Incredible India Assam
northeast

northeast

Thursday, 06 December 2012 20:40

The Oriental

Nestled within the heart of Gangtok, right in the middle of the popular MG road market, The Oriental, along with its ever smiling manager, provides service and great value for money. Being in the heart of the bustling main road is an advantage for this charming boutique hotel, which manages to provide serenity along with great views of the Kanchenjunga. A tip here: Visitors staying in Gangtok are well advised to book a hotel on the main market road itself, as a hotel even a short distance away will require one to climb hills. As for rooms, each rooms is neat and comfortable, but staying on the top floor is highly recommended, especially in the penthouse suite - which is spacious enough with a comfortable and elegant sofas to lounge around and enjoy the view, along with a separate dressing area, and open terraces with which to better enjoy the beauty of Sikkim. Do note however, that the hotel has five floors, with no lift. So for those who do not relish the exercise or have ailments, it is advisable to take a room on the first or second floor, as one can still enjoy views of the Kanchenjunga from here. There are also no fans or air-conditioners in any of the rooms (barring the penthouse suite) so do bear this mind, especially when booking during the summer. To compensate however, there are large windows in each room, to let in the beautiful mountain air of Sikkim. The boutique hotel offers a complimentary buffet breakfast.

For those looking to explore Sikkim and go trekking, there are helpful staff who can organize as per your requirement. Also, the hotel can arrange a pick-up from Bagdogra at reasonable rate.

How to get to Gangtok

By Air - Bagdogra - 124 kilometers.
By Rail - New Jalpaiguri - 148 kilometers (4 hours)
By Road - Access by road from Siliguri (114 km), Darjeeling (94 km), Pelling (117 km),
Kalimpong (75 km).

Facilities:

Accommodation in 20 rooms
Suites with mini bar refrigerators
Travel desk
Restaurant
All rooms with television, telephone and attached bath

Address:

The Oriental
Mahatma Gandhi Marg
Gangtok - 737 101
Tel: +91 3592 201180 / 221181
Fax: +91 3592 221182
E-mail : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.orientalsikkim.com

Thursday, 06 December 2012 20:39

Chumbi Residency

This is one of the oldest hotels in Sikkim that first opened way back in 1997. Today, it continues to draw the same attention and traffic for its unwavering warm hospitality. Located above the market area of Gangtok, Chumbi Residency is well known for offering breath-taking views of the beautiful peaks of the Kanchenjunga. A thing to note: do opt for the rooms on the higher floors to get the best views but do bear in mind that the hotel does not have elevators, which can be a problem as there are three floors to negotiate till the exit. Do note there is a place that this a small hotel with a homely atmosphere, so do not come here expecting the facilities of a luxury hotel. A complimentary breakfast buffet is on offer and Tangerine, the local long bar and grill, is where guests can get a choice of North-Indian as well as Sikkimese local favourites, which are a must try for those willing to experiment.

The overall service is friendly and relaxed which is ideal for a hotel of this size. A tip for campers and hikers: the shops for trekking gear are located on the same road so for those looking to trek onwards, this is the best place to stay overnight and go on your way. The staff can even arrange trips to Nathula at concessional rates if asked. Do however, note that during peak seasons, service can be a bit rushed so it is best to come at a time when the tourists have all gone home.

How to get there

 

By Air Bagdogra: 124 kilometers from Gangtok.
By Rail New Jalpaiguri: 148 kilometers (approx 4 hours) from Gangtok
By Road - From Siliguri (114 kms) Darjeeling (94 kms.), Pelling (117 kms.), Kalimpong (75kms)

Website: thechumbiresidency.com
Tel No: +91-3592-206618/206619
Facilities: Banquet and conferencing areas for 30 people
Room with views of the Kanchejunga
Staff can organize hiking tours
Hiking gear shops on the same road as the hotel

Thursday, 06 December 2012 20:39

Hotel Nor-Khill

Built by the then King of Sikkim in 1932, Hotel Nor-Khill, which literally means ‘jewels’ is one of the best known luxury and boutique hotels in Sikkim. The hotel now run by the Elgin group, which own hotels properties all over the state and in West Bengal, has played host to a number of famous personalities from all over the world such as actors Michael Douglas and Shirley Maclaine, the Dalai Lama and famous author and India expert: Mark Tully. The high point of the hotel is the traditional Sikkimese architecture featuring stunning frescos of local folk art that greet visitors in the lobby and above all the picturesque Kanchen Gardens, where the King of Sikkim once busied himself painting for hours.

