Himalayan Hostel

This was the worst place I’ve stayed in Delhi. I paid 1500 per day and was told there would be water around the clock and AC all day. Within an hour of paying, the water ran out. During my two-day stay, there was never any water in the bathroom, and they told me to use one on a lower floor. The owner was shameless. He would switch off the AC at 8 o'clock in the morning and say it only ran from 8pm to 8am. The bathroom was always dirty, there was no room service, and the lift was always broken. Never stay at this hostel. Big no.

At 2300, this felt far too expensive for what it was. There are nearby places at half the price with better rooms, leaving you extra money for breakfast and dinner. If it cost half as much, I’d give it 4 stars. Would I recommend it to an 18-year-old travelling to India for the first time? Only because it’s a hostel. Otherwise, spend your money elsewhere and enjoy local food. We had a private room as a couple, and I think the value may be more reasonable if you’re used to shared dorms and bathrooms. Though you might find a private room locally for the same price as a dorm. A polite, well-mannered boy and pleasant staff were among the positives, apart from one blatant lie I mention below. Our first night’s sleep was about 6/10. The mattress was a little lumpy, but being tucked away in the hostel kept outside noise down. Breakfast was tasty, with toast, masala chai, egg and jam, but at this hotel’s price I expected more, or at least an Indian option. Dinner was tasty too, with rice, Dal and veg, though the portions or choice felt limited for the cost. The room’s bathroom smelled damp, and the extractor fan was noisy whenever someone used the bathroom. Someone sitting at reception kept trying to get guests to book an overpriced car and driver for the day. The double rooms don’t have private bathrooms. Each floor has two communal bathrooms shared by a private room and two dorms. Staff said the one nearest us was reserved for the private room, but that turned out to be a lie when they told the next dorm guest they could use both bathrooms. There’s glass above the door to the corridor, so lobby light shines into the room whenever it’s switched on. The water ran out several times, leaving no water in the taps. I don’t believe that was necessarily the hostel’s fault. I overheard a staff member say, 'to many people here', but I’m not sure if he meant the hotel guests or people in the city.

It’s a fairly new hostel, opened less than a month ago, and they’re generous with what they provide. Breakfast and dinner are free, and chef Kayum serves generous portions and is very friendly. The dorm rooms aren’t large, but the beds are comfortable, with curtains, a charging port and a light for each one. Hot water seems to last only about the first ten minutes, so you’ll need to shower quickly. The one thing I missed was a hairdryer to borrow. Most hostels we’ve stayed in have one, and staff said they’d get one soon. Dorms are a bit pricey, but if you don’t mind paying more, it’s a decent place in a good location.

The breakfast is delicious, and the WiFi is very good. The hostel is brand new and very clean, with keys provided for the rooms and personal lockers. Hot showers and towels are available too. They can arrange an airport pickup, which I highly recommend. Raj, the owner, is an outstanding manager and can help with travel ideas and bookings. Thanks for everything, Raj!