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The Best Hotels to Book in Manali, India

The riverside setting of Manali Inn is hard to beat
The riverside setting of Manali Inn is hard to beat | Courtesy of The Manali Inn / Expedia

Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in India. Everyone from backpackers to adventure sports enthusiasts and honeymooners flocks to this scenic town all year round. Even Bollywood filmmakers haven’t been able to resist the beauty of the place. If you’re planning a trip to Manali, these are the best hotels to stay in – bookable on Culture Trip.

The Manali Inn, for a cosy stay

Independent Hotel, Spa Hotel

Bedroom with wooden-beamed ceiling and hardwood floor overlooking nature at the Manali Inn
Courtesy of The Manali Inn / Expedia

The Manali Inn is a cosy hotel sitting across the banks of the mighty River Beas. Besides the 47 comfortable rooms, the hotel also has a fitness centre – complete with a sauna, steam room and hot tub – spa rooms, a conference hall, a video game parlour and a discotheque. The Manali Inn can be found just 3km (1.9mi) from the city centre, popularly known as Mall Road.

ManuAllaya Resort Spa, for laid-back luxury

Resort, Hotel, Luxury

Duplex bedroom with spiral staircase, red curtains, gold furnishings and private balcony at ManuAllaya, the Resort Spa
Courtesy of ManuAllaya, the Resort Spa / Expedia

ManuAllaya is a luxury resort where you can either choose to book a spacious and elegantly designed room or opt for a private cottage. This is one of a handful of hotels in Manali that offer an indoor, temperature-controlled swimming pool. There are also three restaurants at the resort – Cafe Jardin, D’Jong and Kibber – serving Western, Asian and Indian cuisine respectively. There’s also an on-site bar called the Library, where you can relax with a drink in the evening.

The Himalayan, for playing king of the castle

Independent Hotel

Aerial shot of outdoor pool at The Himalayan in a green valley
Courtesy of The Himalayan / Expedia

In terms of architecture, no hotel in Manali compares to the imposing, fortress-like appearance of the Himalayan. The luxury resort, set amid apple and cherry orchards, offers beautifully designed rooms, all furnished with antiques and objets d’art. The Himalayan also works towards sustainable practices like energy and water conservation, waste reduction and local community outreach, making it ideal for those looking for an eco-friendly hotel in Manali.

Johnson Lodge and Spa, for fire-warmed cottages

Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel, Lodge

Wooden lodge bedroom a low double bed with red sheets, teal sofas and a flat screen TV at Johnson Lodge & Spa
Courtesy of Johnson Lodge & Spa / Expedia

Johnson Lodge and Spa was conceptualised by a couple who are both avid travellers. There are three types of accommodation available – standard rooms, cottages and private residences. All rooms have hardwood flooring and are as cosy as they come. The cottages even have a fireplace, perfect for warming your toes during the chilly Manali winters. In the evenings, you can enjoy live music and signature cocktails at the hotel’s bar.

Club Mahindra White Meadows, for active families

Resort, Ice Hotel, Hotel

Elegant dining room with hardwood floors and mosaic light fixtures at the Club Mahindra White Meadows
Courtesy of Club Mahindra White Meadows / Expedia

Club Mahindra is ideal for those coming to Manali for a family vacation. Apart from the regular sightseeing and adventure sports for adults, the hotel also organises outdoor activities for kids, such as paintball. The hotel is located around 4km (2.5mi) from the main town, but the distance shouldn’t keep you away from this charming stay. The quaint property looks especially beautiful during the winter season when it is shrouded in white snow.

WelcomHeritage Urvashi's Retreat, for stunning natural surroundings

Boutique Hotel

Wooden lodge bedroom at WelcomHeritage Urvashis Retreat with a private balcony and panoramic views
Courtesy of WelcomHeritage Urvashi's Retreat / Expedia

Urvashi’s Retreat can be found in an idyllic setting, amid apple orchards and a lush green forest. The rustic decor of the rooms incorporates artfully-designed period furniture. In case the weather turns for the worse or you don’t feel like stepping outdoors, you can also spend the day at the hotel taking cooking classes from the in-house chefs.

Manali Heights, for fairytale views

Resort, Ice Hotel, Hotel

Double bed with leather headboard, plush sofa with red pillows and a writing desk in an elegant room at Manali Heights
Courtesy of Manali Heights / Expedia

Manali Heights looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a fairytale. Perched at a height of 6,930ft (2,112m) and nestled amid the 500-year-old Dhungiri forest, the property offers stunning views of scenic Manali. You can also enjoy local Himachali cuisine at the on-site Whistling Pines restaurant. The famous Hadimba Temple, where many Bollywood films have been shot, is very close to the hotel.

Span Resort and Spa, for total rejuvenation

Resort, Spa Hotel, Luxury

Outdoor pool surrounded by nature at Span Resort and Spa
Courtesy of Span Resort and Spa / Expedia

Span Resort and Spa is the perfect place for a rejuvenating vacation in Manali. The nature resort is surrounded by walnut orchards, pine forests and pristine mountains. The luxury property comes complete with a gym, billiards room, library lounge, jogging track, helipad and a private river access service. You can also request a customised yoga programme at the hotel.

Snow Valley Resorts, for snow-capped splendour

Resort

The dining buffet area with dishes on the counter at Snow Valley Resorts
Courtesy of Snow Valley Resorts / Booking.com

If you like being surrounded by nature, you’ll love this Himalayan hotel in Manali, hugged by thick pine forests and pretty apple orchards. After hiking in the fresh air, cosy up in your room decorated in rich shades of red and green. For squabble-free family time book a spacious duplex, or to snooze on a window-side daybed liberally strewn with plump cushions, opt for the lofty Maharaja room. Those verdant views keep coming at the aptly-named Valley View Restaurant where you can dine on everything from croissants to Chinese noodles and Gujarati dal.

Holiday Heights Manali, for chalet-style charm

Resort

Double bed with wooden headboard in ground-floor room overlooking the garden and the mountains at Holiday Heights Manali
Courtesy of Holiday Heights Manali / Expedia

This family-run, chalet-style hotel has a peaked roof as green as the forest that surrounds it. Bag a room with an ornate balcony for valley or garden views, or splash out on one of the private cottages, which mirror the main hotel’s architecture and come with cooks. Soak up the scenery and the clean, mountain air with a hike to the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa Monastery, just under 3km (1.9mi) away. After that, you’ll have an appetite for the tasty tandoori chicken served at the hotel’s restaurant.

Jo Fernandez added extra reporting to this article.

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