Windamere Hotel - A Colonial Heritage Darjeeling , Darjeeling (West Bengal)
About the Hotel
Windamere Hotel - A Colonial Heritage is one of the oldest colonial hotels in Asia, dating back to 1841. This heritage property is located on Observatory Hill in Darjeeling, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayas, including the majestic Kanchenjunga. The hotel is known for its captivating architecture reminiscent of the British Raj and its integration of modern comforts. It serves as a unique gateway to explore the rich history and natural beauty of Darjeeling, attracting travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Location
Windamere Hotel is strategically situated 46.5 miles from Bagdogra Airport, easily accessible by taxi or private car. Located near key attractions like the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, it offers a perfect base for exploring Darjeeling. Various transportation options, including the famed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, can be utilized to reach the hotel, allowing an immersive experience of the region’s scenic beauty.
Rooms
The accommodation at Windamere Hotel is designed to reflect a blend of colonial charm and modern amenities. Each room features vintage furnishings, cozy fireplaces, and breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. Notable options include Colonial Tea Planter Suites and standalone cottages, offering a serene atmosphere and a glimpse into the heritage of the British Raj era. The hotel emphasizes comfort and elegance, ensuring a unique lodging experience.
Eat & Drink
Windamere Hotel offers an exquisite dining experience that showcases both Continental and Indian cuisine. The dining room provides a nostalgic ambiance with soft music from the 1930s to the 1950s enhancing the atmosphere. Signature dishes include 'Roly Poly Pudding' and 'authentically prepared porridge for breakfast,' accompanied by the renowned Darjeeling tea, recognized globally for its quality. Guests can enjoy meals in a candlelit setting, making dining at Windamere a memorable occasion.
Leisure & Business
For leisure, Windamere features elegant spaces like Rhodes Hall Conference Centre, ideal for business meetings and special events. Guests can indulge in therapeutic treatments at the on-site iTaTi Institute, dedicated to wellness and relaxation. Various guided treks and nature walks can be arranged, offering guests an opportunity to explore Darjeeling's stunning landscapes. The hotel also hosts cultural and educational programs tied to the rich heritage of the region.
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
- Baggage storage
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Cycling
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Car rental
- 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 center
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cribs
- Children's menu
- Children's play area
Spa & Leisure
- Beach umbrellas
- Sun loungers
- Live entertainment
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- BBQ facilities
- Spa & wellness center
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.
