Best 3-5 Star Darjeeling Hotels & Resorts
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Use the search box below. Fill up your check-in and check-out dates and click on the search button. Once you get the list of hotels, sort them by Star rating (see the sort bar on top of hotel list). Note the ones which are marked as 'Deal'. Sometimes a 5 star hotel may be available at low prices matching that of 4 star, or a 4 star hotel at a price of 3 star, and that's when it's marked as 'Deal'.
Go through guest review scores, amenities etc to select and book a hotel online. This is a service from World's No.1 online hotel booking site. You can also change the destination in the search box and find luxury hotels in other places as well like in Gangtok, Kalimpong, or any location in the world.
When it comes to only the services, comfort and food, it's quite difficult to differentiate one luxury hotel from the other. All these 3 to 5 star hotels and resorts are professionally managed and the staff are trained to show you smiling faces even if they are themselves not happy to see your face.
All these luxury hotels compete hard to get the best chefs from various parts of India eventually leaving very little to compare in terms of quality or taste of food. And almost all will provide modern amenities that you won't complain with. Then how do you find the one you are looking for?
A Director of a large top class property in Darjeeling once told me that her property is not a hotel, it's a destination by itself. When I went deeper to understand what she meant by that, I realized that the property aims to provide an experience so that to the guests such experience becomes the most important agenda of their visit to Darjeeling, which they love and something they want to return for.
Yes, that's mostly the criteria I have used to pick up my choices of luxury hotels in Darjeeling below. And that experience is a combination of overall charm, views and ambience, the different ways that I can spend my time in the property like lounging, reading, enjoying the scenery, walking, birding, having fun activities, partying and more. Of course the amenities, food, service and hotel locations are important considerations as well.
There are different classes of luxury hotels like three star, four star and even five star properties. So consider them within their own classes. A 3 star hotel should not be compared with a 5 star one as the price range also varies widely.
The category a hotel in Darjeeling claims is not necessarily based on the number of special amenities like swimming pool, spa etc they provide. It's more based on the perception and the rates they charge.
Here are the category-wise indicative rates per night:
3 Star: Rs. 4,000 - Rs. 6,000; 4 Star: Rs. 6,000 - Rs. 9,000; 5 Star: Rs. 9,000 upwards
(5 Star, Located on Observatory Hill, Mall)
This hotel is spread across few acres of land area on the Observatory Hill just above the Chowrasta Mall. During the colonial days, it used to be the tea planters boarding house. It continues to retain the wonderful British colonial aura and architecture. It's a true heritage property of the Himalayas and is ideal for a romantic stay. There are several houses spread across the property that have clusters of exquisite rooms. The rooms have no numbers. They are all either named after distinguished guests who had stayed here or old family members who have been owning and running this property. This hotel is all about memories and dreams. Some believe this is not a hotel, rather a destination by itself.
(4 star, Zakir Hussain Road)
This is another wonderful boutique hotel but located high above the main town. While it may not be an easy uphill walk from the downtown, in return what you get is unlimited views and mountain vistas that is rare to get from elsewhere in Darjeeling. Most rooms offer sweeping view of Kanchejunga peaks. I was also attracted with the architecture of the building and the beautiful green lawn outside.
(4 star, On Mall Road across the Governor's House)
This wonderful heritage property used to be the summerhouse of Maharaja of Nazargunj. As you walk along the Mall road on the left, right opposite to the Governor house you will notice a gate guarded by a sentry. A pathway from here leads to this beautiful property that has 44 perfect rooms, cottages and family suites all having wonderful views of the valleys or the lovely garden. Being one of the premier properties of Darjeeling, Mayfair offers all the modern amenities that you can expect.
(4 star, HD Lama Road, 5 Minutes walk from Mall)
Several yards down hill walk from the Mall as you take a sharp bend, you can see this beautiful heritage property on one side of the road. This originally was the property of Maharaja Cooch Behar. Even until 1950s, the property was run and managed by the British businessmen who acquired the property on lease. Other than great views of the valley from several rooms and areas of the hotel, it offers a wonderful garden and several heritage facilities that demand time to enjoy. So this hotel like Windamere is not meant only for a quick night stay.
