Escape to Paradise: Shimla's East View Hotel Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Shimla's East View Hotel Awaits! - A Review With Everything (and a Few Digressions)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the swirling snow-kissed wonderland that is Shimla's East View Hotel. I'm here to tell you, it's not just a hotel; it's an experience. And, as someone who’s wrestled with a suitcase and a mountain of expectations, I'm ready to give you the lowdown, the honest truth, the slightly chaotic truth you actually want.
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Okay, SEO box checked. Now, let's get personal.
First Impressions: The Arrival & Accessibility – It Starts With a Sigh
First things first: getting to East View is a trek. Shimla is, well, hilly. Prepare for a scenic drive, and be grateful if you’re not the one driving. Accessibility, in the truest sense, is… a work in progress. While they do have an elevator, navigating the varying levels within the hotel itself might require some extra effort if you have mobility issues. They have "Facilities for disabled guests" listed, so I am sure that they can accommodate requests ahead of time, but I didn't get to see it firsthand - more on this later.
But let's say you make it in, breathless from the altitude (or the climb). The doorman is a godsend. Seriously, a charming, helpful soul who actually wants to help with your luggage. Good start, East View. Good start. Check-in/out is surprisingly efficient, and they offer contactless check-in/out which is a plus in these… interesting times.
Rooms: Comfort, Views, and the Quest for the Perfect Pillow
My room? Ah, it was a good size, surprisingly spacious. Let's talk about the most important thing, the view. The hotel name is no joke. The high floor I was on offered views, let me repeat that, views that could stop a clock. Lush, green valleys, the Himalayas in the distance, the sun…oh, the sun. The window that opens, yes, absolutely. I would sit with my complimentary tea in absolute silence, savoring the feeling of peace.
The room had all the essentials: Air conditioning, a desk, a safe box, free Wi-Fi, and even a coffee/tea maker. I also found the bathrobes and slippers a lovely touch. The blackout curtains were clutch for sleeping in after late-night explorations (or, you know, just general laziness). Non-smoking rooms are the norm, which is a huge win for me. The private bathroom with separate shower/bathtub was spacious, and they provided the toiletries you need.
There were a couple of minor annoyances. The Internet access - LAN was available, but for me personally, Wi-Fi [free] worked just fine. The hair dryer was a little… temperamental, and the alarm clock was clearly designed by someone who hates early risers. But these are small potatoes. The bed? Oh, the bed. The extra long bed was heavenly, and the linens were crisp and clean. The pillow, though… that’s where I had some trouble. I was on a mission to find the perfect pillow, and I'm still out looking.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Secure (And Hopefully Germ-Free)
Let’s be real: in this day and age, cleanliness is at the top of everyone’s priority list. East View has taken some steps. They boast Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. Staff trained in safety protocol is a good thing. There is hand sanitizer everywhere. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property adds a layer of security – a welcome feeling when you're far from home.
They also have smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher in the rooms.
I felt relatively safe.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: From Asian Breakfasts to Poolside Bliss
Okay, food. This is where East View REALLY shines. I'm a foodie, and I was beyond impressed. The Asian breakfast? Delicious. The Western breakfast? Also delicious. The breakfast [buffet] was plentiful, offering a wide array of options. You could get eggs any way you wanted, fresh fruit and yogurt, delicious pastries, and a coffee/tea in restaurant.
The restaurants themselves are beautiful, with amazing views. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a must, a real treat. There's also International cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant too if you’re feeling like something familiar. I'd recommend trying everything!
There's also a Poolside bar, where you can sip cocktails and watch the sun dip behind the mountains. I spent one glorious afternoon there, nursing a Mojito, and felt like there was nothing else in the world that I needed. Happy hour? Yes, please! Snack bar? Perfect for a quick bite.
I have to mention the service. The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating, always willing to go the extra mile.
I also did not see a vegetarian restaurant, but there's a vegetarian option in most places.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation: Spa Days and Mountain Views
The Spa is one of the highlights. They offer a range of treatments, including massage, body scrub, and body wrap. The Sauna and Steamroom are welcome additions. Honestly, I spent an entire afternoon here. The Pool with view is breathtaking. The swimming pool [outdoor] is a great place to relax. There's a Fitness center if you're feeling energetic.
