Mayfair Darjeeling Wins For Location, Views And Old-World Charm

Looking for a getaway that ticks off a stunning view, luxury rooms, heritage hotel, spa and mountains all in one shot? Book yourself into Mayfair Darjeeling for all that and more.

No, really, there is a royal touch because the hotel that sits atop a hill in Darjeeling, was actually the summer house of Maharaja of Nazargunj. Even the view is rather regal! What with rolling hills of tea on one side, the quaint town on another, pine trees on the third, and the magnificent Himalayas before you. In typical hill station style, a winding driveway through manicured lawns and flowering gardens will lead the way to the main house {in colonial style, naturally}, which is a precursor to your room and the rest of the space — wooden, warm and stately. Sounds much like Narnia, if you ask us!

Oozing colonial charm with that inimitable Indian hospitality, rooms {double, family ones and suites} are either part of the main house, or are chalet-style cottages. Think wooden cabinets, desks and beds all part of a set with antique {real and others just antique looking} sofas, chairs and even settees to boot. Oh how wonderful it is when all the upholstery matches and isn’t drab white but printed with pretty patterns! Some of the rooms are done up in rich red, but others have a splash of yellow to make it cheery and bright. Add to it paintings and photographs of what Darjeeling looked like decades ago, and you’ll feel like you’ve been taken back in time! Then park yourself on the little balcony with comfy wicker sofas for eternity.

The Tenzing Room is one of our favourite spots in this hotel. Filled with photographs, books, achievements and information about the legendary Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, there’s also films and books about other mountaineering great who’ve summited various mountains. Since it’s entirely terraced, we love that they’ve put chairs at each flat landing so you can just relax and take in the beauty over a cup of tea. Ideal for bookworms to curl up and get lost in pages of their thrillers. If you need a nudge to relax, head over to their spa for warming massages. Or perhaps you the fitness fan? No worries. A gym overlooking the gorgeous valley or a close game of pool will sort you out.

Magnolia and Tiffany are the in-house restaurants with the former serving up a buffet for each meal, across cuisines. Tiffany specialised in Oriental, Indian and Continental, but don’t expect the most authentic flavours. It’s all a bit Indianised. That’s not to say it’s not tasty! Douglas Bar will deal with your tipple needs although the view of the mountains and hamlets will get you high anyway!

Pick the cottage with a fire place and ask for rooms on the front side, closer to the mall road — the best views are from those ones.

Closest airport: Bagdogra {2.5 hours}

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