(4 Star, Robertson Road, 5-6 minute walk to the Mall)
The heritage block of this hotel was built way back in 1905 and therefore continues to offer the feel of British Raj days and heritage stay. The hotel is located quite centrally and you can easily walk up to the Mall. There are 46 rooms in the hotel including a suite which is really special and large. Most of the rooms are wood finished giving a cozy warm feeling.
(4 Star, Gandhi Road, 5-6 minutes walk from the Chowrasta Mall)
This is a polished luxury hotel located at the center of the town giving you easy access to all the local attractions and amenities. As you climb the short flight of stairs you reach a nice garden leading to the main lobby. Standing at the lobby as you look around you know that you are in a great modern hotel. The best are the spacious attic rooms with great views and complimented with a fabulous attic terrace.
(4 Star, Gandhi Road, 5 Minute walk from Chowrasta Mall)
This is a new hotel in Darjeeling that belongs to the Ramada group and is located centrally in the main township. Numerous shops and dining options are only stones throw away. The mall is only a 500-meter leisure walk. The Superior and Premium rooms have great views of Kanchenjunga snow peaks. All rooms have modern amenities including free wi-fi. Another big plus is the central heating system which is extremely useful during nights and winter time.
(3 Star, Gandhi Road, 10-12 Minutes walk from Chowrasta Mall)
As you walk along the downtown Gandhi road you won't likely notice this hotel which is perched on a hill a little high up. There is a fairly long flight of stairs that leads to the lobby of this nice hotel which is known for its cozy rooms. Most rooms are wood paneled with polished wooden floors giving you a feel of country home. Being at an elevation, many rooms have great views of Kanchenjunga and the valley ahead.
(3 Star, 5 minute walk from Mall and off Mall road)
This house was built in 1841 during the British colonial days and has remained intact. With original fireplaces in rooms, dressing tables, a lawn & open patio to have tea, cozy lounge & dining room maintaining the old charm, and personalized service, it takes you back in time and gives you a glimpse of life of the historic era. And what more, many famed personalities of earlier days stayed in this property, and rooms are named on them.
(3 Star, Mall Road, 5 minute walk to the mall chowrasta)
This is a family run boutique resort with 24 rooms and themed on offering Tibetan experience when it comes to decor and food. However the hotel has enough diversities in food and amenities to satisfy tourists of different taste. It's located on the hill side with nice valley views (but no views of the snow peaks). Rooms are comfortable and service is nice & friendly. It has in-house multi cuisine restaurant.
(3 Star, CR Das Road, 5 minutes downhill walk from Mall)
As you walk for few minutes downhill (about 250 meters) along the narrow CR Das road that winds down the Mall from one side, you won't miss this nice lovely property on the right. As you climb down a few stairs from the main gate and enter the property, the first thing you will notice is a long nice manicured garden with flowing plantations and pathways. The rooms are nice and clean and have modern amenities. Several rooms have excellent views of the mountains.
(3.5 Star, HD Lama Road, 5 minute walk to Chowrasta Mall)
A mid-sized hotel located right at the town center amongst noisy market area. The location is convenient to find all kinds of shops and restaurants around. Upper floor rooms with valley view (and few with Kanchenjuna views) are spacious and good, however there is no elevator although the top floor rooms with best views are on the 4th floor. The multi cuisine food served is quite good.
(3 Star, Gandhi Road, About 15 minute walk to Chowrasta Mall)
As you walk down the stairs and through an archway covered with green plants toward the front door of a cottage like building, you know that you are approaching a nice heritage property of British days. Other than 8 nice rooms in the main block, there are 4 lovely cottages opening out to a lawn with a sweeping view of the mountains. This is a property of Summit Group and quite nicely maintained with friendly staff.
(Heritage Hotel, Mall Road, 1 minute walk from Chowrasta Mall)
A short walk from the Mall (town center), this is a heritage property - an old house of British era which has been converted into a hotel. The hotel belongs to the Central group and offers nice Deluxe, Club and Suite rooms with great valley and mountain views. The hotel is also suitable for families with kids as it has a small play ground, table tennis, board games, dart etc.
