Thikana

We chose this hotel because it advertised 24 hour security and check-in at any hour. We landed in Delhi at 3AM after more than 24 hours of travel, and expected to be able to get into the hotel then. After we called the number the hotel provided, we were told the road was inaccessible due to high security following a recent terror attack. That part made sense. But at 330 AM, instead of helping us reach the hotel, they told us to go to the travel office and said they'd pick us up. When I asked when, they couldn't give me a time. I was in a completely foreign city, with police checkpoints everywhere, unable to get into the hotel I'd chosen specifically for a 3AM check-in. The number we called was the one listed on the reservation for security and late check-in, not some random scam number. In the morning, they had the nerve to suggest someone else, like my cab driver, was trying to scam me. I had called their listed number myself. They spent the next day calling me and blaming me, even after I told them I wanted a refund and didn't want further contact. They kept calling anyway. Then came emails denying any wrongdoing. We had to contact our credit card company to cancel the charge, which was a huge hassle. As a first-time traveler to India, you might think scams are part of the experience. But they kept insisting someone else was responsible and still tried to get me to stay in a room that can't be reached when the road is closed at a checkpoint. That's completely unreasonable. Don't book here. There are plenty of other hotels in Delhi.

I stayed at Thikana for just over two weeks, and it gradually became part of my daily routine. The shared breakfast table was one of the best parts. People from all sorts of backgrounds came through, and with the group changing every few days, there was always someone new to talk to. It’s an easy place to feel included.

We only stayed one night at this homestay hotel on our way back to Delhi, and I wish we’d had longer to try more of the breakfast. The owner was so warm and welcoming. Our room was spacious and clean, the bathroom had been newly renovated, and everything we needed was there, including a kettle.

Atul and Sheetal were so helpful with advice for exploring Delhi, and they arranged a driver I felt I could trust. The guesthouse is lovely, with clean, spacious rooms, and its peaceful South Delhi location makes a great base for seeing the city. I highly recommend it.