Located just 10 minutes walking distance from the main road of Gangtok, the hotel was designed for royalty. Most of the 32 rooms overlook Mount Kanchengunga and the Himalayas. The rooms were designed for royal guests of the king, and the royal touch is still evident both in the service and the attention to detail. The staff is exceptionally courteous and the dining hall which provides a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, is lavish, considering this is a hotel in the hills.

North Indian food is the staple diet though the chef will readily switch to Chinese and local cuisine upon prior request. The hotel also has a bar called the Dragon Bar where a highlight is the local brew Dansberg.

For those wishing to work, there is free wi-fi in the hotel lounge. The hotel can arrange airport transfers and also provides excursions to Changu La and the Nathula on request. On returning from your travels, be sure to be pampered at the spa that offers many treatments depending on your requirement. For those looking to celebrate big occasions like birthdays or weddings, expect anything from chauffeured cars to customized cakes to ensure the occasion remains etched in your memory.

How to get there: Take a train to New Jalpaiguri and drive to Gangtok approximately 27 hours. Drive is three to four hours to Gangtok. This is ideal for families with small children. By air the nearest airport is in Bagdogra, West Bengal. The distance from there to Gangtok is 124 km, which can be covered by chartered choppers in just 20 minutes.

Contact: www.elginhotels.com

3592-205637 3592-200170
033-40646300 for reservation in the Darjeeling, Peling, Kalimpong
properties
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Facilities: Room service
Currency exchange
Attached private bath
Telephone with STD, ISD
Car parking,
Conferencing & Banqueting

Thursday, 06 December 2012 20:38

Hotel Ricasa

Situated at 5,500 feet above sea level and located 2.5 kilometres from Gangtok, Hotel Ricasa is an ideal place where guests can enjoy the natural beauty of Sikkim. The hotel lies between Tashi viewpoint which is a gorgeous sunrise point that provides a hypnotic view of Mount Khang-Chen-D-Zongha and the spectacular Bakthang water falls, a haven for nature lovers. Guests should bear in mind though that the hotel is little far from the main market hence should either make plans to enjoy the natural scenery here or pre-arrange for local transport (the hotel provides car parking space) while staying here.

With this in mind, visitors should sit back and relax in the personal comfort that the hotel provides. Modest and comfortable accommodation offers a prompt and friendly room service offering a variety of delicacies that includes Indian, Chinese and even local favourites that guests should ask for in advance.

Alternatively, they can head to the comfortable and spacious dining hall when they can enjoy the spectacular views in abundance. For the rooms, visitors should make it a point to ask for cliff-facing rooms, and especially for Room 202, as they will provide the best views from the hotel. There are also rooms with a balcony but do note guests will be required to pay an extra charge for them. Visitors must be clear about the room they would like beforehand, as the hotel imposes extra charge for those who want to change rooms. The hotel can help organize hiking and trekking tours into the northern part of Sikkim, but visitors should make all the arrangements beforehand to ensure that everything is in order before they set out. For the evenings, the hotel provides a bar, which includes local brews as well, where guests can enjoy themselves after a long day’s trek.

