The Best Places to Stay in Shimla, India

This manor-style five-star Oberoi resort was once the estate of Lord Kitchener, commander-in-chief of the colonial British Army during the days of the British Raj. It still has an atmosphere of old-world splendour, from its immaculate rooms with Victoria-era touchpoints to the private chef-catered meals that can be arranged in the elegant hall or outdoor gazebo. The spa boasts Himalayan views from an open-air whirlpool tub and daily yoga sessions.

This hotel was the very first property of luxury hotelier Oberoi, which is now practically a household name. Located right on bustling Mall Road, the five-star heritage property is a 10-minute drive from the train station and within walking distance of many of the former British hill station’s leading attractions. The panoramic terrace and Raj-era dining room overlook the city centre, while the 18th-century bar serves up classic cocktails to order.

This historic Mall Road estate was once owned by a colonial-era British architect, nicknamed the “builder of Shimla”. Located in a central spot, the hotel has crisp, spacious rooms, some with interconnecting doors and kitchenettes. There’s also a wellness spa, beauty salon and no fewer than three food and drink spots: a panoramic rooftop bar; a cafe featuring weekend live music and cuisine from around the world (even wood-fired pizzas); and a trendy restaurant serving a mishmash of Indian and Asian dishes.

This Himalayan hideaway comprises a sprawling, 2.4ha (6 acre) estate filled with pine and cedar forests, in between spectacular displays of rhododendron blossoms. Stroll the stately grounds with a cup of masala chai, explore colonial-era local attractions or use the hotel as a launchpad for hotel-led activities. Adrenaline junkies will get a kick out of waterfall rappelling and jumaring (climbing) excursions, while rope bridge crossings and group treasure hunts will appeal to families.

Another historic Oberoi hotel, this elegantly furnished heritage property once hosted fashionable balls during Shimla’s reign as the British summer capital. Period touches add to the hotel’s charm, from teak-wood floors and an atrium lobby to homely, in-room fireplaces. Optional add-ons include a four-course candlelit dinner or a guided walk through local cedar forests. Families with kids will appreciate the children’s activity centre, stocked with toys and video game consoles.

Surrounded by tall pine trees, this modern, reliable resort offers the usual range of temperature-controlled and TV-equipped rooms, many with spectacular mountain views. Half-board package accommodation includes your choice of an American or Indian breakfast and dinner. The play area and game room has ping pong and foosball tables, so bring your competitive streak.

This mammoth, mountain-view resort is ideal for travellers looking for plenty of in-resort activities. Choices include dim sum-making sessions, stargazing and guided yoga excursions, as well as candlelit dinners by the bonfire and glitzy, Bollywood-themed nights. Expect comfortable rooms and amenities within a sprawling, ultra-modern residence, and venture outside for hotel-organised outdoor excursions such as trekking routes and hiking trails, village tours and a bathing trip to a local hot spring.

Near the misty, high-altitude hill town of Mashobra, a 30-minute drive from Shimla, this hilltop resort consists of 54 rooms with a fun Swiss chalet aesthetic at a soaring height of 2,012m (6,600ft) above sea level. A special golf-lovers package includes three 18-hole rounds at nearby Naldehra Golf Club, while others offer jeep safaris, river rafting and mountain trails. All rooms have sweeping views of the surrounding apple orchards and cedar forests, but premium suites have the added bonus of an in-room jacuzzi tub.

You might rub shoulders with Bollywood stars at this sleek boutique hotel, which prides itself on its glittering litany of past guests. The British-era structure was demolished and rebuilt in 2012 with gleaming marble floors and chandeliers that add to the already-opulent setting. The accommodation ranges from garden-view rooms to sprawling suites for four guests. All this splendour is just a short walk from Mall Road and close to plenty of the major Shimla attractions, including ancient churches and the Shimla State Museum.

With its cherry-red rooftops and alpine style, this Mashobra hotel and spa complex features incredible views of the Himalayan foothills and the surrounding valleys. Rooms are airy and tastefully decorated, with cottage-style furnishings and a Nordic colour palette. The multi-cuisine restaurant has an outdoor seating area when weather permits. No organised activities are offered, but the hotel is a convenient driving distance to hot-water springs, the Italian villa of Craignano and the nearby forest reserve.