Things to Do (or, How to Escape the Mundane)
Shimla offers a plethora of activities. They have bike parking if you want to take a cycle around. They don't offer it, but it's available, with lots of taxi service. There's also a car park [free of charge] if you are driving.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
East View offers a whole host of services to make your stay more comfortable. The Daily housekeeping kept my room spick and span. The Air conditioning in public area was a lifesaver. The concierge was incredibly helpful in arranging activities and answering my questions. They offer Laundry service and dry cleaning as well. They also offer room service [24-hour].
They have meetings/banquet facilities as well with audio-visual equipment for special events.
For the Kids:
I did not travel with any children, but I did see kids' facilities and they offer a babysitting service as well!
The Negatives (Because I’m Honest)
Alright, let’s get real for a second. The gym/fitness while listed, was a bit small. And, as I've mentioned, the accessibility situation could be improved.
The Verdict: Is East View Hotel Worth It?
Absolutely, YES.
It's not perfect, but it's darn close. The views alone are worth the price of admission. The food is divine, the staff is lovely, and the overall atmosphere is one of relaxed luxury.
The Final (And Slightly Over-the-Top) Offer:
Escape to Paradise: Shimla's East View Hotel Awaits!
**Book your stay today and unlock:
- Breathtaking Himalayan views that will literally take your breath away. (Oxygen canisters provided, just kidding… mostly.)
- Delectable dining experiences, from authentic Asian breakfasts to poolside cocktails that will transport you to pure bliss.
- A spa experience so relaxing, you'll forget you have a to-do list.
- Rooms so comfortable, you'll feel like you've been hugged by a cloud.
- A team of friendly staff that will make you feel like royalty.**
But wait, there's more! Book now and receive a complimentary…
[Insert a fun, quirky offer here, like:]
- A free bottle of local wine & a romantic candle-lit dinner on us!
- A free Shimla sightseeing tour to get you acclimatized to all the views!
- A complimentary body scrub and wrap voucher to help you relax and unwind after your drive and sight-seeing!
Don't wait! Your mountain escape is calling. Book your stay at East View Hotel now and let your Shimla adventure begin!
**(Pro Tip:
Unbelievable Views & Luxury Await: Okunikko Kogen Hotel, Nikko, Japan
Hotel Shimla East View: My Himalayan High (and Lows) - An Itinerary (Sort Of)
Okay, deep breath. Here's the idea of a plan, a flimsy skeleton upon which I slapped some flesh of reality. This is not a perfectly polished itinerary. Think more… a travel diary that vaguely resembles a schedule. Buckle up, buttercups.
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Adjustment (and Avoiding the Crowds)
- Morning (ish): Landed in Chandigarh. The airport was fine. Smelled faintly of diesel and… well, India, I suppose. The drive up to Shimla? Holy Himalayas, Batman! The roads are a chaotic ballet of blaring horns, daring overtakes, and breathtaking views that nearly made me puke (altitude sickness is a real jerk). Found myself clutching the car door, muttering prayers to any god who'd listen.
- Afternoon: Arrived at Hotel Shimla East View. The pictures online? Lies. Okay, not lies, but… Instagram filtered, heavily. Still, the view? Gasp. Stunning. Worth the near-death experience in the car. The room? Clean-ish. The bathroom… well, let's just say it has character. (And possibly a resident spider, I'm not entirely sure.) Immediately crashed on the bed. That altitude hits you like a freight train.
- Evening: Attempted a "gentle stroll" on the Mall Road. Famous last words. It was a scrum. A glorious, chaotic scrum. Shopkeepers hawking clothes, kids chasing pigeons, and enough selfie sticks to build a bridge to Mars. Took refuge in a tiny café, ordered some thukpa (noodle soup). Spicy! My sinuses started running, which I think, somehow, helped with the headache. Then, found a cozy little spot with a fantastic view of the city lights twinkling. It's moments like these you savor, when you're not entirely sure what's going on but it's definitely beautiful. Tried to take a photo of the view (and failed, of course).
