Windamere, Darjeeling
Established
in the 19th century as a cozy boarding house for bachelor English and
Scottish tea planters, it was converted into a hotel just before the
outbreak of the Second World War. Well known to sophisticated travellers the
world over, the Windamere is famous for its unique ambience and charm, and
has been the subject of many leading stories in the international media.
During the first National Awards Ceremony for outstanding hotels in India,
the Prime Minister presented Windamere Hotel with a coveted award for its
excellence as a Heritage Hotel of India.
Windamere is the original "Heritage House of the Himalayas." It is
situated on Observatory Hill, a Darjeeling landmark, believed to be the
focus and repository of life-enhancing cosmic energies.
Address :
Observatory Hill,
Darjeeling
Location : Windamere is situated on historic Observatory Hill where
Darjeeling began, and overlooks the Chowrasta, the town's exclusive
promenade. From Observatory Hill, one can glimpse Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal and
Sikkim, against a stupendous backdrop of twenty of the highest mountain
peaks in the world.
Facilities : Windamere Hotel has two wings: The Windamere and The
Snuggery.
The Windamere wing appeals to guests who like tradition, who would be
comfortable in a bygone age, and who want a reminder of how people got on
with their lives in old Darjeeling. There are no TVs and telephones in the
main house called Ada Villa; and only telephones, by request, in the Annexe.
Guests, who choose this wing, prefer to avoid the distractions of modern
life for the duration of their stay.
Generations of newly-wedded couples have enjoyed the quiet ease afforded by
Tinker Belle's Cottage (also known as Honeymoon Cottage). The cottage is set
apart from the rest of the hotel, on a sunny little spur that rises just
above Windamere's Ada Villa. Couples return to the cottage for
anniversaries, to snuggle before the fire in the evenings, only to remember
and to dream of days long ago.
The Snuggery wing appeals to people who need to remain in touch with modern
life, even while they indulge their love of the past and old things. The
residential houses in this wing, Annandale House, and Observatory House, are
provided with TVs and telephones.
The bathrooms have fittings which were once the property of the Loreto
Convent Girls School. These were donated to Windamere Hotel when the Convent
closed down its boarding school after
130 memorable years. The Convent is the oldest European school in Darjeeling
District, having been founded in 1846. It counts among its many famous
former pupils, Vivien Leigh, the actress of "Gone With The Wind"
fame.
Mayfair Darjeeling
Perched
at an altitude of 7000 ft, MAYFAIR, Darjeeling is the third property of
MAYFAIR family commissioned in 1997. Once the summerhouse of the former
Maharaja
of Nazargunj, it now stands as a hill resort. A fine combination of warm
sunshine, cool breeze, alpine trees, exotic flowers of different colors and
hues with extensive dining options, versatile event space, sumptuous luxury
and unmatched service make
MAYFAIR Darjeeling the first choice for
tourists. Relax in our beautiful hill resort for complete rejuvenation of
mind, body, and soul in a majestic setting and step into its timeless charm
that mixes luxury, comfort, urban energy, and cutting-edge style.
Address :
MAYFAIR Darjeeling
The Mall , Opposite Governor House,
Darjeeling – 734101
Accessibility : Located opposite the Governor’s House, One
and half km from Darjeeling Railway station, half a km from Chowrasta –
the main shopping mall and 88 kms from Bagdogra Airport.
Amenities and Services : 44 (Heritage and Deluxe) well appointed
rooms having breathtaking view of either valley or garden with magnificent
collections of Darjeeling’s yesteryears photographs. Equipped with
modern amenities, each room is unique that takes you to the British colonial
era.
Cedar Inn
Universally
described as the ‘Queen of Hills’ Darjeeling is unique in its
versatility. For the tourists, fresh from the sights of other lands,
Darjeeling comes not only as a delightful surprise but as a veritable relief
from the hot and sultry weather of the plains. From the surroundings of this
unrivalled mountainous town which stands at an average height of 7000 feet
above sea level, one sees the breath-taking beauty of the snow covered
peaks, the tips of which see too silvery to be realm a dappled effect indeed
of vivid white and patches of grey.
Address :
Cedar Inn
Jalapahar Road, Darjeeling
West Bengal, India - 734101
Amenities and Services :
Elegant Interiors, Extensive Entertainment, Attentive Service, Conference
and Connectivity, Creative Cuisine Health Club, Sauna, Steam, Conference
Hall, Gift Shop, Library, Bar, Doctor on Call, Baby Sitting, Laundry, Free
Shuttle to and from town interne Facility. A fireplace, Color TV’s,
with entertainment and news channels and direct telephones are standard
guestroom appointments.
