India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) (90 page)

If you want ultracheap and functional and intend to eat out, then by all means endure a night or two at the government-run
MTDC Holiday Resort
(Station Rd., Aurangabad 431 001;
0240/233-1513
), which offers relatively clean rooms in a central location (near restaurants, the taxi hub, and travel agencies) but little else (and you’ll need to check out at 9am). Insist on an air-conditioned unit that costs Rs 1,100 double; family rooms are Rs 1,200. You may also wish to ask about rooms at the MTDC’s hotel at
Fardapur
(
02438/24-4230
), some 5km (3 miles) from the Ajanta Caves; deluxe air-conditioned doubles go for Rs 900, but there are no restaurants to escape to, so you’ll have to put up with the dull in-house option.

Amarpreet
It ain’t pretty, nor is it aiming at five-star status, but this is a serviceable budget hotel with neat, clean bedrooms, a pair of respected restaurants, and an obliging staff. Considering that Aurangabad is pretty much just a place to rest between trips out to the caves, we see no reason why you won’t be perfectly comfortable here. Staff will happily arrange cars and guides, and are practically falling over themselves to come to your aid. If you fancy a special view, ask for a room facing the Bibi ka Muqbara; these rooms (at the back) are also less prone to traffic noise. Club rooms are altogether better than the slightly tacky deluxe units (which are carpeted, have very old furniture, and don’t have tubs). At press time, the hotel was undergoing massive expansion (they’re even getting a pool), so if you’re concerned about the potential impact of construction noise, check ahead to see what the current status is.

Jalna Rd., Aurangabad 431 001.
/Fax
0240/662-1133,
0240/233-2521, -2522, or -2523.
www.amarpreethotel.com
. 30 units, with plans for 100 after extensive renovations. Rs 3,100 deluxe double; Rs 3,800 Club double; Rs 5,500 executive deluxe suite double; Rs 750–Rs 900 extra person. Rates exclude 10% tax; high season surcharge may apply. MC, V.
Amenities:
2 restaurant; bar; airport transfers (Rs 250); children’s play park; Internet (broadband in business center; Rs 50/hr.); room service. In room: A/C and fans, TV.

The Ambassador Ajanta
Set amid lovely lawns with fountains and well-maintained flower beds, this rapidly aging hotel offers good facilities and relative comfort—fine for relaxing after a hectic day of cave exploration, but in no way up to date with modern standards. Moghul artworks, statues, and objets d’art decorate the public areas, presumably recalling the creative spirit of Ellora and Ajanta, but bedrooms could do with a smartening up. Strangely, the cheaper executive rooms (on the fourth floor) feel altogether more comfortable—they have more dated (slightly vintage) furniture and finishes, but the ambience is better, with plush carpets, improved mattresses and (should you look carefully) erotic handles on the bedside drawers. The best rooms overlook the pool. Sadly, service is remarkably sluggish—so many people standing around observing.

Jalna Rd., CIDCO, Aurangabad 431 003.
0240/248-5211
through -5214. Fax 0240/248-4367.
www.ambassadorindia.com
. 92 units. Rs 5,000 executive double; Rs 6,000 superior double; Rs 6,000 executive suite; Rs 7,000 deluxe suite; Rs 9,500 Ajanta suite; Rs 12,000 presidential suite; Rs 800 extra bed. Children under 12 stay free if sharing without extra bed. Rates exclude 10% tax. AE, DC, MC, V.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; free airport transfers; babysitting (on request); badminton court; health club and basic spa; jogging track; large outdoor pool; room service; squash court; tennis court. In room: A/C, TV, DVD (on request), hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi (Rs 140/hr.; Rs 340/day).

Lemon Tree
Close to the airport (10 min.) and the train station (20 min.), this smart, good-value hotel is a welcome addition to Aurangabad’s hotel scene; light-filled public areas and fresh-looking rooms that are modern and sleek with wooden floors, large beds (and orthopedic mattresses), and plenty of bright, cheerful enhancements (modern artworks and colorful fabrics) to spruce things up. The best ones face the garden pool—a fine place to rejuvenate after visiting the caves—and there are a host of amenities (including a spa) to keep you occupied should you be looking for distractions while in Aurangabad. They’ve added thoughtful touches, too, like having PlayStation in the hip little lounge, along with board games and a pool table. The best feature, though, must be the stellar service; staff seems genuinely concerned about your well-being.

R-7/2 Chikalthana, Airport Rd., Aurangabad 431 210.
0
240/660-3030.
www.lemontreehotels.com
. 102 units. Rs 5,000 superior double; Rs 6,000 deluxe double; Rs 7,000 executive double; Rs 10,000 suite; Rs 1,000 extra bed. Rates include breakfast; taxes extra. MC, V.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; airport transfers (Rs 200); health club and spa; large outdoor pool; room service. In room: A/C and fans, TV, hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi (Rs 160/hr.).