Kid picking up cherries at a farm in Shimla. pic credit: Charu Chitwal
With the summer holidays coming up and the mercury rising, everyone is looking around for weekend escapes. Shimla being close to Delhi is the most favorite escape of all Delhiites. A quaint little establishment on seven hills, it was known as the summer capital of India. Shimla has been a favorite among tourists over the years. The cherry orchards, breathtaking valley views, and the famous heritage toy train, Shimla is one of the most coveted hill stations in India. I asked friends on their favourite hotels in Shimla and this is what they have to say;
CLARKES HOTEL
Charu Chitwal who hails from Shimla but is now settled in Delhi reminisces;
It is a lovely hotel with great views over the Himalayas. Rooms are dim litted but add to the ambience of the place. In a great location at the bottom of the pedestrianized mall and with easy reach of the main sites. The front desk staff and bar staff are absolutely brilliant, very friendly and knowledgeable. It is a historical building belonging to the British era. It has a beautiful view and is walking distance from the centre of Shimla – Mall Road.
This Heritage hotel has recently been upgraded to Heritage Grand category and is one of the oldest hotels(since 1898) in Shimla. Clarkes Hotel embodies the elegance and charm of yesteryear, with modern conveniences of today. The service is good, staff is courteous and food is delectable.
pic credit : https://indialovely.files.wordpress.com
THE OBEROI CECIL, SHIMLA
Pooja Sabharwal, a corporate professional from Mumbai, says this is her all time favourite property. She rates this as the most kid-friendly of all the hotels in Shimla.
We have been going there since 2011 as we just absolutely love the property. It has impeccable hospitality, great place for kids and a great spa.
The Oberoi Cecil has breathtaking views of mountains and valleys from the guest rooms and suites, restaurants, outdoor heated whirlpool and the in-door heated swimming pool. They also offer several outdoor and indoor recreational activities such as trekking, mountain biking, river rafting, billiards and golf. Spa Suites are ideal for those who would like to experience a unique holistic wellness program.
There is enough and more to keep your kids engaged. Furnished with gaming machines, soft toys, table tennis and a library, the dedicated Children’s Activity Centre.
English teas, fine dining at night, log fires, a heated indoor swimming pool, impeccable and personalised service and panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range, are some highlights of the hotel.
ps. Great choice if you are headed there with kids.
pic courtesy: Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
pic courtesy: Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
Shalu Malhotra, fashion designer from Delhi, heads to the Wildflower Hall whenever she can get away from the city life. She first went there for her honeymoon and has been in love with the property ever since.
I love the view from the balcony overlooking the magnificent Himalayas. The food, the service and the location is all superb!
Wildflower Hall is a fairytale luxury resort set in 23 acres of virgin woods of pine and cedar. The hotel recreates the magic of the colonial era. You can beautiful views of mountains and valleys from the rooms, restaurants, outdoor Jacuzzi and the heated swimming pool. Nature lovers can explore the Himalayas and enjoy adventure sports.
p.s. One thing to note is that Wildflower hall does not allow kids below 10 years.
pic courtesy : Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
pic courtesy : Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
pic courtesy : Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
With choices of Hotels in Shimla such as these, I am sure you are already tempted to head there.
I loved the pictures. Wink wink. But Shimla is a great break any time of the year, especially when delhi is hitting 43. Having been brought up there I can tell u that there is a hotel at every 100mts in there. But you have selected the gems
This post makes me want to just take a vacation to Shimla. These 3 hotels are indeed the best in Shimla. Shall keep in mind 🙂
Love the format of the post and how other women have shared their favourite hotels and resorts in Shimla! You should also try Chail when you take a trip to Shimla!
That’s a good suggestion Manavi
Such experiences craves anyone to go for a vacation, Shimla is always a hot spot when we talk about summer vacations due to the cold and cozy climate, and talking about the reviews by the SUPER MOMS recommendation, i must give it to them for such a wonderful and precise review, it is of a great help for tourist going to Shimla and thanks for piling it up here Prerna 🙂
Wow, thanks Aziz, very thoughtful comment. Much appreciated.
Thanks a lot for the reccomendation. It si always good to know about decent places to stay in a tourist destination:)
Glad it could help you 🙂
To be honest, I would rate Shimla as one of the greatest tourist destinations in India ,at least.Now, this may be a debatable assertion but, it is not just the pictures of hotels and resorts that help rank a place high, it is the memories associated that do the trick.Don’t you think so?
Great recommendations! I have been to Wildflower hall as a kid and that place mesmerised me. With summers around the corner I’m tempted to go for a vacation to Shimla 🙂
nice post