Colonel’s Retreat Guest House, New Delhi

Colonel's Retreat is a quaint family run property it maintains an air of individuality and personal service, in a city of global chain hotels with 100+ rooms. Its location is one of its main selling points, in residential Defence Colony and close to one of New Delhi's favourite markets: amongst locals rather than tourists. In all, it allows for a most authentic stay. Each of its six rooms is uniquely decorated, and what they lack in mod cons they make up for in character. There is a charming roof terrace, with plenty of seating, luscious plants and atmospheric lighting in the evening. The perfect place to watch the sunset, you'll often find guests congregating up here. Each of its six bedrooms is colourfully decorated, with Indian patterns and prints, and beautiful bed linens. Professional photographs and artworks add a lived-in feel. Every care is taken to make guest's stay as seamless as possible. Home comforts such as freshly baked banana bread and a pot of tea on the terrace are a welcome treat, though you are moments from some of Delhi's best-loved dining spots. A charming, well-priced hotel in an excellent location. If it weren't so cliché, you might say it was "Delhi's best-kept secret".