Facilities:

Car parking space
Bar
Multi-cuisine restaurant
Room service
Travel desk
Safe deposit cloak room

Address:

 

Ricasa, Bojoghari,
3rd mile, near Tashi Viewpoint,
Gangtok, East Sikkim
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.hotelricasa.com

Reservation: 03592 237 079 098 302 039 73

Access: Gangtok Helipad 2 km,

Bagdogra airport 126 km, NJP railhead 127 km, Siliguri

Town 116 km

Thursday, 06 December 2012 20:37

Hidden Forest Retreat, Gangtok

Literally perched 4,500 ft. above sea level, the Hidden Forest Retreat is a paradise for honeymooners and those who want to escape the stress and strain of life. Conveniently, it is just two kilometers away from the main shopping area which offers many local produce. Guests who opt to stay here should ask for rooms that face the dining area, as they provide breathtaking views of the valley. One of highlights of the retreat is its pretty garden that’s teeming with blooming orchids, lilies, azaleas and other flora and fauna, specially found in Sikkim. Guests, who wish to, can opt to include the organically grown vegetables in the nursery, in their meals. Meals are served in the dining hall, the timings of which can be decided by the guest after consultation with the staff. Finally to get outside and roam around Gangtok, the retreat organizes shared taxis – the cost of which can range from Rs 60 to Rs 100 depending on where the visitor would like to go. The local market is a 10 minute drive away, while other attractions such Tashi viewpoint and Hanuman Tok are just five to six minutes away by car.

The retreat imbibes the philosophy of “home away from home” and thus, takes it upon itself to provide personal attention and service – bringing visitors endless cups of tea and coffee, as they browse through books in the library, or in the balcony of their rooms. All of the rooms come with balconies so it is a wonderful place to enjoy nature at its quiet best. Food is another aspect that is popular among guests as they are fed typical North Indian dish along with a choice of local dishes. Look forward to pancakes for breakfast, and at any time of the day. For the more adventurous, the other thing to have is the local millet liquor 'chhang' - a delicious brew with which to enjoy the evening, while dried yak meat is another option for non-vegetarians. Visitors must note however, that they must inform the staff in advance if they would like to try this Sikkimese delicacy.

Address:

The Hidden Forest
Middle Sichey
Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

Tel: 91-3592-205197, 91-3592-203196
Mobile: (0) 9474981367, 9434137409 , 9233503790
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Connectivity:

By Air - Bagdogra - 124 kilometers
By Rail - New Jalpaiguri - 148 kilometers (4 hours)
By Road - Access by road from Siliguri (114 kms.), Darjeeling (94 kms.), Pelling (11kms), Kalimpong (75 kms.).

USP

Family run place
Take care of special dietary restrictions
Organically-grown vegetable on offer with milch cows
Local brew “Chaang” offered here

Thursday, 06 December 2012 20:34

Ginger Guwahati

Located far away from the madding crowds, noise and pollution Ginger Guwahati is one of the best known budget hotels in Assam. The warm and magic of the hotel is thanks to its picturesque views from the room and its friendly staff, who make it a point to uphold the standards the Ginger group is well known for throughout India. From scrumptious buffet breakfasts, to a gymnasium, to Wi-fi passwords that provide internet access to the busy business traveller, this hotel has something to offer everyone, whether it be a business traveller or a family. For those of you who want to indulge in a little local sightseeing, the hotel provides a special pick-up and drop facility to Six Mile, a local market which houses some of the best eating areas in Guwahati. This is a must do for those who want to experience the local charm of the city. Clean, efficient and far from the hustle bustle of the main city, Ginger Guwahati provides the guest with modern amenities, while taking the stress away.

How to get there

From the Railway station
Travel towards the six mile crossing. Turn left towards the VIP road. You will see the Tennis Association of Assam on your right. Ginger Guwahati is located behind it.

