Windamere Hotel - A Colonial Heritage, Darjeeling (West Bengal)
About the Hotel
Windamere Hotel - A Colonial Heritage is a historic hotel situated on Observatory Hill in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Originally a boarding house for tea planters, the property reflects the colonial charm and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Recognized as one of the oldest heritage hotels in India, it is renowned for its unique ambiance and culinary offerings, while providing access to nearby attractions like the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.
Location
Located just 75 km from Bagdogra Airport, Windamere Hotel is accessible via taxi services that take approximately 2.5 hours. The hotel is positioned close to major attractions, including the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and Tiger Hill, making it an ideal base for exploring the region. Public transportation options are also available for convenient local travel.
Rooms
The accommodations at Windamere combine historical elegance with modern comforts. Each room features vintage furnishings and large windows that overlook the picturesque landscape. Guests can enjoy amenities such as free toiletries, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary tea and coffee facilities.
Eat & Drink
The hotel's dining hall offers a variety of dishes, including both Continental and traditional Indian cuisine. Signature meals include 'Roly Poly Pudding' and authentically prepared porridge for breakfast. The experience is enhanced by soft music from the 1930s to 1950s, creating a relaxed and atmospheric dining environment.
Leisure & Business
Windamere Hotel provides wellness services at its Itati Institute, offering treatments for mind and body. The Rhodes Hall Conference Centre caters to business meetings and events, featuring elegant spaces equipped for various functions. Guests can also explore leisurely activities such as tea garden tours and nature walks.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Cycling
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Car hire
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Welcome drink
- Happy hour
Dining
- Restaurant
- Snack bar
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Dinner
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Business centre
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Children's menu
- Children's play area
Spa & Leisure
- Beach umbrellas
- Sun loungers
- Live entertainment
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- BBQ facilities
- Spa & wellness centre
Room features
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Patio
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Dining table
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
This hotel is truly charming and wonderfully old-fashioned, taking you back in time with its historic ambiance. The rooms could use some modernization for added comfort, like an intercom system, TV, and a tea/coffee setup. However, the fuse issue in the hot water heater was a bit inconvenient, leading to a wait for the electrician.
I felt like stepping back in time with the preserved early 20th-century style of the hotel. The captivating history where American Hope Cooke met her love, the Prince of Sikkim, adds a romantic touch. However, some areas might need a more thorough check for serviceability.