Bed and breakfasts usually aim to foster a relaxed, quiet atmosphere. Homemade breakfast while supporting local businesses. BnB's help you feel just at home in the new place you are in. Many bed and breakfasts were initially built to be a family home and were later modified to host guests, which is why they're your next peaceful and quaint stay. Here are a few to checkout.
The Rose, New Delhi, Delhi
Surrounded by a mishmash of art galleries, antique furniture shops, restaurants, bars and boutiques, this hidey-hole in South Delhi's trendy Hauz Khas Village is a world away from the rest of the city. Owner Pio Coffrant decorated it himself with homeliness in mind. The ambience is relaxed, and the décor personal each of the 11 rooms has its own character and a view of the Hauz Khas Village Rose Garden. The beds are supremely comfortable, with luxurious quilts and sink-your-head-into pillows. The staff members go out of their way to entertain requests such as flight bookings and provide travel advice, so make the most of their help.
Signature breakfast dish Banana pancakes, straight up. They're thick, sweet and packed with banana-y deliciousness. Sadly, the chef refuses to reveal his secret recipe.
Doubles from Rs 4,300. Book here.
Jai Vilas, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaideep and Archana Singh, a young couple, expertly manage their five-bedroom ancestral home in the heart of the bustling state capital. All rooms have a vintage appeal, featuring four-poster beds covered in bright Rajasthani quilts, and the bungalow has a terrace with a fountain at its centre, which is the perfect spot for a lazy afternoon read. The food is a highlight at this property, so make sure you're around for dinner, which includes succulent safedmaas (lamb pieces in a yoghurt-based gravy with almond, poppy seeds and cardamom inflections).
Be part of the city's social scene by attending a polo match, where you can mingle with Jaipur's fun-loving crowd. Polo season is in the winter months, starting from January, and avid sportsman Jaideep will be happy to arrange game passes for you.
Signature breakfast dish Those with a sweet tooth will love the jalebi milk on offer.
Doubles from Rs 3,000. Book here.
The Cottage, Jeolikot, Uttarakhand
As a little girl, owner Bhuvan Kumari dreamt of owning a stone, ivy-covered cottage. Her dream came true in 1994 when she bought a cottage in Jeolikot, with an eight-acre orchard teeming with wildlife such as barking deer, birds and pine martens. Although this 'shabby-chic' B&B initially had just one room, it now has six&mdashall very homely and decorated with colourful quilts, oversized lampshades, durries on the warm, Sheesham floors and doors made from vintage Kumaoni wood. The owner lives there and is always on call to advise guests on local activities, from sailing on Naini Lake and birdwatching at Pangot, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and Naukuchiatal to boat rides at Sattal and treks in the Kumaon hills. You'll be given a scrumptious slice of freshly baked chocolate cake on arrival. During your stay, you'll also be spoilt with complimentary tea, coffee, lassi, and lemonade.
Signature breakfast dish Fresh, seasonal fruit and homemade aloo parathas with yoghurt, pickles and fresh-mint chutney&mdashserved under Kumari's cheerful supervision.
Doubles from Rs 4,000. Book here.
Thengal Manor, Jorhat, Assam
Constructed in 1929, Thengal Manor is a heritage mansion that offers guests a rich taste of North-East Indian hospitality. Owned by Padma Shri Award winner Hemendra Prasad Barooah, this five-bedroom house was repaired and refurbished in 2000 and kitted out with colonial furniture and fixtures. With fireplaces in each room, an expansive drawing room, and recreational activities including carrom, chess, croquet and fishing, this historic house has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Make sure you visit the homes of the area's indigenous artisans and weavers&mdashthe staff will happily arrange for tours.
Signature breakfast dish Pitha, a typical North East Indian dish consisting of small pouches made out of rice flour, then filled with dry fruits or jaggery and slow-roasted over the fire, is a particular highlight. The egg bhurji and poha are also popular with guests.
Doubles from Rs 6,500. Book here.
