Windamere Hotel - A Colonial Heritage

We spent 12 nights at this wonderful hotel. It took a bit of adjustment as we were not expecting anything quite like this. Some of the hotel is almost 200 years old. But that adjustment took less than one day and then we did not want to leave. The staff of this hotel are phenomenal. Their service level is outstanding and we have loved every minute of our stay. We LOVED our room. # 19 Miss Pierce is the name of our room. Great internet, high ceilings, masses of space with a living room/office space, bedroom and very modern plumbing and lighting. The food was superb, all the way. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sugar-free desserts made for us were excellent. The candlelit dining room is so lovely and we so enjoyed the old music from the 40’s and 50’s. A huge thank you to the chef whose name I do not know but oh wow, he is a great chef! Jamuna in the spa is very good at her job and we both loved her. We had lots of massages and I had a facial. She did an excellent job. Shuvhana (Sales Manager) greeted us on arrival and is lovely. Abinay (Operations Manager) is always visible, willing to listen and most helpful at all times. Amit (General Manager) is very good and watches over everything. Housekeeping: They are all excellent and work so hard. Our room was always so well looked after and always cleaned early so we did not have to wait. Lakhan, Rajiv and Dupen were fabulous. Many thanks to them for all they do. Ajay (Housekeeping manager) is very good at his job and is very nice always and listens to guests’ concerns. Renu (Asst Housekeeping manager) was often seen checking up on everything. Front desk staff rank up there with the very best in the world. They are very knowledgeable and always go out of their way to be helpful and caring. They are very personable and good with guests. NEVER impatient, always listening with a nice sense of humour. Komal is a very special asset to your hotel. She is really fabulous. So is Shaw who greeted us on our first night and was very patient with all our questions. Pradhuman is a very nice *** with such a warm, welcoming smile. Ashish has been very helpful always. Our wonderful breakfast (and some other meals) waiter, Palson always remembered what we liked to have. His service was always very good and he is a very nice young ***. Pranesh is doing a great job and always willing to take advice and learn. He is very good. Saroja and Anita are lovely ladies who are always friendly and good at their job. Saroj has been our main evening waiter and he is FANTASTIC. He looked after us so well at dinner and provided magic at every meal. He is as good as it gets and we will never forget him. Anup, Food and Beverage captain, was awesome. Always there quietly supervising and checking to see that our needs were met. We liked him so much. Shiva (Food and Beverage manager) was very good also and most helpful at all times. Thank you to both these gentleman who are very good at their jobs. Anmol (Bar) was always read

Upon entry we noticed 2 hairs on towels and bed linens. An hour later at lunch we noticed another on the napkin. TV remote didn't work. Within 2 hours of being here we experienced load shedding. As others have noted there is a difference between quaint and un-kept up. Having stayed in numerous properties far older than this which can find a way to both have modern amenities without ruining character, I can only assume this is due to how tight-fisted the management is. On to the service: there was a large party staying who initially were having dinner outside but due to weather decided to move inside. This meant ALL public areas were off limit. That meant the only dining option was room service. My sister and I wanted to get a drink and go to lounge. We were told to sit in reception. Unthinkable being asked this in a western or actual 4 star hotel. At this point you expect comped drinks or a discount. What are we paying for?

It was one of my dreams come true when i stayed at windamere, darjeeling as i longed for this vacation. We were absolutely delighted after the -in! warm was the welcome with the lovely and humble attitude of the hotel staff. So, was the charming colonial architecture of the property! i must say that this is a must visit hotel for the people who love colonial hangovers and old world charm! food was equally good served in proper crockery and cutlery. A five star for this wonderful hotel!