall designs, paint choices and unique lighting fixtures. Tourists will enjoy the modern bathroom complete with dark marble, bulky porcelain sinks, chrome fixtures, and the open glass showers.

Downstairs houses a spacious yet intimate dining area tastefully decorated in a way to let the food provide the visual stimulation. Breakfast is included in the room rate and maybe enjoyed here or in the guest rooms. Simple lunch choices are available although a bit on the high end compared to local cafes. Dinner is a chef’s choice of Indian food, prepared on-site in the sleek stainless steel outfitted kitchen adjacent to the dining room. This area too is so neat and clean that guests are welcome to pop their heads in for a peek. No Delhi belly here.

The vibrant city of New Delhi, in the northern reaches of India, offers so many wonderful hotel and guest house options that picking one is nearly impossible. Amarya Villa, with years of experience from two sister properties, perfectly executes the Indian guest house experience. A terrific staff, sumptuous rooms, relaxing common areas, and understated privacy tucked away in a walking-friendly area of this booming city make this new property the only choice from New Delhi tourists.

Cost: Rs 6000 for a deluxe room. Included taxes, breakfast, and unlimited WiFi throughout the property.