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Where to Stay in Surat

Where to Stay in Surat

Surat Gujarat, India Travel Guide

Accommodation Types for Every Traveler

Hotels & Guesthouses

  • Hostels:

    Limited dedicated backpacker hostels. Some budget hotels might offer dorm-like settings, but these are rare for international tourists.

  • Economy Hotels/Guesthouses:

    Numerous options with basic amenities, clean rooms, and comfortable stays at affordable prices. Found city-wide.

  • Mid-Range Hotels:

    Abundant 3-star and 4-star properties. They include in-house restaurants and business services, balancing comfort and value.

  • Luxury Hotels:

    Several 5-star hotels offering premium services, fine dining, pools, and spas, like The Gateway Hotel Surat and Surat Marriott Hotel.

Unique Local Stays

  • Homestays:

    Local families offer authentic immersing in the culture and a glimpse into local life. Inquire through local tourism networks.

  • Service Apartments:

    For longer stays, offering apartment-style living with hotel services, kitchenettes, and more space. Suitable for families or extended visits.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartments:

    Platforms like Vrbo list various apartments and rooms for rent, providing privacy and kitchen facilities for families or extended stays.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation:

    Not common within Surat city. Possible in surrounding rural or natural areas, but not typically organized for tourists.

Surat's Neighborhoods: Where to Stay

Each area within Surat possesses a distinct character and appeal.

Piplod/Dumas Road

Advantages
  • Modern amenities
  • High-quality hotels
  • Extensive entertainment and shopping
  • Good access to Dumas Beach
Considerations
  • Further from old city historical attractions
  • Generally higher prices for accommodation and services

Athwa Gate/Nanpura

Advantages
  • Central location
  • Good access to places of historical interest
  • Wide variety of dining options
Considerations
  • Can be busy with traffic and crowds, especially during peak hours

Varachha/Katargam

Advantages
  • Authentic local experience
  • Budget-friendly accommodation and food
Considerations
  • Less tourist-oriented
  • Can be very crowded and chaotic
  • Might lack a few modern tourist amenities

Important Stay Factors

Safety and Accessibility

Major areas in Surat are generally safe. Take standard precautions in crowded markets. Well-lit and dense areas are safer for night walks. Athwa Gate/Nanpura offers good proximity to the old city, historical sites, and the railway station. Piplod/Dumas Road provides access to modern malls and Dumas Beach. Surat's BRTS and SITILINK bus systems effectively connect most areas.

Ambiance

Central and commercial areas like Athwa Gate or City Light Road can be noisy, reflecting city energy. Residential and upscale areas like Piplod generally offer a quieter ambiance.

Smart Booking Strategies

Thoughtful booking strategies help secure your preferred accommodation and best rates.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Oct-Mar): Book 1-3 months in advance, especially over major festival periods like Diwali, Navratri, or Uttarayan.
  • Shoulder Season (Mar, Jun, Sep): Booking 2-4 weeks in advance usually suffices.
  • Low Season (Apr-Sep): You can often book closer to your travel date. Walk-in availability is more likely, but prior reservation for preferred choices is still wise.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices are highest during peak tourist season (winter) and major festivals. Lower during the summer months and monsoon.

Trusted Platforms and Policies

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, and Online travel agencies like expedia offer wide hotel selections.
  • Indian Platforms: MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, and OYO Rooms are popular local choices.
  • Direct Booking: Booking directly on hotel websites can at times have better discounts or flexible cancellation policies, like with IHG Hotels.
  • Negotiation: For budget hotels or b&bs, polite negotiation for walk-in rates might be possible during off-peak season.

Deposit & Cancellation Policies

Policy Check
  • Policies vary by hotel and platform. Always check specific deposit requirements and cancellation terms.
  • Many platforms offer cancellable for free until a specific period before check-in.
Extended Stays
  • Deposits may be required for longer stays or specific room types.
  • Consider vacation rental platforms like Vrbo for extended visits.

Quick Tip

Flexibility
Peak Season

For peak season or major festivals, early booking is highly recommended to secure preferred options.

Read Carefully

Always read cancellation policies thoroughly to avoid unexpected fees.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are top picks for different budget levels and traveler types in Surat.

Budget & Specialty Stays

Budget:

Look for well-rated local guesthouses and small inns in areas like Athwa Gate or Varachha.

Family-Friendly:

Choose hotels with amenities like pools, larger rooms or suites. Service apartments and vacation rentals provide space and convenience, often with kitchen facilities.

  • Consider Vrbo for vacation rentals.

Hotel Choices

Mid-Range:

Lords Plaza Surat, Ginger Surat, plus The central area Beacon Hotel offer comfortable rooms and good amenities.

Luxury:

Surat Marriott Hotel and The Gateway Hotel Surat (part of the Taj group) are premium options with extensive facilities and services.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Safety & Location:

    Select well-located budget hotels or guesthouses with powerful safety reviews and basic amenities.

  • Connectivity:

    Prioritize areas with good connectivity and clear public transport access for easy exploration.

  • Reputation:

    Check recent guest reviews for insights into safety and service quality, especially for budget options.

  • Amenities:

    Look for basic amenities like reliable Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception.

Long-Stay Accommodations

  • Service Apartments:

    Offer better value and more comprehensive facilities for prolonged visits, including kitchens and laundry options.

  • Vacation Rentals:

    Platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo provide diverse options suitable for longer visits.

  • House Sitting:

    For unique, cost-effective long stays, weigh your options on TrustedHousesitters.

  • Home Comforts:

    Often include kitchen facilities, living spaces, and more privacy, ideal for extended trips.

Properties with Cultural or Historical Significance

Modern Focus:

Surat does not feature many hotels housed in historically significant buildings. The focus tends to be on modern amenities and comfort in contemporary structures.

Old City Exploration:

For a period feel, explore the old city during the day, where traditional architecture and Havelis showcase Surat's rich past.

Booking Summary

Budget Considerations

Surat offers choices for every budget, from guesthouses to luxury hotels. Plan based on your financial preferences.

Location Advantages

Choose a neighborhood that matches your travel style: central for history, upscale for modern amenities, or local for an authentic feel.

Timely Reservations

Book well beforehand for the high season and festivals to secure your preferred stay and avoid last-minute availability issues.