Hotel Amax Inn

The Hotel Amax Inn is a budget hotel that's popular with no-fuss travelers -- notably international backpackers as well as domestic travelers needing a place to crash for a night near New Delhi Railway Station. As there are plenty of rooms that sleep up to three people, it's also a good option for families as well as groups of friends traveling together. It's tucked off in a side alley, which keeps things a bit quieter in an otherwise congested part of Delhi. There's not much in the way of public areas, but a pleasant lobby has wooden upholstered sofas and a huge photo mural of Indian tourist attractions on one wall, making the space feel more like a tourism bureau than a hotel (not surprising considering the lobby does have its own travel agency). The other main common area is the bi-level rooftop restaurant, with an open main level and a second upstairs section that's completely shaded -- it's a popular spot for guests to hang out throughout the day.  

Hotel Amax Inn is located in the Paharganj neighborhood of New Delhi, an area known for its cheap hotels, backpacker-friendly eating joints, and numerous shops selling hippie clothes and costume jewelry. The main bazaar is about 10 minutes away on foot. Rama Krishna Ashram Marg station of the Delhi Metro is a 15-minute walk away, while New Delhi Railway Station, which also has a metro stop, is a 10- to 15-minute walk depending on the platform. Lots of upmarket shops, restaurants, and cafes can be found in Connaught Place, a 10-minute cab ride from the hotel. Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk -- known for its old markets -- is a 15-minute drive away. The Sikh temple of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Jantar Mantar, a collection of enormous historic astronomical instruments, can take as little as 10 minutes to reach by car, but getting to both usually takes longer due to traffic. Factor in about 15 minutes by car to India Gate, or 20 to 25 minutes to Humayun's Tomb. South Delhi attractions such as the Lotus Temple and Qutub Minar are a 45-minute drive (or longer) to reach depending on traffic. The Indira Gandhi International Airport can take up to an hour to reach by car depending on the time of day.

The Amax Inn offers a range of room types with single, double, and triple configurations. Decor is simple, but pleasant, in all rooms, with decal-style tree designs on the walls, accent walls in some units, throw pillows to brighten up white linen-draped beds, molded ceilings with recessed lighting, and simple wooden furniture including wardrobes, vanities, and small chairs with tables. The windows are small, and some rooms lack them entirely, but rooms generally feel bright overall. Flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi come standard, and all but one room have air-conditioning. Bathrooms are sleek given the hotel's pearl rating, with vessel sinks and marble walls plus walk-in showers separated from the bathrooms by glass half-partitions. It's worth noting that noise from inside the hotel, including from it's kitchen and generator, can be an issue in some rooms.

The Amax Inn offers decent amenities for a budget hotel, including free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and a range of concierge services including laundry, airport and train station transfers, and tour and taxi bookings. There's also an on-site travel agent offering all sorts of tour packages both around Delhi and across the country. The hotel's most noteworthy feature, however, is its bi-level rooftop restaurant, a sunny outdoor space with electric fans to keep things cool and a well-liked  menu of international and Indian items. Room service is also available around the clock.