(3 Star, Mall Road, 4-5 minute walk to Mall)
The main attraction of this hotel is the grand views of Kanchenjunga it offers from all its 20 rooms. And combining that with comfort and standard amenities makes it a very attractive destination for the tourists. The rooms are spread across four levels (no elevators though). Taxis won't reach up to the hotel, it requires 2-3 minutes walk from nearest point where taxis would drop you.
(3 Star, Ghoom, About 8kms from Darjeeling town)
If you like to be out of sight from the hustle & bustle of Darjeeling town, like to just relax for couple of days, enjoy the calmness & unabated views and even have the option of cooking in a home-like cottage, this is the one for you.
Located west of Ghoom at the end of a narrow road, the property is very close to the Yiga Choling Monastery set up in a picturesque setting. There are over 100 rooms and cottages of different sizes and many with duplex style. Some can accommodate families of up to 6.
Related Articles
1) Those were some of my select luxury star hotels in Darjeeling. But there are more that are worth exploring. If you like more choices then visit
Darjeeling Hotels Guide to get a complete list of accommodations arranged by price categories and with my rankings and detailed reviews.
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Visitors' Reviews/Comments
Dr Angshuman Das (June 2022)
Dear Raj, Thank you for your valuable information on the tourism in the North Bengal. It's a great read and minefield of excellent tips and suggestions. Your forum also provides great source of practical information for the travellers. We are regular visitors of North Bengal and benefitted a lot from your site.
In December there is a special occasion we want to celebrate in the hills and wish to travel with my family of three(husband, wife and a 12 yr old daughter). We want to stay 3 nights in the Elgin or Mayfair. Windamere is also an option. It would be great if you could offer an advice.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) June 2022
Hello, Windamere is usually the preferred choice for those who want to enjoy the old colonial charm and revive the memories of earlier visits. In the recent past, the hotel had gone through some difficulties due to a lack of booking during the pandemic because it relies heavily on foreign visitors. Since your daughter is accompanying you, Mayfair could be a good choice considering the comfort and amenities it offers.
However, it could be biting cold in December and none of these hotels has central heating. Only Hotel Ramada in Darjeeling has central heating with individual temperature controllers in the rooms. But, as a hotel, Ramada certainly does not enjoy the status and reputation that these hotels do.
Ramapati Thakur (October 2021)
Hi Raj, Thanks for maintaining such a wonderful website. As with all messages, I am also looking for some friendly and experienced suggestion. My parents birthdays fall on 1st and 2nd Jan and I want to give them a lifetime memorable vacation visit of Darjeeling. I would like to bring a family of 20 people for 2 nights and 3 days and mainly want to do 2 things below:
1) celebrate a birthday dinner party in a hall, or lounge with bonfire, live music , lightings , decorations and 3 course meal on 1st Jan evening. 2) in the afternoon, celebrate birthday on a toy train, I would like to hire one coach (not sure which coach to hire). Rest, we would like to spend family time together roaming around mall road and other famous places.
Will you please guide me couple of 2 star or 3 star hotels , which can help me prepare this above plan and does not cost me a fortune. I am also interested to know, which hotel would be best suited for such small family party with good locations and ambiences?
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) October 2021
Hi, keep in mind that it can be freezing cold in Darjeeling in January. So you need to choose a hotel with a good heating facility. 2-Star hotels (which are essentially budget properties) won't be suitable for your type of plan as they do not usually have lounge/banquet facilities or gardens for holding private functions, neither will they have great heating arrangements. You need to look for a 3-4 star property.
Ramada is a large hotel located centrally on Gandhi Road and the only one with a central heating system. They also have a fairly large banquet hall which can accommodate about 35-40 persons (120 persons in theatre style). Although they serve both veg and non-veg food, the non-veg options are limited.
Hotel Little Tibet is located on Mall road... they have 24 rooms and a nice garden with a gazebo. You can request a bonfire in the garden. There is a conference room which can be booked for private functions. They also have a roof-top sundeck/terrace.
Suggest you go through the 3-5 star hotels I have listed on this page above and visit the individual hotel links for detailed reviews of the properties. Good luck!
