Lemon Tree Hotel Sonamarg

The property is well maintained, and service is kind and prompt, though they seemed somewhat short-staffed. Food could be better, especially with more local variety and healthy vegetarian choices. If you want calm and tranquility, this is the place. For food and fun, look elsewhere, though you’re unlikely to find much of that in a small, sleepy town.

From our hotel we were mesmerized by the snow-covered mountains and the river flowing on one side. Dinner and breakfast came with the package, and we spent one night there. I was surprised that less than one percent of tourists stay in a hotel, since most come from Srinagar and go back the same day. The temperature was below zero, but we really enjoyed the weather and scenery. We took a taxi from Srinagar, and the drive to Sonmarg took about 2 hours. It hardly takes any longer than that.

The food was good, but service took a long time. The hotel's location was beautiful, though the atmosphere was ruined pretty quickly. A lady in jeans, who I assumed was the manager, kept shouting at the staff. It was incredibly awkward trying to eat while she berated employees just a few feet from our table, and it felt completely unprofessional. At the gate, the gatekeeper first wouldn’t open it and stared at us strangely. When we were leaving, he had the nerve to ask for a tip. I left feeling frustrated instead of relaxed.

The staff were too arrogant. They hadn’t cleared the way for cars, even though the hotel is some distance from the main road. When we arrived, the security guard told us to stop because the owner was leaving. Seriously, is the owner more important than the guests? I told him to let the guests get their luggage out and bring staff to carry it. Our car got badly stuck. The whole staff came over and moved our car to the side so the owner’s jeep compass could pass freely. Once they’d cleared the way for their own car, they all left without helping us at all. Like seriously.