Windamere Hotel Step Into the Living History of Darjeeling Long before became a name whispered by tea lovers and travelers, there stood a home on Observatory Hill – a home that would become Windamere Hotel, one of oldest and most storied colonial hotels. First established in the 19th century as a boarding house for British tea planters and later transformed into a luxury hotel in the 1930s, Windamere has since hosted royalty, writers, explorers, and discerning travelers from around the globe. Staying here isn't just a getaway – a step into history, where the changed much, and the sense of occasion is as fresh as ever. Heritage Rooted in the British Perched on the edge of the famous Observatory Hill, Windamere Hotel overlooks Darjeeling valleys, forests, and snow-capped peaks. Its architecture and interiors preserve the colonial way of life: Whitewashed cottages with gabled roofs, Polished wood interiors with antique furniture, English gardens lined with rhododendrons and hydrangeas, Log fireplaces, vintage lamps, and brass bedsteads, Framed portraits and photographs from the 1800s and early 1900s. The hotel feels less like a commercial property and more like a heritage museum where you live in luxury. Accommodation That Tells a Story Windamere does not have rooms – it has suites, cottages, and chambers named after real people and stories from the past. Room types include: The Royal Suite with a canopy bed and views of Kanchenjunga. Ada Villa where author Dominique Lapierre once stayed. The Snuggery – the original colonial boarding house, restored. Colonial Suites with high ceilings, winged armchairs, and fireplaces. Annex Cottages with private gardens and tranquil views. All rooms include: Electric heaters and working fireplaces, Period-appropriate furniture, Thick duvets, fine linen, and vintage writing desks, En-suite bathrooms with modern fixtures. There are no TVs here – only warmth, quiet, and ambiance. Dining: British Elegance Meets Local Flavors Meals at Windamere are served in style, often in courses, with set menus that rotate daily. The dining experience is formal but heartfelt. Expect: Traditional English breakfasts with baked beans, eggs, toast, and fresh fruit, Multi-course, Anglo-Indian dinners including roasts, pies, and stews, Himalayan-inspired lunches with momos, chow mein, and local vegetables, Afternoon high tea in the garden with scones, cakes, and estate-grown Darjeeling tea. The waitstaff, dressed in classic livery, provide attentive service in an environment where every meal feels like an occasion. Tea Legacy & Experiences While Windamere is not a tea estate bungalow, it is inextricably linked to Darjeeling's tea culture. Guests can enjoy: Complimentary Darjeeling tea tastings, Arranged visits to nearby tea estates like Happy Valley, Stories and exhibits about tea planter life during the Raj, Souvenir shopping for handpicked teas curated by the hotel. It’s the ideal place to soak in the spirit of the tea country, without leaving the town center. Unique Offerings and Experiences Windamere isn’t just a hotel – it’s a curated world. Guests enjoy: Garden walks with birdsong and a view of Kanchenjunga, Evening fireplace chats with history lovers from around the globe, Live piano music during dinners (on select days), In-room reading nooks and heritage libraries, On-site masseur services, available by appointment, Cultural evenings showcasing local music or storytelling. Whether you’re a honeymooner, writer, or heritage traveler, Windamere wraps you in a world far removed from modern distractions. Prime Location Located at Observatory Hill, Windamere is close to: Chowrasta Mall Road (5-minute walk), Mahakal Temple (right behind the property), Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Zoo, Toy Train Station (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway), Batasia Loop and Ghoom Monastery. Despite being centrally located, the property feels secluded – thanks to its leafy surroundings and quiet courtyards. When to Visit Spring (March–May): Clear skies and cool evenings Autumn (October–November): The best time for Kanchenjunga views Winter (December–February): Magical fog, cozy fires, and festive decor Monsoon (June–September): For misty mornings and off-season solitude Each season paints the property in a new shade of elegance. Heritage with Heart Windamere is one of the last few Indian hotels where heritage isn’t themed – it’s lived. Staff who’ve served for decades, brass nameplates on doors, daily rituals like high tea – all combine to offer an experience unmatched in authenticity.The hotel takes pride in: Sustainability through minimal modern intrusion, Supporting local artisans and guides, Preserving architecture and stories without gimmicks, Warm, traditional service with attention to detail.