Hotel Aliment, Darjeeling
Category: Budget
This small hotel is located on Zakir Hussain Road at the upper part of Darjeeling and about 20 minutes uphill walk from the Chowrasta Mall and adjacent to
Hotel Broadway Annexe.
While taxis can come up to the entrance, usually they ask for some extra fare. This is because the place is off limit from the main traffic area and the taxis need to take a detour to get there. Secondly, the driver won't get any passengers on his way back.
Reception
Earlier, this hotel was predominantly meant for backpackers and low-budget travelers. There was a nice library at the dining area that also doubled up as a chat room for the guests. There was also a small cyber cafe at the reception area where you could check your emails. WiFi was then available only at the lobby area at additional cost. Some rooms had toilets that were of Indian style... overall, it was a very low-key hotel.
Things have since changed... they have upgraded the rooms and the interiors, and also increased the rates. The Single Rooms are still within reach of the low-budget travelers. The Double and Family Rooms are now targeted mainly for the couples and families.
At the first look of it you will wonder why consider this hotel when there are several others in its category. But once you get in, start talking to the staff at the reception and also the family who runs this hotel, you start feeling the warmth and friendliness. At the reception area, you can still see an old Telephone Booth which is no longer in operation.
Family Room
The hotel is owned by the Gurung family for more than two decades. The owner was an ex-soldier of the Gorkha Regiment. The family and the staff are friendly and will help you out in anyway they can.
There are a total of 21 rooms in the hotel spread across 4 floors. The hotel has Single, Double and Family rooms. Some Double Rooms (they call it Super Deluxe) have great view from the windows. You can see the valley with rows of houses on the slopes. On a clear day, you can also get magnificent view of Kanchenjunga snow peaks.
Single Room
The Single rooms are very small and have no views. The Family Rooms have an extra bed other than the Queen bed, so a family of three can stay in these rooms.
Rooms are fairly clean and well maintained. They clean the rooms daily and make the beds. The bed sheets and towels are also quite clean. All rooms have standard amenities including flat-screen TV, cupboards, etc.
Double Room
There are attached western-style bathrooms with geysers. Hot water is available during specific hours in the morning and evening. Several of these bathrooms were earlier of Indian style (i.e. squat type). During the upgrade, they have changed all these to western style. But, you can still notice some left-over floor structures from the earlier bathrooms.
Bathroom of a Double Room
Most rooms are airy and have natural lights. The beddings are quite comfortable as well. They give extra blankets and quilts in the winter. Over all, the rooms are nice although some of them are quite small.
One of the highlights of Aliment Hotel is its open roof-top terrace. You get wonderful views of Darjeeling town and the valley from here. On a clear day, you can also get excellent view of the snow peaks from the terrace. If your room doesn't have great views, then this is the place which can compensate for that.
Roof Top Terrace
View from Terrace
The rooftop restaurant is also nice and offers good views from the window-side tables. Other than Indian food, they also offer traditional Tibetan dishes. Thukpa and Tibetan bread offered here are really nice. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. The kitchen closes by 10pm. You can also savor a selection of Darjeeling tea here.
The staff at the reception can organize local tours and treks at reasonable prices. But if you are planning for Tiger Hill sunrise views, then tell them in advance because at that early hour, you may find the main door locked. You can also ask them to wake you up early in the morning. Limited parking is available but needs to be requested in advance.
Rates provided by booking.com
Location & Contacts
40, Dr. Zakir Hussain Road (aka, Saint Mother Teresa Road), Darjeeling 734101
It's located next to Hotel Broadway Annex and close to the Tenzing Norgay Youth Hostel.
Phone: (+91) 62895 55025
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