Darjeeling, also known as the Queen of Hills is one of the major tourist attractions. The region is famous for its tea gardens, and natural beauty, and offers a beautiful view of Himalayan mountain ranges. Darjeeling is known for its rich colonial history. It served as the summer retreat for British officials and their families. The British introduced the tea plantation and established various schools. The world-famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was built during the British era and is a UNESCO world heritage site. If you want to explore the region’s rich history then you can consider staying at one of the best Heritage hotels in Darjeeling.
Heritage Stays offer a unique blend of history and local culture. They offer some luxury rooms with traditional designs and are equipped with modern facilities. So, in this blog, we will discuss how to book the best heritage accommodations in Darjeeling.
Why Choose a Heritage Stay in Darjeeling?
There are various reasons why you should choose a heritage stay in Darjeeling. The reason includes;
Experience colonial-era charm and architecture
By staying at a Heritage hotel you can experience colonial-era charm and architecture. The heritage hotels feature intricate architecture, colonial-style decorated interiors and many more. Some heritage hotels also offer heritage walks which give us the chance to explore the hotel’s history.
Luxurious amenities coupled with historical significance
Some heritage hotels offer luxurious and modern amenities with traditional architecture which provide a glimpse into the region's rich cultural and historical significance. These hotels also offer all kinds of modern facilities and better services.
Proximity to iconic Darjeeling landmarks
Heritage hotels in Darjeeling are located in proximity to some of the famous tourist-attracted places. The famous tourist attractions are; Observatory Hill, Shrubbery Nightingale Park, Rock Garden, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and many more places. By staying in one of the best heritage hotels you can easily access these places.
Personalized services and authentic local experiences
If you stay in a heritage hotel you will get personalized services with all kinds of modern facilities. The staff of the hotels will share the history of the building and surrounding areas, so you will get a unique and real local experience. Some heritage hotels also offer local cuisines made up of traditional recipes.
Popular Heritage Hotels in Darjeeling
There are some of the best and most popular colonial stays in Darjeeling such as:\
Windamere Hotel:
Windamere Hotel previously known as Ada Villa is one of the famous heritage hotels in Darjeeling.
History:
The history begins in 1939 when a group of local businessmen acquired Ada Villa, transformed it into a hotel and named it Windamere. During the first national award ceremony the prime minister of India at that time presented an award for its excellence as a heritage hotel in India.
Amenities:
Windamere Hotel has various amenities including spacious rooms, the Itati Institute, a Boutique by Z'ri, conference facilities, dining and the DHR club.
Mayfair Darjeeling: Known for its colonial charm and modern comforts
Another famous heritage hotel in Darjeeling is Mayfair.
Colonial charm:
This hotel is known for its colonial-style hill view rooms, equipped with all kinds of modern amenities.
Modern comforts:
Mayfair Hotel is equipped with all kinds of Modern comforts including, colonial suites and rooms, a dining area, a spa, a photo gallery, and many more.
Cedar Inn: Offers a blend of heritage and boutique experiences
This is a four-star luxury hotel located above the main Darjeeling town. This hotel offers a blend of both heritage and boutique experiences. Its unique location offers a spectacular view of the Himalayan Mountains. The hand-crafted woodworks in the interior part of the hotel enhance its beauty. Here our guests are entertained by live music which is performed by local artists.
Elgin Darjeeling: One of the oldest and most iconic properties in Darjeeling
Elgin is one of the oldest and most iconic properties in Darjeeling. This place served as the summer residence of the king of Cooch Behar. The hotel is equipped with some of the luxurious rooms with all the modern facilities. This hotel is 125 years old and this is an important part of Darjeeling’s colonial history. This iconic property has also welcomed many guests over the years.
How to Choose the Right Heritage Stay for You
You can stay in one of the best heritage hotels to explore its surrounding areas in Darjeeling. To choose the best heritage hotels in Darjeeling, you have to consider the following:
Budget: Options for affordable luxury vs. premium stays;
There are various premium and luxury stays in Darjeeling. But to choose a heritage stay you need to consider your budget first. By considering your budget it helps you to understand what you can expect from a hotel in the amount you are willing to spend. If you are willing to enjoy your vacation in comfort and luxury then you can search for Luxury heritage accommodations in Darjeeling. You can also compare the ratings of hotels on various online websites so that you can choose a better hotel for you and at the best price.
