Indian Hotels that Feel Like Home

If you are travelling in India and looking for a stay that offers a combination of charm, elegance, and a comfortable home-like atmosphere, then there is no dearth of choices. From bungalows to palaces, here is a list of hotels that will make sure that you feel like home during your visit:

1. The Windamere Hotel

This is the only truly authentic British Colonial hotel in Darjeeling. Formerly known as the Ada Villa, this hotel was originally established for housing the British Planters. This place was meant to be a home-away-from-home for them. The “lady of the house” took care of their needs regarding laundry, food, bar, and so on. This hotel still retains its Colonial charm and has never been renovated but restored in order to preserve its authenticity. Each room, suite & cottage of the Windamere Hotel offers a very cosy stay and are charmingly comfortable. Step into the place and you will be immediately made to feel at home. Accommodation at the Windamere Hotel offers amenities such as television, telephone, wardrobe, dressing table and other comforts. Each room is thoroughly designed to enhance its ambience to make your stay a comfortable and delightful experience. It sits on the second highest mountain point in Darjeeling – namely, Observatory Hill (named by the British to accompany the elegance and style of the buildings’ interiors)

2. The Manor, New Delhi

Surrounded by a sprawling garden, The Manor is synonymous is comfort and luxury. This was originally designed by a Japanese architect. The place started its journey in 1950 and was meant to be a place hemmed by jungle and plenty of greenery. However, now surrounded by the suburban areas, The Manor offers a cosy and minimalist decor. The beautiful interior decor won’t make you feel overwhelmed and the beautifully designed rooms will give you a feeling of home stay.

3. Tikli Bottom, Haryana

Want to relax and rejuvenate your senses amidst nature? Want to experience the rich rural life in India? If yes, then there is no better place than Tikli Bottom. This is a Lutyens-style farmhouse located far away from the mad rush of the cities. The rooms in this place open onto a long veranda that runs around the courtyard. If you are visiting during the summers, they will also allow you to sleep on the charpoys or rope-strung beds in their beautiful gardens. You can even explore their farms where they grow organic vegetables.

4. Old Harbour Hotel, Kerala

This three centuries old colonial place once served as the office of a British tea broker. The decor of this place is studded with rich antiques, local paintings and artefacts. The rooms have high ceilings and big windows to allow the gentle breeze fill your room. Each room is equipped with comfortable beds, modern bathrooms, and other amenities to make your stay a delightfully comfortable experience. Apart from that, the staffs of this hotel are friendly and do every possible thing to ensure comfort and a home-like feeling.

Famous Must Visit Colonial Hotels in India

There are a number of places in India that will remind you of the bygone era. Most of these places have been turned into cosy and luxury hotels where you can bask in the glory of the Raj-era. The rich Colonial flavour of these places will evoke the nostalgic memories of the Raj. For centuries, these places have carefully and meticulously preserved their Colonial charm and rich history. These places have hosted a long list of dignitaries for over hundreds of years. If you too want to experience the opulence and Colonial heritage of the country, here is a list of a few celebrated Colonial hotels in India:

1. The Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling

Snuggled on (!!)  Observatory Hill, The Windamere Hotel is the only authentic British Colonial Hotel in Darjeeling. The Victorian flavour, rich architecture and decor of this place are reminiscent of the typical Raj-era. Previously known as ‘Ada Villa,’ this place was once used by the British planters as a Boarding House. All the suites, rooms and cottages at The Windamere Hotel, carefully preserve the typical Raj-era charm and will take you straight back to the old Colonial days. All the suites, rooms and cottages have been restored to preserve their old world charm and are named after famous persons who stayed at the Windamere.

2. Divan’s Bungalow, Ahmedabad

Soaked in the rich colonial history of India, Divan’s Bungalow is an architectural delight. Located near Ahmedabad airport, this place is about 150 years old and has been revamped to preserve its colonial beauty and grandeur. The architecture of this place will remind you of the typical colonial architectural style and is named after the Divan of Radhanpur. Once served as a residence of the Kadri family, this colonial style bungalow is a must-stay place if you want to taste a slice of the colonial history of the country.

3. The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi

Being the first among the celebrated “Four Maidens of the East”, The Imperial Hotel is among the finest buildings that constituted the grand architectural plans of Edward Lutyen. This building is a unique blend of Art Deco, Victorian, and classic Colonial style of architecture. The furnishing of this hotel was planned none other than Lady Willington, the wife of the then Viceroy.

4. Hotel de L’Orient, Pondicherry

Dating back to 1760s, Hotel de L’Orient was built when Pondicherry was under French occupation. However, the town changed hands between the Dutch and the British but strong French influences are still visible in the architecture of the hotel. Restoration of this place began in 1999 and within a few years, it opened its doors to the guests. The quintessential colonial charm of this place has been carefully preserved and has been bolstered with all modern amenities and facilities.

5. Taj Connemara, Chennai

This place will transport you straight back to the days of the Raj. Built in 1854, this place was re-established in 1890 and was named after Robert Bourke, the Baron of Connemara, who served as a Governor of Madras from 1886 to 1890.

