10 top affordable Delhi hotels

1. Bajaj Indian Homestay

Located in the heart of Delhi's shopping district Karol Bagh, Bajaj Indian Homestay is a gem of a retreat from the chaos. It's less a B&B and more of a boutique hotel experience with each of the 10 rooms individually named and decorated after popular Indian characters and Gods. All are beautifully designed. There's a rooftop terrace and juice bar and the room price includes breakfast, complimentary tea and coffee and airport pickup.

· 8A/34 W.E.A, Karol Bagh, New Delhi; +91 25736509;bajajindianhomestay.com. Singles £41, doubles £49,

2. Florence Inn

Florence Inn is located down a quiet street behind Karol Bagh and just around the corner from some of the best-known shops on Ajmal Khan Road. Its cool marble corridors are an invitation to relaxation and its premium and executive rooms are especially nice. Unusually for Delhi, the rooms have baths instead of showers to wash off the city dust.

· 15 A/6,Pooja Park, Ajmal Khan Road, Karol Bagh; +91 11 42502104;hotelflorence.in. Singles from £27, doubles from £34

3. Hotel Emperor Palms

Hotel Emperor Palms is a three-star hotel which feels like a four-star. Its chic rooms come with leopard print detail and spotless modern bathrooms. You're within spitting distance of well-known sweetshops, Punjab Sweets and Roshan di Kulfi, one of the oldest and best kulfi places in the city.

· 15 A-7, W.E.A. Karol Bagh; +9125725025; emperorpalmshotel.com. Singles £36, doubles from £41

4. Crown Plaza

Crown Plaza offers a pleasant option for those wishing to stay in the heart of New Delhi and is a newly opened addition to the plethora of hotels in the travellers' haven of the main bazaar of Pahar Ganj. The rooms are simply furnished, clean and - rare for this area - quiet. It's right opposite the legendary Metropolis hotel, which has seen better days, but its restaurant is still worth a visit, as are the winding lanes of the main bazaar. 

· 5136, Main Bazar, Pahar Ganj; +91 23561800;cottagecrownplaza@yahoo.co.uk. Doubles £11

5. Hotel Singh Empire

Hotel Singh Empire is located on the busy GB Gupta Road close to Pahar Ganj and is one of the nicest hotels down this strip. Traditionally decorated, the cheaper rooms are in the maze of lower floors, with the smarter rooms upstairs. The rooftop restaurant has just opened and you can even take yoga classes to wind down after a Delhi day. There's free Wi-Fi for guests.

· 8707-8710, D.B. Gupta Road, Pahar Ganj; +91 41541948;hotelsinghempire.com. Singles from £19, doubles from £25

6. Master Guest House

This traditional Indian homestay is run by couple Avnish and Urvashi. They pride themselves on their personal approach to hospitality with only four rooms, all of which are individually decorated. You're treated to expert advice about the city, as well as being offered novel tours such the Hidden Gems of Delhi. You can also order a home-cooked evening meal here for £4 and breakfast includes one of the finest cups of real coffee to be found anywhere in Delhi.

· R 500, New Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi; +91 11 28741089; master-guesthouse.com. Singles £25; doubles £28

7. Hotel Grand Godwin

One of the most popular mid-budget hotels in the Pahar Ganj area and it's easy to see why. The marbled lobby and glass elevator add a touch of class and the rooms are clean and modern. (Its next-door sister Hotel Godwin Deluxe is less value for money). The outdoor rooftop restaurant serves good food and is a pleasant place to sip a Kingfisher beer whilst relaxing in the evening. 

· 8502 / 41 Arakashan Road, Ram Nagar, Paharganj; +91-11-23546891-98; godwinhotels.com. Singles from £13, doubles from £16

8. Hotel Legend

Hotel Legend is just along from the Godwin. The outside might be a bit shabby, but inside is a pleasant surprise. The rooms are large, clean and comfortable. There's free internet access in the lobby as well as a tour operator and the staff are pleasant and helpful. Take a seat at the friendly chai stall right outside, to sit, sip and watch the world walk by.

· 8525 Hotel Lane,Pahar Ganj, Arakashan Road; +91 11 23512010;hotellegendinternational.com. Doubles from £16

9. One Link Road

One Link Road is a lovely B&B in a swish apartment, adorned with ornamental Buddhas and pictures, adding a personal touch. There's a cooling living room for use by the guests. Owner Parul also runs the nearby brand new K One One B&B.

· 1, Link Road, Jungpura Extension, New Delhi, + 91 11 41824083; onelinkroad.com. Singles £38, doubles £44

10. Amarya Haveli

A luxury guesthouse run by two Frenchmen - an elegant mix of French and Indian chic runs through this stunning B&B. It's located in a residential area in South Delhi but is still only an 80 pence rickshaw ride from Central Delhi. There's a magical patio and outdoor bar area to relax on the second floor.

· P5 Hauz Khas Enclave, New Delhi; +911141759268; amaryagroup.com. Doubles from £65

• This article was amended on 27 April and 13 August 2012 to update byline information.