Nainital is located within the bosom of a majestic mountain range, covered with thick alpine forests, with a beautiful blue lake for a heart. The choice of stay is one-a-plenty, but the decision falls to whether you wish to stay within the heart of the city, surrounded by a more hip crowd and happening destinations, or escape to the hills around the valley - calm, soft and primal. Here are our picks for the two -
By The Lake
Manu Maharani: Located in close proximity to the hustle and bustle of Mall Road, the Manu Maharani Hotel offers its visitors an insulated accommodation. Surrounded by large alpine trees, the mountains and the lake, each room boasts a great view of Nainital's natural beauty. The hotel offers professional service and standard facilities, including a health center, a spa, fully fitted gym, bar/lounge, a variety of eateries, a business center and a recreation center for children.
Naini Retreat: Claimed to be a heritage hotel - the former residence of one of Nainital's maharajas, the hotel is situated along the Ayarpatta Range and overlooks the lake to its east. Wooden floors, large ornate lighting, huge halls and a patio that offers an unfettered view, the royal ambience of the Naini Retreat is undeniable. While it may seem a little old-fashioned, the hotel offers modern amenities and facilities - a specialist spa center, a recreation center, bar/lounge, multi cuisine restaurants, a business center and finally a variety of outdoor experiences - rock climbing, treks, yachting and horse riding - are offered by the hotel's travel desk.
Bhikampur Lodge: Originally a summer house built by a British resident in the 1900s, the Bhikampur Lodge is now a top-rated hotel in Nainital. Surrounded by Nainital's large alpine forests and offering a direct view of the lake and its surroundings - both manmade and natural - the Lodge is famous for its exquisite and limited rooms - split into regular, Nawab Shahab & Begum Suites and finally the Writer's Cottage; all with modern amenities. The hotel also is placed adjacent to the Raj Bhawan Golf Course and a plethora of other recreational opportunities - the High Altitude Zoo, Mall Road and more.
Vikram Vintage Inn: With 42 beautifully furnished rooms and suites, a view of the ever expansive valley below and the Himalayan range above, and the basic modern amenities offered by a hotel, the Vikram Vintage Inn comes across as everybody's cup of tea. A fitness center and a recreation room keep you entertained along with the hotel's other more holistic offerings.
The Pavilion Hotel: Apparently one of Nainital's oldest hospitality accommodation, the Pavilion Hotel is a well-known summer retreat; lavishing upon its visitors professional service, affectionate care and modern amenities. The hotel is also famous for its recreational facilities - large open lawns, badminton, bonfire dinners, bird watching and more.
Off The Track
Amari Resort: Located in Ramgarh, a few kilometers from Nainital, lies the 4 star Amari Resort. A luxury resort boasting an amazing location, great facilities, beautiful accommodation and professional service. With amenities including a swimming pool, bar/lounge, children's center, multi-cuisine restaurant, spa and a business center, Amari keeps you connected to the rest of the world.
Two Chimneys: With different luxurious suites, all in the same beautiful home, Two Chimneys remains as amazing as it was in the 1890s. An old British bungalow, the Two Chimneys hotel now offers its visitors the chance to live like a sahib and madam - with a fire warmed living room, recreation shed, a reading room, and landscaped gardens offering you vantage points over the valley, where you can enjoy some piping hot chai.
James Cook's Cabins: A 100 year old cabin, nestled in the middle of a dense, isolated alpine forest, the James Cook's Cabin is a charming little grotto with modern amenities such as multi cuisine dining options, beautifully landscaped gardens, spaces for recreational use, simply furnished rooms and more.
