The Chinar Resort and Spa, Srinagar

The stream beside the hotel made a lovely sound, and from the balcony we could watch the sun come up. The view was beautiful too, with snow-covered mountains in May 2024 and lush green surroundings. Our rooms were neat and clean, and everyone on staff treated us warmly. There was plenty of food to choose from, and the dining room team took great care of our family, including the kids and other guests.

I spent four days at The Chinar on my first trip to Srinagar. It’s a little beyond the main city, right by the highway, and I’d picked it hoping for mountain views. The rooms were spacious and lovely, and staff were quick and helpful. Tahira at reception was especially kind. The chef even made delicious dishes that weren’t on the menu, which I really appreciated. Prices are a bit high, but I was happy with the stay.

The rooms are impressively large and have all the everyday essentials. The hotel itself is big and nice, though the carpets, wooden furniture, bathroom fittings, and other items need better upkeep. Their condition and lack of brightness make them seem quite old.

Mr Saba at the restaurant was the bright spot: he was polite, helpful, and always smiling. The food selection was average, though, and when my daughter called to order noodles for dinner in our room, we were told they’d run out, even though noodles were on the buffet. We stayed with my nine-year-old daughter, and the experience was terrible. Our room was spacious, but its view was very poor. Even though rooms seemed to be available, they didn’t move us to another category and said ours was the highest one they had. Calls for room service went unanswered. A light didn’t work, and despite calling three times for help with the TV, nobody came. The hotel is on the Srinagar bypass, which wasn’t a good location for us. There was no value for money, and I wouldn’t stay here again. I’d rather be near Dal Lake.