The team at Penina Experiences has spent countless hours touring, viewing, and inspecting hotels across India. We believe accommodations are more than a place to rest your head; they are an essential element of experiencing a destination. Although there are several luxury brands offering premium services, we are often drawn back to Oberoi. There is a simple elegance, not an ostentatious display. The hospitality is authentic and not forced. Oberoi also considers travellers of all ages, an often overlooked detail in luxury hotels.
The founder of Oberoi Hotels, Mr. M.S. Oberoi, had a fairly straightforward code of conduct: No effort is too big, no detail is too small. The Oberoi Group also established a training center in hospitality management, considered one of the best in Asia. Perhaps this is why the guest experience triumphs across their 30+ properties and cruisers. Not surprisingly, Oberoi holds an impressive list of awards and accolades that include the #1, #2, and #3 hotels in India, Top Hotel in Asia, and Best Hotel Group.
So let's talk specifics. The Oberoi Group has two luxurious heritage hotels in the city, the Oberoi Cecil Shimla which is centrally located, and Oberoi Wildflower Hall Shimla which is on the outskirts of Shimla. Both properties are heritage buildings and transport you back to the opulence and elegance of the colonial era.
Wildflower Hall by Oberoi
Whilst Himalayan Shimla usually experiences snow in the winter, due to its temperate summer climate and refreshing mountain air, the area was adopted as the summer capital of British India in 1863. Nowadays, Shimla is a popular destination for trekking, mountain biking and heritage walks.
The former residence of Lord Kitchener, erstwhile commander in chief of the British army, Wildflower Hall is a 5 star hotel in Shimla that exudes the ambience of a grand stately home; with a welcoming lounge, opulent accommodation, a snooker and billiards room, and a well stocked library.
Wildflower Hall provides a unique opportunity for you to lose yourself in the romance of nature. Indoor and al fresco dining areas with mountain views, personalised spa experiences in wooded locations, energising outdoor sports and private dining. All complemented by our sincere attention to your every need, at the best hotel in Shimla.
Every room in the hotel is adorned with watercolours of native fruits and flowers on walls, hand-carved four-poster, king-size beds, and Burmese teak floorboards that run from wall to wall.
En-suite marble bathrooms, high-speed internet connectivity for up to four devices and a dedicated butler through the day are just a few of the features that add to the luxurious functionality of the hotel’s rooms.
With five categories of rooms—the Lord Kitchener Suite, Deluxe Suite, Premier Mountain View Room, Premier Valley View Rooms, and Deluxe Garden View Rooms—the hotel brings back the musings of a colonial past. Soak in the understated opulence even as you savour the natural charm beaming all around you.
Wildflower Hall Oberoi has a huge indoor temperature controlled pool. The best part is their jacuzzi faces The Himalayas. The chilly weather is an amazing time to enjoy hot jacuzzi.
It is an amazing experience..
“Romance of the Wildflower” offers a rejuvenating Ayurveda spa experience for couples. Leave the world behind and get closer to one another as you are offered the most relaxing and rejuvenating massages.
Distance from Airport: The Shimla Airport is the closest to this resort, and it will take you around 1-2 hours to reach the resort from the airport.
Location: Shimla Kufri Highway, Chharabra, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171012.
Approximate Cost: It is suggested to go for the Lord Kitchener Suite which is known for its sheer luxury and charm. This suite will cost you INR 20,000-22,000 approximately per night.
Penina Rating: 5/5
Oberoi Cecil, Shimla
Shimla is located in northern India, in the apple and cherry region of Himachal Pradesh. The British summer capital during colonial times, Shimla boasts many examples of original British architecture; from churches to offices, private residences and a theatre.
During the times of the British Raj, Cecil was the most exclusive five star hotel in Shimla; known for its fabulous ballroom dances and fashionable clientele. More than a century later, The Oberoi Cecil continues to maintain its exclusivity with a colonial charm and classic elegance that befits the best hotel in Shimla.
A Heritage Grand Hotel with rich wooden floors, glowing fireplaces, a grand atrium lobby and panoramic mountain views, The Oberoi Cecil’s warm ambience flows into our hospitality; as you walk through the front door, show yourself to your room or relax at the spa. At the dedicated children’s activity centre, your little ones would be delighted for the holiday of a lifetime.
The famous Ridge and the Mall Road are a leisurely walk away. The legacy of Kalka-Shimla locomotive continues from its nearby station. If you love outdoors, the esoteric Glen valley and pine forest make for an ideal hike from here. Looked one way, Cecil, close to popular places to visit and yet tucked in a quiet corner of the city, offered a slice of history and nature to step in to.
The warmth from the fireplaces behind the revolving doors at this luxury property is just right to soothe your nerves. While its reception had the spirit of hospitality, the softly lit atrium, behind it, held an aroma of heritage. The lounge was complimented by Cedar gardens, opposite the main building, if you prefer a bonfire out in the chilly weather.
Guest rooms surrounds three sides of the courtyard and as you unlock the door, a carved wooden screen, about two-feet inside, stood tall to secure privacy. The rooms are crafted with elegance - solid teak boarded the floor, art pieces adorned its walls, tastefully chosen linen and soft cushions dressed up a king size bed, antique-style lamps lit up its sides. A couch and a vintage bureau desk decorates the far corners flanking a large window offering stunning views of cedar covered Himalayas. The room has a walk-in wardrobe with a locker to keep your valuables and a granite and marble bathroom with a full length bathtub. Oh yes, it is easy to get used to comforts.
Distance from Airport: The Shimla Airport is the closest to the Oberoi Cecil. It will take you 40-50 minutes approximately to reach the destination from the airport in Shimla.
Location: Chaura Maidan Road, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171004.
Approximate Cost: It is suggested to stay in the Luxury Suite which will cost you INR 15,000-17,000 per night approximately.
Penina rating : 5/5