Recommended Hotels

Two decades of exploring India has taught me that hotels are more than rooms—they’re storytellers with souls. This collection represents properties I’ve personally experienced and returned to, each chosen for their unique character, community impact, and ability to create lasting memories. Every stay here balances people, planet, and place, offering authentic experiences that go beyond traditional hospitality.

 

Haveli Dharampura, Delhi

Tells a story – tick Owner managed – tick.  Cultural conservation – tick Haveli Dharampura

Sadhranabagh, Haryana.

Mention Haryana and most people think of Gurgaon. Ask someone about the traditional architecture of

Utsav Camp, Sariska

‘Stunning, absolutely stunning,’ that was my thought as I gazed down over the view from

Laalee, Jaipur

Let’s talk about love! Not something I’m overly familiar with but inspiration can strike when

Fatehs Retreat, Ranthambhore

It’s very difficult these days, with so many hotels to know which one to choose,

Shahpura Bagh, Shahpura, Rajasthan

I put Shahpura in the dictionary and it came back with superlative. I looked up

Chanoudgarh, Chanoud, Rajasthan

A window on a unique world.  There’s something different about Chanoud village. You can’t quite

Wordsworth Lodge, Mount Abu

To become a member of RARE India a hotel must have several qualities; it must

Prem Kunj, Udaipur.

As you know, I believe that most destinations should be a three-night stay, but not

Rann Riders, Dasada, Gujarat

The last couple of days my plans have been affected by climate change. In this

House of MG, Ahmedabad

There’s a reason I bleat on about how the minimum stay in any destination should

Changing the narrative at The Indian Summer House.

Changing The Narrative. I stayed recently at the rather fabulous Indian  Summer House in Kerala.

Sarai at Toria: Reflections on a perfect stay #SS101

Reflections on a Perfect Stay Take a wildlife biologist, author, film maker and conservationist and

Windermere Estate, Munnar A RARE Hotel.

What’s in a name? I wondered, thinking about Windermere Estate, Munnar. A wonderful place that’s

Harivihar, Kerala

I stood in the entrance hallway, being cooled by the inside temperature that can only

Vanghat, Uttarakhand

For a truly off grid, sustainable, nature and wildlife experience, Vanghat is a must! Read

Wilderness without Wifi – The Magic of Fringe Ford

The first Shaji bombshell came as I was exclaiming over the view. We’d just met.