Hotel Shiva Sanctuary

I’m from the UK and usually feel hesitant about hotels abroad, but I felt safe and at ease here. It’s foreigner friendly and right next to Dal Lake. My third-floor room had a balcony looking over the McLeod Ganj valley, with a spectacular view and sunshine that was lovely to sit and soak up. I liked the stay enough to book extra nights. Since another customer had reserved that room before I asked to extend, they moved me to the first floor. It was the same kind of room and just as good. Both were very clean, had various facilities, and were reasonably priced. The staff were friendly, polite, honest, and took care of what I needed. Managers Rajwinder and Abdul gave especially brilliant service, and their English was good. They helped arrange my tour and put me in touch with a young, trustworthy driver with fair prices. The food was all outstanding and very tasty. My favorite was the Kadai Paneer with Lacha Parathas. If I'm back in the area, I'd return without hesitation and recommend the hotel to fellow travelers.

The staff at Shiva Sanctuary, Mcleodganj were polite and cooperative, and the food was delicious. Dal Lake is 100m away and Naddi Point is 1km away. I had a very good stay and would recommend it if you're planning to stay in Mcleodganj.

The rooms were clean, which was about the only positive. After an exhausting 8-hour journey, arriving late at night in 10-degree cold, we were shocked that management demanded another ₹500 for a heater, even though we'd booked a premium room with a full meal plan in advance. There'd been no proper warning or instructions about this charge during booking. That's unacceptable in that weather. The staff themselves weren't the main issue, but the policy is terrible. The food was below average and didn't match the promised standard. They advertise the hotel as “four-star,” but the service and amenities felt more like a disappointing two-star place. Everything else about the stay was the worst. Future travelers should consider other hotels in the area and save themselves the money and frustration. Don't book here.

The food was fresh, delicious, and beautifully prepared, and room service was quick, courteous, and professional. Our room was spacious, spotless, and well maintained. A wonderful stay at Hotel Shiva, with great hospitality. Highly recommend it.