- Late Night: Collapsed back at the hotel. Fell asleep immediately. Felt a bit guilty about not taking the stairs, opted for the elevator instead.
Day 2: The Ridge and the Scandal
- Morning (Very Grumpy Start): Woke up with a pounding headache. Altitude still kicking my behind. Ordered breakfast in bed (overpriced, lukewarm coffee, but hey, mountains!). Wandered around the hotel, felt a bit lost and slightly nauseous
- Later: Headed up to The Ridge. It's what everyone does. This is a great place to witness the beauty of the city. The views were unreal! The Christ Church was definitely one of the most impressive buildings. Unfortunately, it was overrun with tourists and it was difficult to immerse myself in anything.
- Afternoon: Determined to find peace, I found a bench, pulled out my book, and thought I'd enjoy a moment of tranquility. Then, a monkey swooped down, snatched my fruit. This is the kind of travel experience that is simultaneously awful and hilarious. Found the incident funny later.
- Late Afternoon: Got a massage at the hotel spa. Best money I've spent in a while. Bliss. (Except for the awkward small talk with the masseuse, who kept asking me about my "stress levels.")
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant in town. Decided I wanted to experience local culture, and this restaurant was a little dive. The food? Ahem. Let's just say my stomach is not doing well. Found a local guy to lead us to a place. The street food was delicious and the experience was amazing.
Day 3: Kufri and the Horses (Oh, the Horses!)
- Morning: Decided to take a day trip to Kufri. (Should've probably stayed in bed…) The drive was even more terrifying this time. The roads are worse (if that's possible).
- Midday (The Horse Debacle): Kufri is known for its horses. I decided to take a horse ride. Big mistake. It was a bumpy, uncomfortable, and slightly terrifying experience. The poor horse was probably exhausted. The "scenic views" were somewhat obscured by the horse's rear end. (And the persistent smell.) I spent the entire time praying I wouldn't fall off. The picture I took? Me, looking like a terrified, sunburnt potato. My travel companion, on the other hand, found it hilarious.
- Afternoon (Needed a Break): Decided to walk around a nearby park.
- Evening: Back at the hotel. Ordered room service. Another bad move - the food was inedible. Went to bed hungry.
Day 4: Packing and Departure (and a Bittersweet Farewell)
- Morning (The View!): Woke up. The clouds had cleared. The mountains! They were glowing. Seriously, the most incredible view of the entire trip. Made me almost forget the altitude sickness, the dodgy food, and the horse. Almost.
- Late Morning: Attempted to pack. My suitcase looked as if it had been through a war. My belongings are scattered across the room.
- Afternoon: Final meal in Shimla. Chose a safer option this time. Reflecting on my time here, it had it's ups and downs. It felt like a mess but I'll be back.
- Evening (Bye Bye, Mountains!): Headed to the airport. Farewell, Shimla! And you, too, you crazy, unpredictable Himalayas. I'll miss you (sort of).
- Flight: Long and uneventful.
Post-Script (Because I Can):
Would I go back to Shimla? Absolutely. I think you just have to embrace the chaos. Pack for all weather, bring motion sickness pills, and maybe avoid the horses. And maybe… learn to order better food. But the view? The view is worth every single messy moment. This chaotic, unpredictable, exhilarating journey has changed me and that's why I'll be back.
Unbelievable Deals at Taiyuan's BEST Hotel Near the University!
So, Shimla's East View Hotel... Is it *really* paradise, or just another hotel with a fancy name?
Okay, let's be honest. "Paradise" is a HUGE claim, right? I went in with the same skeptical eye. My expectations? Dim. My mood? Grumpy from the long flight and the pre-dawn wake-up call. Shimla itself, though... the air is crisp, the views... wow. And yes, the East View Hotel definitely leans into the "paradise" vibes.
The *scenery*? Unbeatable. Imagine waking up and staring at the Himalayas. It's like someone painted a masterpiece right outside your window. I actually shed a tear the first morning. (Don't judge! Jet lag and mountains do weird things to me.)
Now, about that "paradise"... it's not perfection, okay?