Soumya Roy (November 2018)
Hi Raj, We are planning for a trip to Darjeeling. Your site has been very helpful in planning for the trip. One hotel that has not been reviewed yet in your site is Ramada Darjeeling. What's your opinion of this hotel? Thanks & Regards,
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) November 2018
It's a nice 4-star hotel, quite new (so all furniture & fixtures are presently at their best), and reasonably priced. The area is congested but convenient (easy short walk to the town center). Mostly vegetarian food, but they also make some non-veg which may not be the best in town. Overall a good hotel.
Sudipta Moitra (September 2018)
Hi Raj, It is a delightful pleasure to see and reading the flow of valuable information in your well managed portal which is very few in case of West Bengal. Thank you for your efforts. I will visit Baramangwa and Darjeeling in November 2018. I have already booked Baramangwa farmhouse which is very good i guess but regarding Darjeeling in need your help. My budget is around 2500 - 3500 max for the hotel and I am considering Central Heritage Resort & Spa but hesitating after reading some recent reviews. Can you please suggest me how is the hotel at present and any other hotel that would be best within my budget. many regards and thanks.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2018
Hi, the choice depends on what you want. Central Heritage is located centrally but in a congested area on Robertson Road. The original heritage building is on the left while the new unit is on the right of the road (they are separate units). Old unit has no views of the peaks (except some having view of the valley) but the rooms offer old world charm. Only few rooms in the new unit have views of Kanchenjunga but most rooms are quite ordinary.
Central Nirvana (of the same group) could be a better choice if you are looking for views... but cars wont go up to the hotel (there is some walk involved). In a similar range as Central Heritage you can check out Summit Yashshree (see review on my site). It' located next to Central Heritage (so the location is congested).
Murtaza (November 2016)
Kindly advice if summit group of hotels is a good option to stay at all 3 places Gangtok, Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Thanking you.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) November 2016
I am not quite fond of Summit hotels, although they aren't bad. Value for money is the main question. If you get good deals, then you can consider. In Darjeeling there are couple of them, one is quite inconveniently located (Summit Grace Hotel & Spa). Avoid that.
Samir Das (September 2016)
Hi Raj, Your posts are really great. After reading those and doing a little bit of research, I chose three options 1) Windamere, 2) Cedar Inn and 3) Mayfair hotel, as I want rooms with mountain views. I understand Windamere price is the highest so thought of settling with the other two. But though I learnt that Cedar Inn has good views, but its far from the mall and main roads, so that's an issue. So my question is about Mayfair hotel and wanted your honest opinion about it. How good is the hotel and are there rooms with mountain views. Thanks in advance.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2016
Hi, Mayfair is definitely a great hotel, although may not rank #1 in my list. The hotel and its rooms face the valley full of houses and trees. So views are limited from the rooms. However the hotel has vantage points for viewing Kanchenjunga snow peaks.
Samir Das (September 2016)
Hi Raj, Thank you so much for that update and extremely sorry to bug you again. So I am planning a good couple trip with my partner, while I can't afford Windamere, for mountain views, which is important for us, I saw your option of Cedar Inn too.
But my concern about Cedar Inn is the distance from the mall or town. Since this will be my first visit, not sure, if that is worth taking the risk, as I want to know the frequency of vehicles available outside even when dark and the safety of the place after dark for a lady. Also if you can kindly suggest any other hotel of Mayfair category with good mountain views from room and a convenient location, the only hotel that I can't afford is Windamere.
Awaiting for your response. Hoping for your kind co-operation. Regards,
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2016
Hi, Cedar Inn is out of the main town area. I won't recommend walking down such streets after it gets dark (although there is not much safety issues these days... better not to take chances). You should plan on hotel's vehicle if you are staying at Cedar Inn. Taxis are also scarce after dark. There are no hotels in my view that come in the same class as the three you mentioned earlier. However you can definitely look at the following options:
1. Central Heritage - they have two wings. The rooms at original heritage wing have limited views but the other wing (annex) has a few deluxe rooms with good views. So ask specifically for a view room. Conveniently located.
2. Viceroy Hotel - very conveniently located (easy walk to the town center) and a safe place. Ask for the King or Queen room on top. They have an adjacent sundeck terrace from where you get good views of the mountains.
3. Hotel Sinclairs. Ask for the suite with private balcony or a premium room with Kanchenjunga views.
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