Srijit Kumar BhadraA new wave of budget hotels is changing affordable travel in India. These hotels focus on the basics. They make sure guests have a comfortable stay without extra costs. You will find clean, well-furnished rooms with reliable Wi-Fi, good air conditioning, and modern bathrooms - all for under ₹2,500 (excluding taxes) a night. By not having in-house restaurants, they keep costs low. This lets guests explore local cuisine through apps like Zomato and Swiggy. I like this approach. I can order anything from spicy street chaat to delicious meals right to my room. To make things even easier, these hotels provide free cups, plates, and spoons in every room. This makes enjoying a simple meal hassle-free. Plus, many small, unbranded hotels and homestays are rising to compete with larger names like Treebo and Oyo. This friendly competition brings fresh ideas and better deals for travellers like me.