INDIALINE

Hotel Oberoi Cecil

Oberoi Cecil hotel Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Just to match with the mood of the place, Shimla, the British Capital of India in summers, is Hotel Oberoi Cecil. The colonial era comes alive when you come to Oberoi. From far off, it looks like a majestic white structure rising amidst the greens, and the conical roof tops lend it a fairy tale kind of look. The Himalayas, Cedar forests, and a golden orange sunrise and sunset, all serenade this beautiful hotel.

At an altitude of 7000 feet, it is like 'unwinding in style'. A hotel that holds heritage preserved in itself since 1884, when it was first built. Though a heritage hotel, yet it offers a refreshing stay within itself. The location is perfect and quite impressive. Closeby is Vice Regal Lodge, the former summer residence of Viceroy Of India. The location is also perfect for exploring the nearby scenic beauty and the monasteries.

The wooden floorings, the period furniture and the crackling fire, create an ambience which is sure to tickle your heart.

Rooms That Exude Class

The hotel has 79 well appointed rooms in all, falling in different categories, Deluxe rooms, Premiere rooms, Deluxe suites and Luxury suites. The interiors are done in a manner reminiscent of the days of Raj, complete with panelling, pillars and chandeliers so the feeling of living in a different time period does not elude you even for the moment. As you enter the room, the polished wooden furniture, with brass and the rich subtle fabrics catch your fancy immediately. Everything is so classic yet so much comfortable like the modern day furniture.

There are some rooms which offer breathtaking views of the valley below and the snow capped Himalayas above. You have to come and stay here to realise what it is. The rooms are complete with facilities like air conditioning in summers and winters, mini bars and video games etc.

The Food Experience

At such a height above the sea level, dining can be a memorable experience, made every bit of special by Oberoi. The restaurant here serves delectable European and Asian dishes. The ambience is just perfect to match the mood of the hotel, wood panelling and the lightened chandeliers above, it could not be more elegant than this. Theme evenings are a regular feature here in the restaurant to celebrate what was the colonial past. It would be a true pleasure lounging here in style, the hotel has a lounge for its guests with a five storey galleried atrium. A quiet tea or a drink in front of the fire is what you will truly call relaxing.

If you wish to just munch a bite while you enjoy the surroundings, 'Cedar Garden' is the place you should be. It is an outdoor garden where you can enjoy light meals, or some snacks and drinks.

A Little Fun

A stay in this heritage hotel, which takes you into a different era altogether, is a recreating in itself. But still the hotel offers much more to pamper its guests.

The hotel is the proud owner of one of the highest located heated swimming pool in the world. With glass windows from where the sun shines through, one can see the the mountains rising, it is a different swimming experience altogether. There is a gymnasium just below the swimming pool for fitness freaks. However, if you prefer some indoor games then make you choice from billiards, board games, bridge table etc.

Close to Cecil are two 9 hole golf courses, highest in the world. The closer one is Nalhedra while the other 9 hole golf course Annandale, just 3 kilometers away.

For its young guests, the hotel has a activity centre with toys, computer games, wendy rooms etc. The hotel also offers many activities for the adventurous souls. For example, it organises nature trails, mountain treks and other adventure sports like skiing and ice skiing (in season) one can also enjoy horse riding here.

The Oberoi Spa

While the hotel has a gymnasium for its fitness conscious guests, there is lots more it offers. The hotel has a long list of massages and treatments to offer. Ayurvedic, Thai, Bali and Hawaiian massages, the list is long. There are also therapy suites, steam rooms and saunas within the spa. A perfect place to be at after a long tiring day exploring the scenery. The natural air along with the ayurvedic therapies works wonders here, it is just the kind of place where you let yourself go and allow your senses to be pampered.

Conference Facilities

It would be a delight to mix work with pleasure. Oberoi Cecil offers you that opportunity. It offers many options to its corporate travellers. Complete with the latest state of art facilities, it has three rooms The Kipling Room (40 seats), The Curzon Room' (20 seats) and 'The Inner Section' (140 seats). The sitting arrangement can be modified into U shape, conference style, seminar style etc as per the requirement.