The rooms... what's the lowdown? Cozy? Cramped? Himalayan-sized luxury?
Okay, the rooms varied. We snagged a "deluxe" room, and let me tell you, the space? Decent. It wasn't palatial, but definitely not claustrophobic. The bed was comfy enough to face several days worth of sleep.
One thing though... our first room? A bit of a hiccup. Let's just say the hot water situation was...temperamental. One minute, a nice warm shower, the next, a bracing ice bath! We had to call reception a few times. Yeah, that was a bit of a pain. They fixed it eventually. The second room was much better, thank goodness.
What's the food situation at the East View? Should I pack snacks? (I always pack snacks.)
Okay, about the food. Yes, I'm a snack person. I always am. Should you pack snacks? Well, depends how much you love snacking. The hotel restaurant... it's good! It's seriously good. They cater to the touristy groups.
The Indian breakfasts were *amazing*. Parathas fresh off the griddle, fluffy idlis, a spicy chai... heaven! The dinner menu had a good mix of local and international dishes. They also had a dessert buffet that almost sent me into a diabetic coma – but a happy one! (I’m lying I didn’t nearly have a diabetic coma.)
Here's the thing I did, and do advise... Try the local stuff! Order like, everything. Eat with your fingers if you have to. Embrace it. Do not be afraid to try a new dish, because, why not?
Is the hotel staff friendly and helpful? I’m a high-maintenance traveler. (Don't judge!)
Okay, listen. I *get* the high-maintenance thing. I am that person. But I was pleasantly surprised. The staff was, for the most part, incredibly friendly and accommodating. They were always smiling, always willing to help. I swear, they practically read my mind several times.
Here is the "but:" It's a learning experience. In terms of service, it varies. At times, it felt a little slow. Asking for extra towels sometimes proved to be a task, waiting ten minutes for a simple thing sometimes. Nothing that ruined the trip. I mean, you are in a different country. Be patient, especially with the language barrier.
What's the best part about staying at the East View Hotel? Spill the tea!
Honestly? The feeling of being utterly removed from the craziness of everyday life. Sitting on the balcony with a cup of chai, watching the sun rise over the Himalayas... it's pure magic. I felt so at peace (even during the hot water issues!). That view... it honestly makes everything else fade away.
I'd add the location to that also. It's close enough to the main areas of Shimla to be convenient, but far enough away to be genuinely tranquil. You can escape the crowds, which, in Shimla, is a big win.
Okay, let's talk downsides. What annoyed you the most? Be brutally honest!
Well, besides the slightly unpredictable hot water and the occasional slow service... the noise. The walls in the rooms weren't the thickest. You could hear the comings and goings of other guests, especially in the hallways. And there were some tour groups. It wasn’t a huge issue, but it did interrupt my nap time a few times.
I also remember a hiccup in the laundry service. My favorite shirt came back... well... a bit smaller! Oops. I’m not blaming anyone. It's a thing that happens. But yes, that was a minor bummer. I'd recommend checking your laundry *before* you leave.
Would you stay at East View Hotel again? (The ultimate question!)
Yes. Absolutely, yes. Despite the minor imperfections, the overall experience was wonderful. The views, the food, the feeling of being so far away from everything... it was worth it.
Just pack some earplugs and maybe an extra pair of socks. And remember that "paradise" isn't perfect, and it's all the more charming for it.
Would I recommend it? Yes, but set realistic expectations. You're not getting a perfect experience, but you are getting a truly memorable one, with views that will stay with you long after you leave. Go. Seriously, go!
Any pro-tips for getting the best experience at the hotel?
* **Request a room with a view**. Seriously, it's worth paying extra for. Try to book in advance - they're popular! * **Embrace the chai**. Drink it all day! * **Pack snacks, but be open to trying the local food**, and embrace the inevitable food baby afterwards. * **Bring some earplugs**, just in case. * **Be patient and friendly** with the staff. A little kindness goes a long way! * **Don't be afraid to explore Shimla!** It's a beautiful city, and there's so much to see. * **Negotiate!!** The price of goods and services can be negotiated. * **Most importantly: relax and enjoy the incredible scenery.**
