Colonel's Retreat

Originally a much-loved, family home, the mansion has been cleverly converted into a 16-bedroom B&B. A cool marble staircase decorated with pretty tree motifs leads from the front door up to the higher levels and each floor has a large sitting area, stocked with plenty of books and magazines. Puff your way all the way to the top and reward yourself with tea and cakes on the umbrella-topped roof terrace, a lovely reprieve from the busyness of town.

All 16 bedrooms are unique in size, shape and design. Some are doubles, some are twins; some are rather big and some are not so large! But all are bright and airy and bedecked in Indian art, local photographs, and pretty textiles. En-suite bathrooms have walk-in showers, plenty of hot water and a fat stack of white, fluffy towels.

The Metro Line is a stone’s throw away and for around £1, you’ll be in the heart of Old Delhi for sights like Jama Masjid Road, the Red Fort and the spice market. If you don’t fancy braving the subway, hire a driver (Colonel’s Retreat can do it for you) and head to Humayan’s Tomb (a 10-minute drive away) or nearby Lodhi Gardens and the lovely shops at the Kahn Market.