From the bus station (ISBT – Interstate Bus Terminus)
Take the ASTC bus to Paltan Bazaar. Take and auto or a city bus and travel towards the six mile crossing. Turn left towards the VIP road. You will see the Tennis Association Of Assam on your right. Ginger Guwahati is located behind it.
From the Airport
Travel towards the six mile crossing via the bypass. Turn left towards the VIP road. You will see the Tennis Association of Assam on your right. Ginger Guwahati is located behind it

Address

Ginger Guwahati,
IHM Campus,
VIP Road, Upper Hengrabari, Borbari
Guwahati - 781036
Assam
Phone: +91 0361-6113333
Fax: +91 361 233 6336
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Landmark

400 m left from Nayantara Supermarket/ Milestone Building

Thursday, 06 December 2012 20:34

City Regency Hotel (Dibrugarh)

Located in the heart of Dibrugarh, City Regency Hotel is one of the best options for the busy business traveller or a family wanting to explore Dibrugarh. Transportwise, the hotel is very well connected, located just 500 metres from the Dibrugarh railway station. For those looking to travel around Assam an inter-star bus service is located nearby the hotel. There is a cinema and mall next door, which makes the location of the hotel ideal for families and those who are looking to relax and unwind.

The hotel, a three star hotel, is one of the best propositions that visitors can find in Dibrugarh. Major credit cards are accepted so visitors can pre-book before checking in. Currency exchange, airport transfers, room service and free Wi-fi are some the other options visitors can avail of here. The hotel also has an in-house bar called Dorado and multi-cuisine restaurant which offers Continental, Chinese and Indian dishes, which includes South Indian. Surprisingly, there are not much local Assamese dishes on offer in the menu. The hotel also has a banquet hall called the Dewan-E-Aaam, which can cater up to 100 people. Also on offer is Nayana a beauty shop and a boutique store on offer with the hotel.

There are 33 rooms in this hotel and the rooms range from deluxe suite category to the deluxe room category. The deluxe suite category offers a bedroom and a separate dining and drawing room with a dining table. The amenities include a tea/coffee maker with complimentary mineral water and magazines. Women can avail of a hair dryer. The deluxe suite costs Rs 9,000 at the rack rate. Other categories include the Executive room, the Luxury Room and the standard Deluxe Room. This room which provides a writing table and free Wi-Fi costs Rs 1,800 for single occupancy and Rs 2,400 for double occupancy. Do be warned though: these rates do include taxes and can be subject to change. And do note: in this summer season, the hotel does offer special vacation deals so do check with staff before booking.

Location: 500 metres away from Dibrugarh railway station, airport 17 km away

Number of rooms: 14

Facilities

Bar/Lounge
Business Centre
Fitness Centre
Restaurant

Useful tip: Inter State Bus Station just 500 metres from hotel.
from our hotel. Ideal connectivity to Upper Assam

Website: www.cityregencyhotel.com

Thursday, 06 December 2012 20:33

Mancotta Chang (Dibrugarh)

Located on the edge of a tea estate, Mancotta Chang is a 157-year-old bungalow situated just outside the town of Dibrugarh. The bungalow, owned by Manoj and Vineeta Jalan through their company Purvi Discovery, was built by the British, offers visitors a taste of a bygone era of the British Raj. It has a rather nostalgic setting with all six rooms named after the famous tributaries of the Brahmaputra. The rooms are spacious and come with dressing area, a bathroom-toilet (western style), two large sunrooms, a sitting room, dining room and a balcony. A tip: ask for the master bedroom on the first floor, it is simply breathtaking. In the evenings, visitors can sip the famous Assamese tea as they watch the sun go down.

As a retreat, Mancotta Chang is perfect for those looking to explore the heritage and culture of Assam. For instance, the bungalow is built in true Assamese style and raised on stilts. Why stilts? Because that it makes it easier to mount your elephant - the traditional and perhaps most efficient mode of transport here. What else? Visitors can go exploring the nearby tea gardens and villages, where they can interact with the locals, and experience an India of a bygone era.

The place does offer some basic amenities like laundry, shoe shining, and a complimentary newspaper. The cuisine which varies from Indian to Continental to Oriental is simple but flavourful. Only don’t go looking for the traditional hotel frills here, as the place is retreat and should be treated as such. Enjoy Mancotta Chang for what it is and you will have a wonderful holiday.

Location: 4 kms away from Dibrugarh railway station; 20 kms from Dibrugarh airport.

Accommodation: 4 AC rooms in the main bungalow; 2 Single Non AC rooms in the annexure building

Enjoy: Elephant rides as the bungalow is on stilts

Facilities: Laundry, shoe shining, complimentary newspaper.

