Saiba Cottage

Mr. Mahinder Kumar made sure we could get around Shimla without spending much, sharing lots of useful information and his own tourist guide books for Shimla and Himachal Pradesh. Even before we reached the cottage, he checked how we were traveling and how to find the place, then got in touch several times to make sure we arrived safely. He was available by phone whenever we needed help, and even came to the bus stop to see us off. We stayed in the top floor room, which opens onto a space at the back with valley views. The lower floors have rear balconies too. The whole house is thoughtfully decorated, and the neighborhood is peaceful and felt safe even for a single girl traveling there. In the morning, sitting with a hot coffee and watching the sunrise was serene. The bus lift near Mall road is just a five minute walk away. The food is like home cooked food, but it's vegetarian only, so anyone wanting non-veg has to get it from outside. Leaving on our last day felt like leaving home. You really need to stay there to understand it, because words can't fully explain it.

The balcony view is amazing, but there's a lot to improve with the service. This place is nowhere near Mall road, and even if you ask permission to go out for a walk at night, they act like your guardian. You can't even keep your phone on ringer. A cup of tea, and a pathetic one at that, costs 40 rupees, much more than at Indian coffee house shimla. Even an empty plate costs 100 rupees. I'd only visit this property if I had a test to take and little money.

We were unsure about booking a BnB because we wanted a different kind of trip, but Mahindra uncle, the owner, changed our minds and gave us an experience we'll remember for a lifetime. The genuine care made it feel like home away from home. We're already planning to come back in summer. Highly recommended for anyone looking for comfortable accommodation in shimla, with homely food and views.

The room at Saiba Cottage was extra spacious, with an old-fashioned feel from its oak wood touch ceilings. It had cozy sofas, a rocking chair, a huge comfortable bed, carpeted floors, and several glass windows looking out toward the hillside. There was also a separate, fully functional kitchen with an Aquaguard, cooktop, utensils, and the other necessities. The bathroom was squeaky clean, with solar heating and a geyser. We had tea on the lovely balcony among geraniums and petunias, looking out at the green hills and quaint cottage houses in the valley. The food was delicate, light, and refreshing, and the house staff were friendly and polite. Mahendra uncle, the owner, welcomed us warmly and made us feel at home right away. We enjoyed chatting with him and hearing what this well-traveled, learned man had to share. Saiba Cottage, in the suburbs of New Shimla, made our trip extra special.