Hotel Himalaya

The rooms were comfortable enough for a good night's sleep, though set your expectations accordingly. This is a heritage property, so it doesn’t have a modern 5-star luxury setup. The hotel dates to 1918, during the British era, and has an ancestral charm that newer hotels can’t replicate. Its hilltop position gives the rooftop an amazing view of Nainital Lake at night. You’re in the middle of the action, but the height of the hill keeps the property peaceful and away from the noise. We chose the full meal plan and thought the food was excellent value, too. With the warm hospitality and fantastic location, I’d happily return.

The steep walk up from the road to the rooms could be tough for elderly guests. Still, having car parking is a real advantage in Nainital, and the service was good. The location is lovely, with amazing views from the top lake-facing rooms.

The climb up to the hotel is steep but manageable, and there’s plenty of parking. The staff seemed expressionless. I never saw them smile or greet anyone. Even so, I’d recommend the place for its location and cleanliness.

The lake view is scenic and makes the stay memorable, and the staff were cooperative and helpful. It’s convenient for exploring nearby attractions since the hotel is at the start of Mall Road. Some rooms, particularly the lake-view ones, are quite small for the price, though. Also, the road leading up is very steep, which can make access difficult for elderly guests. The views and supportive staff made it a pleasant stay for me, but the room size and approach may be an issue for some.