Location: Proximity to tourist attractions:
The next thing and the most important thing you can do in order to the right hotel is check their location. You can choose a heritage stay which is closer to famous tourist attractions. By doing this you can easily access the famous tourist attractions effectively because public vehicles are available in abundance.
Facilities:
To choose the right heritage hotel you can check the facilities that will be provided to you. Some of the heritage hotels are equipped with all kinds of modern facilities like spas, dining, etc. This is important because it can make your trip more enjoyable. You can also check whether the hotel is providing all the facilities you require during the trip.
Reviews:
This is one of the best ways you can choose a hotel. You can check the guest reviews and ratings of hotels on various online platforms. This is essential because it helps you to compare hotel amenities, and how the staff behave with a guest.
Booking Tips for Heritage Hotels in Darjeeling
Tips to Book heritage stays in Darjeeling are as follows:
Book Early:
If you want to book one of the best heritage hotels in Darjeeling you have to book in advance. Heritage properties have limited rooms that can fill up quickly, especially during the peak season. Also by booking early, you may get some extra discounts so always consider booking in advance for an early confirmation.
Use Trusted Platforms:
This is one of the most important things you need to consider while booking a hotel online. You have to use trusted platforms or you can use the hotel’s official website for booking. This way you can save yourself from scams.
Compare Prices
You can compare the prices of hotels on various websites before booking. By doing this you can save time and find the best deal for yourself. Also comparing prices can help you to understand how prices are determined and how they fluctuate.
Look for Packages:
Another thing you can do while booking a hotel is look for various packages. Many heritage hotels offer discounted packages that include meals and guided tours. So, hotel packages will be a good option if you want a holistic experience and at better rates.
What to Expect During Your Heritage Stay
Darjeeling colonial-era hotels may include traditional architectural design and are equipped with some modern facilities as well. Despite this, the colonial hotel also has other facilities like:
Unique room designs with antique furnishings
The colonial hotels have unique room designs with antique furnishings which showcase the history and culture of the region. They are designed in such a way which reflects the colonial lifestyle of that area.
Personalized hospitality:
Some heritage hotels also provide personalized care and hospitality. The hotel staff provide all the things that you need according to your preferences and lifestyle.
Stunning views of the Himalayan range:
The heritage hotels are built in a unique location which offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. By staying in a heritage hotel in Darjeeling you can see the beautiful Kanchenjunga mountain ranges throughout the day.
Traditional cuisine paired with international dishes:
Some heritage hotels in Darjeeling provide both traditional and international dishes. You can try a variety of traditional dishes like Momos, Thukpa, and many more. The heritage hotels also provide Himalayan specialities, Chinese, continental, and other international dishes.
Best Time to Visit for a Heritage Stay
Spring and summer (March to June):
This is considered one of the best times to visit Darjeeling. At this time the weather remains ideal which is perfect for sightseeing. While staying in a heritage hotel you can see the beautiful views of the surrounding areas.
Autumn and winter (October to February):
If you want to experience the snowfall in the nearby areas of Darjeeling then this is the best time you can visit. Also, you will get a cosy stay in a heritage hotel which makes your journey memorable.
Conclusion:
So, here we discussed how you can make your trip enjoyable by staying in one of the heritage hotels in Darjeeling. The heritage hotels offer a unique blend of the region’s history and culture.
By choosing a heritage hotel you will enjoy your trip comfortably while getting all kinds of modern facilities. If you want to know more about the history of a region you can consider staying in a heritage hotel. We have cosy and spacious rooms, with distinctive architectural features which give you an authentic colonial lifestyle experience.
If you are a history enthusiast and want to explore the history and culture of a region then you can book your dream heritage stay in Darjeeling. For a hassle-free journey, start planning your trip today.
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