Shanti Home

A stylish and serene hotel tucked away in a quiet West Delhi suburb, with an excellent restaurant, small spa and personal service

The setting, down a residential lane in Janakpuri, is an unusual one, but then Shanti Home is not your typical Delhi hotel. This tranquil boutique bolthole is an intimate hideaway that celebrates the colour, character and charm of India through its 17 themed rooms, each named after a specific region.

Shanti (meaning peace in Sanskrit) is the creation of Delhi owners Rajat and Sanjana Verma, who first dreamed of owning their own restaurant and hotel when they met back at university. Fast forward several years, and they’ve achieved their dream: this thoughtfully designed hotel is a gem, with all the charm of a small set-up (peace and excellent personal service), along with the benefits you’d associate with somewhere bigger (a very good restaurant, in-house travel desk and a sitting room on each floor).

Fabulous antiques, curios and art were sourced from across India to style the interiors: a gold-plated elephant headdress hangs in the 'Backwaters' bedroom, while a Raj-era fan complements a carved wooden mirror in 'Jaisalmer'. And there are some charming personal touches, like the in-house magazine detailing things to do in Delhi along with useful Hindi phrases. It’s a little off the beaten track so you’ll be reliant on the metro, but staff are incredibly friendly, and when you walk into the air-conditioned lobby, you’ll instantly feel at home.

Highs

• The sublime Lantern Terrace Garden restaurant offers 5-course tasting menus and Tandoor specialities
• The peaceful rooftop terrace is the ideal place to unwind after a day navigating Delhi's chaotic streets
• There are winning added extras: an in-house tailor, complimentary mobile phone hire, Ayurvedic massages in the spa, and Tandoor cookery lessons
• Nothing is too much trouble for the Shanti Home team ,who go out of their way to ensure you have a memorable stay
• There's a TV and movie lounge, with a library of Hollywood and Bollywood films
• It's stylishly furnished with gorgeous detail throughout, yet affordable

Lows

• Although well connected by the metro, the suburban location in West Delhi can feel somewhat isolated - it takes an hour to get to see most sights and you will likely dine in every night
• The ensuite bathrooms, while large and clean, lack the same designer touches that make the bedrooms shine
• This is urban Delhi; don't expect rooms with views
• It can be noisy, especially during festivals