Colonel’s Retreat

A wonderful quiet home stay. Friendly hosts and staff who couldn’t do enough to be helpful! Very comfy bed. Spotlessly clean. Loved the roof terrace for both delicious breakfast and superb home cooked evening meal (though the bad city smog is generally not pleasant). Would highly recommend for a few nights in Delhi.

The Colonel's Retreat was a peaceful sanctuary in bustling Delhi. We awoke to birdsong and returned after busy days to drinks and dinner on the rooftop terrace. A delicious breakfast was also served on the terrace which provided a perfect opportunity to connect with other travellers and the owners. Our room was delightful - very clean, comfortable and quiet - with a small balcony that overlooked the tree lined street, and an adjoining sitting room and library for guests. We stayed a number of times during our trip through northern India, including once at the Colonel's Retreat 2. When we returned to Delhi for our last few days in India we were given the room we had first stayed in - it was like coming home. It was also during Holi and we were able to join a fantastic celebration of colured powder (all natural), food, music and dancing in a local park. With the generous breakfast included it was very good value and the friendly, personalised service was an added bonus.

I stayed at Col's Retreat for one unfortunately night when I was shifting homes in the same area. I had made this clear while booking and paid the full money to Esther there. Yet, when I reached after 13 hours of shifting, I was told I was being moved to a different 'building' without the kitchen and I refused. Then they moved me to a matchbox sized room and then when I asked for a basic, standard one - they did shift me, but the person in charge, Kamlesh told me that they did not take 'locals'. This was not when I expected (they had to make this clear at the start), and when I asked to check with Esther, she argued with me continuously not letting me eat my dinner in peace and acted like she did me a personal favour by letting me stay. Then I spoke to the owner Arun Khanna who also said we don't take locals (the ONUS is on you sir) and said condescendingly we will return your money. I told him I don't stay for free but I need to be treated well! At least Kamlesh apologized, Esther didn't till I left, Mr Khanna wanted to meet me in the morning but I was unwell due to the physical stress of shifting and the unnecessary stress caused by Cols and its staff, and we did not meet. A most unpleasant experience if you are desi and not a foreigner was my takeaway and a basic lack of hospitality. My only mistake was to ask for a decent room and want to stay in the premises I booked, and I happened to be Indian.

Beautiful, big and comfortable room in quiet, secure area but handy for Metro to all major sights. Excellent food for both breakfast and dinner eaten on the roof terrace. Take a fleece! Very attentive and efficient staff who helped out with transport and other needs, such as laundry. The owner came to chat to us personally at mealtimes. We would recommend this place to anyone and will be back ourselves in March!

A fabulous, small boutique hotel in New Delhi. Great staff, incredible friendly and kind. The food was delicious. I had breakfast and dinner on all 3 nights! My room was clean, comfortable and had the best pillows. The staff helped me arrange a city tour, which was excellent. I would highly recommend Colonel’s Retreat.

This is a great place to rest up after a chaotic visit to Delhi. The owner was very friendly and came up to us to find out a little bit about ourselves. The rooms were comfortable and clean. Food is freshly made and delicious especially their famous banana bread. The hotel is situated in a residential area and away from the noise and bustle of New Delhi.