Meals: Are offered onsite

Further information: www.assamteatourism.com

Thursday, 06 December 2012 20:32

Hotel Brahamputra Ashok

Set in the heart of the business centre, this hotel offers modern amenities with traditional decor. Built in the traditional Assamese style with bamboo and cane furnishing, the hotel is one of the best places to soak in the culture and ambience of Assam. Indeed, guests here at the hotel are welcomed in true Assamese style with a traditional hat and shawl. A tip: the hotel offers excellent views of the river Brahmaputra, but that is provided visitors stay on the second floor and insist on a river facing room. Otherwise, they can find themselves staring at a temporary structure which is coming up. Another thing to note while checking in, is to ask if all credit cards are accepted, as the hotel does not accept American Express.

The USP of the hotel is the location. It takes approximately half an hour to reach here from the airport and the hotel provides transfers which are efficient and cost effective. Do be sure to check that parking charges are included in the transfer before you book. Those on the lookout for alternatives will find plenty of local cabs, which the hotel can arrange. Skin friendly toiletries are available in all the rooms, and since it is located so close to the Brahmaputra river; guests will enjoy taking a morning stroll along the riverside early in the morning. For those who prefer to relax, there is a bar and a disco on the first floor, which becomes active only on Saturdays. For food, there is a restaurant which offers decent local fare. Do be sure to try the teas, as the hotel provides wonderful local variants, which are the highlight of this place.

Location

21 kms from Guwahati Airport, 1 km from Railway Station/city centre.

Facilities

Credit cards (MasterCard, VISA, Diners) money changer, beauty parlour, room service, safe deposit, laundry, travel agency. There is an ATM in close proximity and the hotel also offers conferencing and banqueting facilities.

Address

Hotel Brahmaputra Ashok
MG Road, Guwahati 781001
Tel No 0361-2602281-84/87/88
E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website www.hotelbrahmaputraashok.com

Thursday, 06 December 2012 20:32

Royal Plaza

Just a two minute walk away from Gangtok’s MG road, the Royal Plaza hotel is located in close proximity to most of Sikkim’s major attractions. The hotel which is a Sarovar property, provides all the benefits of a five-star hotel, and has the added attraction of having the first casino in a hotel. A word of advice, do try and avoid taking rooms on the second floor as it is located there, and can get a bit noisy during the night. The hotel also provides breathtaking views of the Changdu mountains, but do make sure to ask specifically for these rooms, as the other rooms provide views of the local neighbourhood.

The high point of this hotel is its culinary offerings. The breakfast buffet is especially large and varied and the chef personally takes care to provide for the needs of small children. Then Orchids, the multi-cuisine restaurant which is located on the lobby level provides a variety of exotic snacks, Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes to ensure one of the most varied and lavish offerings for guests in a Gangtok hotel. Alcohol is available here, or guests can hop over to Aura - the hotel bar, also located on the lobby, which offers a unique selection of mocktails and cocktails, and spectacular views of the valley.

The other USP of the hotel are the staff, who are especially cooperative, and can help organize permits for day trips up to Nathula and Tsongo lake, and can even provide customized travel itineraries which can include monastery tours and white water rafting – common pastimes in Sikkim. The drivers of the hotel are very well trained, and that is a big bonus for a hotel that is located on the sloping mountain at the edge of a turn. Wi-fi is available in the lobby, and facilities for banquets, conferences, weddings and private parties can be arranged, provided one gives notice well in advance.

How to get there:

Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra. From Bagdogra take a rented helicopter or drive 124 km to Gangtok. Guests can share a taxi, or drive to Siliguri, 30 to 45 minutes away, and hire a rented car.

Rail: The nearest Railway Station is New Jalpaiguri. The drive from New Jalpaiguri to Gangtok is thrre hours
Contact: Email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.theroyalplazahotel.com
Online reservation: www.sarovarhotels.com s
Call Toll Free in India: 1800 111 222