Bamboo Grove Retreat

The room itself was in poor shape, with outdated furnishings, uncomfortable beds, few basic amenities, carpet stains, and a musty smell. Management also seemed dismissive when we raised our concerns, as though they knew about the problem but had no intention of fixing it. That lack of concern added to an already very disappointing stay at Bamboo grove Retreat. We were on the second floor, where the flimsy construction was hard to ignore. When someone walked on the third floor, the ceiling seemed like it might collapse. The floor above kept shaking and creaking, and the noise from the floors and walls made it impossible to relax or sleep properly. I was constantly on edge, worried the floor could come down, and the place never felt safe or structurally sound. The building's condition made the whole atmosphere uncomfortable and unsettling from check-in to departure. My experience at Bamboo Retreat was incredibly disappointing. The poor condition of the wooden building and the unhelpful response from management made for a nerve-wracking, sleepless stay. I would strongly advise against staying here unless you enjoy nights without sleep and a constant sense of unease.

This was our second visit, and we had another good experience at Bamboo Grove Retreat. The manager, Mr. Taj, went out of his way to help us get our documents ready for Gurudongmar. Surrounded by bamboo trees, the place has friendly staff, great room service, and rooms with lovely views. The attic rooms in particular were neat and clean. We ate indoors. The food was delicious and satisfying, though the price is worth keeping in mind. The hotel and its staff never fail to make visitors happy and give them a great time in Gangtok. I’d highly recommend it.

The walk to MG road is less than 1 km, but getting there means taking a very steep staircase with at least 150-200 steps. Climbing those every day is a death trap, especially with family. My advice is simple: don’t book here. The hotel had been closed for two years during covid, and the rooms were in pathetic condition, none suitable for a stay. There was a water problem, and we waited two hours in the morning for water. The staff were irresponsible and casual, and often nobody was around. The beds were uncomfortable, the bathrooms weren't cleaned properly, and the kitchen wasn't working, so we always had to go out for food. Staying here was one of my worst decisions.

The staff made a great impression on us, and the reception team gave helpful advice on things to do around the city. We stayed three nights and were very comfortable. The rooms and bathroom were comfortable in every way, and the geyser was available 24/7. From the window, the early morning view of kanchenjunga was mesmerizing.