Elgin Mount Pandim Pelling

The people really made this stay special. Suvasis made us an excellent drink and was genuinely warm and kind. Dil Kumar, the security guard, also helped with our room service and was attentive and helpful. The Elgin Mount Pandim has old-world charm, beautiful views, and a peaceful, luxurious feel. The hospitality felt personal and genuine. A memorable stay, and highly recommended if you're looking to unwind in elegance amid nature.

The location is the only good thing here. The maintenance is awful, nowhere near Oberoi standard, not even 1%. Stained pillows and mattresses, a terrible bathroom, no proper exhaust fan, and no proper room heating. The hotel says it provides only 35 litres of hot water per room to conserve water. That's funny when it's so close to the Himalayas, where there's never any water scarcity. I suspect they're restricting hot water to save on the electricity bill. The rooms smell, the bathrooms are shitty, and there's not enough hot water in such a cold place. I don't know how this unhygienic property passes government inspections. It was the worst experience ever. Pelling has no other proper hotels, so we literally had no other option, and it feels like Oberoi is minting money without spending much on upkeep.

The natural setting is the clear highlight of the Elgin Pelling Hotel, with breathtaking views and lovely surroundings. But if you want comfort, cleanliness, or convenience, this place falls short. Our executive room was about 150 meters from reception, up a steep climb for breakfast or food. That would be hard for anyone not physically fit, and the hotel doesn't have a buggy service. If you need luggage from the executive room, you have to arrange your own transport. The hotel also doesn't offer morning in-room service because its kitchen doesn't open until 7:30. The buffet was below par, with very limited options, and staff needed constant follow-up on requests. I felt the administrator cared more about their own convenience than guest comfort. The room itself smelled smoky and unpleasant. A quilt from a previous guest was stored in the washroom loft, which felt careless and unhygienic, and there was fungus on the washroom's side walls. The old door locks were difficult to use. No one explained how to close them with the keys, making the room feel frustrating and insecure. Staff offered little guidance about these issues. The room quality, upkeep, and guest convenience were all below average. Despite the stunning location, the smelly room, fungus, outdated locks, and awkward room access made for a frustrating stay.

The only thing this property has going for it is its great location and breathtaking mountain views. The rooms were outdated and untidy, with a tiny, old-style washroom. Service fell short, and both food quality and variety disappointed us. For the price, the stay didn't feel worth it.