Hotel Godwin Deluxe

Situated on a long drag full of anonymous budget hotels that exist primarily to serve travelers transiting through the nearby New Delhi Railway Station, the Hotel Godwin Deluxe is a diamond in the rough. Though it's not much to look at from the outside, the interiors are notably pleasant. The lobby features floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on the busy street outside, a long black marble reception desk, and a few red faux-leather settees. However, the real star of the show is the gorgeous spiral staircase -- which spirals up to the top floor and is crowned by a modern Art-Deco inspired stained-glass skylight. Everything is modern and sharp, which is a departure from most of what's on offer in and around Paharganj. Still, this mid-range option offers a nice value, and pulls in customers from all categories, from business guests to couples and families.

The Hotel Godwin Deluxe is located on Arakshan Road in the Paharganj neighborhood of New Delhi. The area at large is mostly known for its cheap flophouses aimed at international backpackers, though this particular strip is more popular with domestic travelers needing easy access to the nearby New Delhi Railway Station; the western entrance to the station is only an eight-minute walk from the hotel. Paharganj's main shopping thoroughfare -- the Main Bazaar -- takes about the same amount of time to reach, and is full of backpacker-friendly eating joints, and numerous vendors selling cheap hippie clothes and costume jewelry. There are plenty of upmarket shops, restaurants, and cafes at nearby Connaught Place, a five- to 10-minute drive from the hotel. Old Delhi attractions such as the Red Fort and the busy market area of Chandni Chowk are also a 10-minute drive from the hotel, while it takes a bit longer to reach Old Delhi Railway Station due to consistently congested traffic in the area. Factor in about 15 minutes by car to India Gate, or 20 minutes to Humayun's Tomb. South Delhi attractions such as the Lotus Temple and the Qutub Minar can take 30 to 45 minutes to reach depending on traffic. It's likewise at least 30 minutes by car to Indira Gandhi International Airport, though traffic at peak times means at least an hour should be budgeted. Alternatively, it will take about an hour by Airport Express train from the railway station, which is the closest metro station to the hotel. 

The Godwin Deluxe offers Executive Deluxe Rooms -- each with one double bed, plus Executive Twin Rooms with two twins, and Studio Rooms. All rooms have sharp molded ceilings, hardwood floors, dark-wood furniture and wall trims, and sofas or plush chairs with autumnal color schemes. The look is crisp and modern and far nicer than most of the mid-range or budget offerings in the neighborhood. Executive and Studio Rooms add a few decorative flairs, including bed runners and throw pillows, but otherwise all rooms here have a similar smart vibe. Despite their name, Studio Rooms don't add any apartment-like features such as kitchens, though they are larger and have windows looking in from the bathrooms into the rooms. Amenities are consistent throughout the rooms and include flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, minibars, plus digitally controlled air-conditioning. Bathrooms are sleek, particularly by neighborhood standards, and include large counters with vessel sinks, hairdryers, and walk-in showers (as opposed to the typical wet-room showers) with ceiling-mounted rainfall showerheads, wall-mounted toiletry dispensers, and even massage shower jets on the walls. Travelers should expect a bit of noise from traffic as this is a busy part of town, though some noise from the hotel's restaurant has also been reported.

The Godwin Deluxe has limited amenities, but overall the offerings are reasonable for this part of town. Wi-FI is free throughout the hotel and airport pick-ups are included in room rates. The front desk can also arrange local taxi transportation and tour bookings. An on-site restaurant -- The Indian Grill -- features a free buffet breakfast with hot and cold items, including plenty of Indian specialties. A variety of traditional Indian dishes and international items are available at lunch and dinner. Both indoor ground-floor, and indoor and outdoor rooftop seating is available.