Travel India Info

Making Hotel Reservations in India

Make hotel reservations before arriving at your destination. Do not plan on arriving in India without a confirmed hotel reservation, at least for the first night. Arriving without a confirmed hotel reservation may result in not only your paying a higher rate for your hotel but also in your having to settle for a room that you may not be suitable for your specific needs. There are benefits to making hotel reservations before arriving to any new destination. You not only save money but also the opportunity of being able to shop around for something within your budget and suitable to your taste.

Making Hotel Reservations in India

Planning your travel itinerary for your

vacation in India

When it comes to planning your travel itinerary in India, deciding where to go is often a matter of personal interest and preference. However, figuring out where to stay and how to get there can be a bit more challenging, especially for foreign tourists who may need assistance. Most hotel and tour packages in India can be booked through online portals like Make My Trip, Cleartrip, Expedia, Yatra.com, and Travel Guru, among others. Alternatively, you can directly contact hotels in India to make reservations. However, keep in mind that as a foreign tourist, you may not have sufficient knowledge about a specific hotel and might require advice in selecting suitable accommodations. When utilizing online booking methods, it's essential to rely on your instincts and make choices based on information provided on websites or even hotel reviews available on platforms like Trip Advisor. However, be cautious, as sometimes fake reviews are posted to either attract or discourage people from choosing a particular hotel, potentially misleading your decision. It's important to note that India imposes a luxury tax primarily on services offered by hotels, spas, and resorts. However, food and beverages served at hotels are exempt from this tax. The luxury tax rates for hotels vary based on the room tariff per night. Additionally, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) places luxury items in the highest tax bracket of 28%, which is charged on top of the advertised room tariff rate. Here's a breakdown of the GST rates applicable based on the room tariff: For rooms with a tariff of less than 1000 Rupees, no GST is applicable. For rooms with a tariff between 1000 and 2499 Rupees, the GST rate is 12%. For rooms with a tariff between 1500 and 7499 Rupees, the GST rate is 18%. For rooms with a tariff exceeding 7500 Rupees, the GST charged is 28%. Make sure to consider these amounts when booking hotels in India to avoid any surprises or discrepancies in your final bill. I hope these tips will assist you in planning your trip to India and make your stay more enjoyable. Remember to conduct thorough research, seek recommendations, and make informed decisions to have a fantastic experience exploring this incredible country. Most hotels on hill stations all over India offer lower rates at off season times. In case you are making on-line hotel reservations then the seasonal discounts are usually reflected in the rates shown. Chances are you will get a better rate for a hotel room by booking on-line than booking directly with the hotel. On line booking websites deal in volume and hence have the ability to negotiate lower prices. Hotels usually don't pass such savings on to the public directly.