Budget Travel: How To Plan A Luxury Stay Without Breaking The Bank

Looking for luxury yet that minuscule budget always holds you back? Well, look no further for I spill the beans on how to stay in a luxurious hotel while sticking to your budget...

Now, here’s the catch- make the most of the lean season of travel. Let me explain. Like you, I too considered off-season as a closed option for travelling until I searched over different websites and finally got these amazing budget travel deals for luxurious hotels. Very few people would know that travelling at this time has its own perks- less crowd, low costs and above all, staying in the swankiest properties that you’ve always dreamt of. So, here’s a list of hotels in India along with the prices (note that below rates are based on a couple stay) that I booked from June to September (2012-2014):

Taj Chandela, Khajuraho
 

Little did I know that a hotel stay in Taj will ever fit my pocket. Add to that, the undivided attention I received from the hotel staff, owing to the low occupancy rate, was commendable. Here, I paid INR 7750 for a 2N/3D stay and following were the inclusions:

• Superior Pool View Room (got an upgrade during check-in since the room was available)
• Buffet Breakfast and Dinner
• Access to Swimming Pool, Indoor and Outdoor Games Room
• 20% off on other food and beverages
• Inclusive of luxury and other taxes

My Verdict: “So good, I’m going there again!”

ITC Rajputana, Jaipur
 

Fancy staying in a heritage property? Well, I always wished to and my wish sure did come true! The traditional welcome, beautiful lattice work depicting authentic Rajasthani architecture, long corridors and courtyards- it was all too magical and unbelievable for me (considering the budget travel constraint) at a price of INR 5600 only! Here’s what I got for a 1N/2D stay:

• Executive Club Room
• Buffet Breakfast
• Inclusive of luxury and other taxes

My Verdict: “Their in-house restaurant serves the yummiest Peshawari cuisine in Jaipur.”

Country Inn, Corbett
 

Nature’s luxurious lap, truly! While the green foliage transported me to another world, the plethora of inclusions offered by the Country Inn Resort were quite interesting and tempted me to book right away for my budget travel holiday. So, for a 1N/2D couple @ INR 7200, I got many goodies like:

• Welcome Drink
• Luxury Deluxe Room
• All Meals- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Morning River Trek
• Indoor and Outdoor Games
• Musical Evening
• Wildlife Movie Viewing Session
• Inclusive of luxury and other taxes

My Verdict: “The evening bonfire amidst the woods was the best part.”

Holiday Inn, Goa

A stunning property located in South Goa, this resort offers spacious rooms with a balcony in each room and all the modern amenities. From an activity room, restaurants, café, spa villa, BBQ to children’s playground; the resort is perfect for that relaxing holiday you’ve been yearning for a long time. Spend INR 5000 only for a 1N/2D stay and get:

• Garden View Plaza Room
• Buffet Breakfast
• Inclusive of luxury and other taxes

My Verdict: “Get even better rates when you book this for a 3N/4D stay.”

Rang Mahal, Jaisalmer

I happened to stay here with a bunch of friends this year. From the moment you step in, this hotel ooze with grandeur from every bend. Boasting of a luxurious décor, I felt I was staying in a regal fort. And like always, the deal I cracked at Rang Mahal was close to unimaginable. For a 1N/2D stay @ INR 5500, I got:

• Accommodation in Deluxe room (One-level up from basic room)
• Buffet Breakfast and Dinner
• Access to Swimming Pool
• Inclusive of luxury and other taxes

My Verdict: “Spacious rooms and a very efficient room service.”

These were some of the stealers from my budget travel diary. Few hiccups but mostly a thumbs-up, these hotels made luxury quite affordable for me. And I’m sure there are many more like these. Have you ever stayed at one? Then, why not share your luxury hotel story (on a budget) with me. And before I sign off, don’t forget that this is the right time to book a hotel in India.