Darjeeling hotels with best Kanchenjunga views

Darjeeling hotels with Kanchenjunga views

So you are looking for a hotel in Darjeeling where you can wake up to a view of dazzling Kanchenjung snow peaks right through your window, or at least when you sip a cup of tea while lounging in the sun on a balcony or an open terrace of the hotel. Well, that's a wish list item which most tourists have while visiting the hill town, if not all. While there are hundreds of hotels in Darjeeling, there are not many that offer such great views of the Eastern Himalayan snow peaks from the rooms or terraces.

And out of those that do, most would have only a select few view rooms offering such luxury. And these rooms are always in demand, particularly during the high season. Majority of the tourists can enjoy the Kanchenjunga view only from the public viewing areas like the ones that are located on the Mall Road. Some of course take the additional initiative of watching the sunrise on Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill.

But if you are serious about getting such views from the hotel rooms or balcony, then you should carefully choose a hotel and book a room in advance. Although such hotels with great views are limited, there do exist few in each category like budget, mid range and upscale hotels. So tourists of all profile can actually enjoy the luxury of such views from their rooms if they plan it out in advance.

Kanchenjunga view from my hotel room in Darjeeling

Before I come to the list of hotels in Darjeeling with great views of Kanchenjunga, there is one thing that I would like to caution you about. Several hotels, particularly of budget type, often tout around claiming great views of Kanchenjunga. To my surprise, I have found that in many cases such views are available only from one or two rooms at the top floor, and that too through a narrow gap between two buildings or trees. So technically they may be right in their claim, but it is likely to bring up only a pale smile on your face when you experience such view.

How to book a view hotel in Darjeeling

Once you go through the view hotels I have described in the next section, you can come back & use the search box below, give your dates and find the list of hotels in Darjeeling. Scan through the list to find the hotel you are looking for and book the hotel online at an attractive low rate. This service is provided by world's no.1 online hotel booking site.

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Darjeeling hotels with great mountain views

Here are my select set of hotels with great views of the snow peaks. Visit the links and read my detailed reviews to know about all aspects of the hotel including service and amenities before you decide on one. Remember, only a great view isn't just enough to make a hotel a great one.

NOTE: Several hotels mentioned below and many others offer great discounts on room rates if you have Darjeeling Tourism Card. The card additionally offers attractive discounts at many restaurants, bars, sightseeing tours, transports services and shops in Darjeeling.

Cedar Inn (Upscale Luxury)

Located at the far end of Zakir Hussain road, this hotel provides marvelous views from most of its rooms. The hotel itself is excellent and exquisite in its category. The Mall is quite some walk. However the hotel offers regular shuttle services to the Mall.

Windamere (Upscale Luxury)

This is a luxury that can not be afforded by all as this colonial property located on the Observatory Hill is usually the destination for the upper strata of tourists. There are several houses scattered in the property each having several rooms. And some of those rooms from houses like Ada Villa or Observatory House offer unparalleled views. But the best place to soak in the views is from the resort's Sunny Side open patio where you can sit on a cushioned cane chair, take a sip on a cup of fine Castleton tea and keep appreciating the views. Cars can come up to the main hotel area. The Mall is less than one minute walk from the hotel.

Classic Guesthouse (Budget)

This is a great bed & breakfast accommodation located on CR Das road right below the Mall and offering fabulous view of Kanchenjunga from the private balconies of all its four rooms. This lodge attracts many foreign tourists because of its nicely appointed cozy rooms, lovely views and English breakfast.

The guesthouse also has a small garden where you can have tea and soak in the views of the mountain range. You will need to walk from Bhanu Bhawan (located on Mall Road) up to the Mall and then take a narrow lane downhill to the guesthouse (about 5-6 minutes walk from Bhanu Bhawan). Porters are available. The mall is close by and only 1-2 minutes by walk although a little uphill.

Darjeeling Tourist Lodge - Main Building (Mid Range)

It is generally an acceptable fact that the government owned properties are located at the best places. The West Bengal Tourist Lodge in Darjeeling is no exception. It's located above the Mall road and offers sweeping views of Kanchenjunga from many of its rooms in the main building.

Ask for a deluxe room with an attached balcony facing the snow peaks. Another great option here is to go down to the backside lawn and get fabulous views of the snow peaks. A great advantage of this hotel is its proximity to the Mall (Chowrasta) which is only 3-4 minutes walk, in-house multi cuisine restaurant & bar, and taxis reaching up to the hotel courtyard.

Hotel Central Nirvana (Mid Range)

This is a nice hotel with 23 rooms and located on CR Das road on the same line as that of Classic Guesthouse. But this one has its own inhouse restaurant that serves all meals and of course with much better amenities. The hotel has few rooms with lovely view of Kanchenjunga. The backside lawn offers amazing view as well. You will need to walk from Bhanu Bhawan (on Mall Road) up to the Mall and then a by a narrow lane downhill to the hotel (about 6-7 minutes). You will get porters at Bhanu Bhawan. The Mall is 3-4 minutes uphill walk.

The Retreat (Upper Mid Range)

This hotel is located right below the best public viewing point on Mall road. In fact the floor of the public viewing point forms part of its roof, and so you can imagine the vantage position this hotel has. The open terrace in front (right after the entry) and the lounge area both have fantastic views of the Himalayan Range including that of Kanchenjunga. Several rooms particularly the Executive and Super Deluxe ones have magnificent views.

Executive rooms have private balconies with great views of the mountains and snow peaks. It requires a 3-4 minutes walk from Bhanu Bhawan on Mall road as cars are not allowed here. Hotels staff will help with the luggage. The Mall, i.e. town center is only 4-5 minutes walk.

Pahari Soul Homestay (Budget)

A simple homestay and managed by a lady with rooms spread across ground and upper floor. All rooms have private balconies and sliding glass windows offering sweeping view of the snow peaks and mountain range ahead. The property is perched on a hill and overlooks the highway (Hill Cart Road) where the toy train track also runs alongside. So every now and then you can see the toy train passing by as it whistles it way through. Being away from the main township by about 3kms, the homestay offers a quiet stay although the township is only 15 minutes by local shared jeep.

The Hermitage (Mid-Range)

This is a 3-star equivalent hotel. It commands such a price because of the views it offers from all its 20 comfortable rooms with large windows. It's located on Mall road (east) near Raj Bhavan and directly facing the Kanchenjunga. So you wake up to the views of dazzling snow peaks on a clear day. The Chowrasta Mall is only 4-5 minute walk from the hotel.

Golden Heights Enclave (Mid Range)

This hotel occupies couple of top floors in a multi storeyed residential building and located on a lane just off Gandhi Road. From the super deluxe rooms (attic rooms) you get wonderful view of Kanchenjunga peaks and the valley all around. Room no. 502 and 503 are really special for views. The hotel is owned by a Tibetan family and the service is very friendly. It also has an in-house restaurant at the top floor with sweeping views and with very comfortable seating. Cars can come right up to the hotel. The hotel building has elevator and in-house dining.

Villa Everest (Mid Range)

This is a family run hotel on Gandhi road and one of the best in its category. The hotel has 10 nicely appointed rooms and this is one of the rare hotels where all rooms have great views, and some offering nice view of the snow peaks. The in-house restaurant serves nice homemade food which you need to order in advance. The hotel is 12-15 minutes walk from the Mall. