OYO 79204 Collection O SOUTH EX GOLDEN

Everything was just right during our stay at South Ex Residncy Bed & Breakfast. The rooms were spacious, comfortable, and very clean, and the property felt welcoming and well cared for. A great place to stay in New Delhi if you want a pleasant, comfortable visit.

This turned out to be a private house with a bedroom for rent, not a hotel as the listing suggested. The owner called it a “homestay type of hotel,” but I found that description misleading. A homestay and a hotel aren't the same. The so-called reception was a small partitioned corner in the stilt parking area, and the kitchen was a gas stove set up in the drawing room. There was also a constant smell like a cheap tea stall. Another guest I spoke to was just as surprised, but stayed because a refund had been refused. After insisting, I was promised a refund and gave my account details. Four days later, nothing had arrived. Avoid this unless you specifically want a homestay, and don't expect a hotel.

The family suite was decent, but the kettle was dirty and the sofa had burn marks and holes. We stayed two days, one in that suite and one in a deluxe room. The deluxe room was a nightmare: it had a shared balcony, the bathroom door wouldn't shut properly and its handle felt ready to come off, and water clogged in the shower area, which felt unhygienic. Nearly every door had a problem. The caretaker took over 15 minutes just to close the balcony door, and we were afraid to open it again, so the balcony was useless. There was also no building in the balcony. The property was clean and the location was good, but it didn't seem properly managed. Staff were unwelcoming, as though letting us stay was a favor. When we asked for garbage bags to carry some things, they refused. Their default answer to our requests seemed to be no. We asked to check out at 12, but the caretaker said the rooms were sold out. When we pointed out that rooms appeared available online, he made excuses and wanted 50% of the day's cost for an extra 30 minutes. He then suggested a small discount if we paid cash, which we declined, and we checked out. Downstairs, the property manager confirmed the rooms weren't sold out and we could have stayed until 12, but by then we had already left. I wouldn't recommend this for a family. The locality seems good, but keep it as a last option.

Ayush was especially helpful, and the staff were great too. You can order food that feels like home. It's very clean and right in the heart of South Delhi, and seems family friendly. I highly recommend staying here on your next visit to Delhi.