Rosaville Heritage Guest House & Resort, Shillong, Meghalaya
This heritage, no-frills, neo-colonial house was built in 1935. The owner, Rosa Kamte, has managed to preserve its original architecture and extended the annexe to include seven guest rooms. Now managed by Kamte's niece Tapoti Rynjah Bawri, the house is immaculately appointed with period furniture and knick-knacks. You can choose from one suite, two standard rooms and four deluxe rooms. Barooah is always on hand to help guests if they require anything&mdashand take them to local markets to pick out sweets or handicrafts.
Signature breakfast dish The egg bhurji, made in-house with a secret blend of spices, is particularly popular.
Doubles from Rs 2,200. Book here.
Ccaza Ccomodore, Alibaug, Maharashtra
Built in 1993 as a retirement home for Navy Commodore Surinder Mongia and his wife Neena, this boutique villa (which was Alibaug's first full-service luxury pool villa) is now run by their son Nitin. Food is a strong focus on the property, most of it sourced locally and cooked with bold flavours. Sailing and treks are available to nearby attractions, such as the Kankeshwar temple. Nitin's latest gourmet venture, Kiki's Cafe and Deli, is only 10 minutes from the B&B and offers wholesome and delicious meals.
Signature breakfast dish "The Whole Hog," which includes a three-egg, double-cheese masala omelette, sausages or bacon, pancakes with warm honey or maple syrup, fried toast and tea or coffee.
Doubles from Rs 12,000. Book here.
Arts Reverie, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
What makes it special This restored haveli in the historic quarter of Ahmedabad now functions as an international centre for artists and craftsmen, promoting the work of the local population. Classified as 'remarkable' by the city's heritage department, the house is a winning combination of traditional structure coupled with modern amenities. The establishment offers arts, architecture and handicraft tours of the city and its surroundings.
Signature breakfast dish The bajrina rotlas, served with hand-churned white butter, are the most sought-after items on the menu.
Doubles from Rs 5,500. Book here.
Capella, Goa
This charming house is located in the Goan village of Parra, operated by Jamshed and Ayesha Madon, the owners of the speciality Italian restaurant J&A's. A stay here is a homely affair, with the family, staff and pets always around the house and home-cooked meals on request. Accommodation on offer is Heliconia, a first-floor room with hill views Silk Cotton, an independent cottage in a bamboo grove and Frangipani, a ground-floor room ideal for single travellers.
The owners can organise bird-watching trips for enthusiasts and are happy to assist with other services such as reliable cab drivers, restaurant recommendations and yacht charters.
Signature breakfast dish The banana, strawberry and yoghurt crêpes with honey are a highlight.
Doubles from Rs 4,000. Book here.
Sunbeam, Goa
Designer Jivi Sethi brings his eclectic style to this heritage home in Assagaon, North Goa. Lush foliage envelops the four rooms he rents out for short stays, and the house affords great views of a cobbled lawn and a pool. Staying at Sunbeam is a masterclass in interior design&mdashthe house successfully juxtaposes vinyl with the finest brocades and traditional bronzes with abstract paintings. The terrace-top Mughal Garden, which comes with a bar as well as barbecue facilities, is a great spot for hosting parties.
Signature breakfast dish A range of fresh fruits alongside a tall glass of tender coconut lassi.
Doubles from Rs 6,500. Book here.
La Maison, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu
French owners Anne and Benoît have brought their unique artistic touch to this heritage bungalow, located in the middle of a tea plantation in the hills of Kotagiri. The house, built back in 1897 by a Scottish family and later owned by a Tamilian from Ooty, boasts wooden floors, oil paintings, acrylics and antique fittings. Enjoy a delectable range of French-Indian fusion cuisine throughout your stay. The property has a jacuzzi, an expert nanny service and plenty of space to play outdoor games, making it the ideal spot for a family holiday.
Signature breakfast dish Their jams, including the delicious orange-and-lavender marmalade, are made with ingredients picked from the organic garden. La Maison is also famous for its poulard omelettes&mdashmade by cooking the yolk and white separately in a pan, then together&mdashthat is incomparably light and fluffy.
Doubles from Rs 7,920. Book here.
Cover photo credit Shutterstock
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