Staybook - Jyoti Mahal A Heritage Hotel

We enjoyed the rooftop breakfast and the newer downstairs space, with tasty food at standard prices. The travel agent, Umer Mir, also helped us plan a great discovery of India on our Rajasthan trip. We stayed in different rooms on our visits: 204 had classic, fun decor, while 202 at the end of the trip was near and quieter, so we slept well. The foyer and decorations have lots of personality, with beautifully crafted traditional art and furniture throughout. The area is interesting and tourist-friendly, and tuk tuks make it easy to reach the main sites. The staff were lovely, including Mahi at the desk. We were very pleased we chose Jyoti Mahal.

The staff were the best part of my three nights here, especially the security guard, who was really nice and easy to talk to. I also liked the rooftop and its good service, though it was quite expensive. Jyoti Mahal has a distinctive feel, like a little Indian palace, with lots of traditional details, and it's well located near the city center. Cleanliness could be better, though it was acceptable by local standards. The outside padlock and inside bolts on the room doors didn't feel very comfortable. Great atmosphere and staff, but some things need work.

We stayed just one night while passing through Deli for a flight. The staff were friendly throughout, kept our luggage at reception after checkout, and arranged our airport taxi efficiently and on time. The room was quiet despite the busy Delhi area, and the beds were comfortable. The online room pictures didn't quite match the actual room, and the bedding was old and pilled. Breakfast was very basic, so I wouldn't pay extra for it. It was included in our room price. I can't say whether things are always the same.

The rooms were clean, the air-conditioning worked excellently, and both the bed comfort and bathroom water pressure were sufficient. Breakfast was simple and tasty. I wasn't keen on the area, but I'm definitely a fan of Jyoti Mahal now and will be back. It's a quaint family-run hotel in the heart of Paharganj, converted from an old Haveli type house behind the defunct Imperial Theatre. Everyone was friendly, from Rajesh at the front security to the desk staff and owner Mr Cheena Singh. Even Jordan, the regal old 14-year-old Golden retriever, was friendly.