British Boarding Houses from the Raj Days

The colonial days might have become a matter of the past but the remnants of that period still live on. When the British came to India, they built a number of boarding houses and bungalows for accommodation purposes. From the typical Victorian-style architecture to large verandahs and overhead paddled fans, the past is very much alive in these Colonial structures which have now been turned into hotels. Here’s a list of the places where you can snugly slip back to the Raj days:

1. The Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling

Previously known as the Ada Villa, this place was constructed in 1841. Later in late 1880s, it was converted into a Boarding House to provide accommodation for the British planters and other Raj types on contract here. This Boarding House was a home-away-from-home for them. The “lady of the house” used to take care of all their needs and requirements related to food, laundry etc. Till today, the Windamere Hotel has never been renovated but restored, in order to maintain its Colonial charm. It still retains the original Planter Suites which now are known as The Royal Suites. If you want to experience the Colonial era and relive the boarding house days, then the Windamere hotel is a must-stay colonial hotel for you.

2. Ivanhoe House, Darjeeling

Built in 1841, the Ivanhoe House served as a summer retreat for Mrs. Mackie, the owner of the Mokrung Tea Estate in Assam. This place was transformed into a boarding house for the British families only in 1871. The place has been carefully restored so that it retains its old grandeur. Once you step into this structure, you can take a tour down the memory lane as the decor will remind you of the colonial days. Even the rooms still retain the fireplaces. Each room at Ivanhoe House is equipped with modern amenities such as television, modern bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and dressing table etc. to make your stay a comfortable experience. A stay at the Ivanhoe house will give you a rich feeling of how the life was during the colonial days.

3. Cochrane Place, Kurseong

Located on the outskirts of Kurseong and snuggled in the foothills of the Himalayas, this British colonial home offers a majestic view of the snow-capped Kanchenjunga. This place once served as the residence of the District Magistrate P.B Cochrane. The wooden floors and walls with intricate cast iron furniture will give you a rich colonial feeling. The place also offers a stunning view of the Ambootia and Makaibari tea estate. The decor of each room is a perfect blend of the ancient and the modern world. The decor of the rooms are embedded with colonial heritage but at the same time, the rooms also offer all modern facilities such as tea maker, modern bathroom, closet, workstation, television, laundry service, and so on.

Authentic Continental cuisine in Darjeeling

Nestled among the majestic mountains, Darjeeling, the Queen of Hills is famous for its natural splendour, great weather, and of course, the legendary Darjeeling Tea. However, there is something more to this picturesque place. It is also famous for treating you with delectable cuisines. There are a number of places in Darjeeling that will treat your taste buds with a variety of Indian and authentic Continental cuisines. Here is a list of places where you can gorge on mouth-watering authentic continental cuisine:

1. The Windamere Hotel

This is one of the most authentic British Colonial hotel in India and is well-known for its unmatched hospitality and of course, authentic Raj-era cuisine. The continental food served in Windamere Hotel will take you straight back to the Colonial era. For breakfast, you will be served:  fresh fruit/ porridge/cereal/muesli/eggs any style with bacon or sausages OR Indian cuisine. You can wash everything down with the perfect Darjeeling tea or the splendid coffee from the Baba Budan Hills in Mysore. A stay in The Windamere Hotel in itself is a lifetime experience.

2. Glenary’s Restaurant

This is one of the oldest restaurants in Darjeeling that serves authentic continental cuisine along with a variety of other cuisines. A trip to Darjeeling is incomplete if you haven’t had enjoyed the elaborate platter at Glenary’s Restaurant. The wooden floor, the fireplace, linen-draped tables adds to their cosy atmosphere and old-world charm. Glenary’s Restaurant is famous for its continental sizzlers and baked items.

3. Keventer’s Restaurant

When you are in Darjeeling, there is no other place than Keventer’s Restaurant to treat you with an authentic English breakfast. From tasty sandwiches, pork sausages, and meat loafs, a breakfast at Keventer’s Restaurant will leave you craving for more. Located at the Nehru Road, the ground floor constitutes the bakery. The rooftop sitting arrangement at the Keventer’s restaurant is a delightful experience. You can sip your cup of Darjeeling tea, enjoy authentic continental foods while enjoying the lovely view of Darjeeling.

4. Magnolia Restaurant

This is a multi-cuisine restaurant at the Mayfair Hotel, Darjeeling. This restaurant is famous for serving sumptuous continental dishes. The restaurant has highly skilled chefs and each dish is carefully prepared to give you an authentic taste. The interior decor will give you a feeling of the colonial times. Apart from continental dishes, you can also enjoy lavish buffet spreads of various Indian and Oriental cuisines.

5. The Junction

This is yet another popular restaurant that serves a variety of traditional Chinese, Indian, and Continental dishes. This is a multi-cuisine restaurant and is famous for great food and hospitality. They have elaborate breakfast and lunch buffets where you can enjoy elaborate continental cuisines. The place also offers customised menus. In case you are on a specific diet, the staffs will ensure that the food is prepared with additional care.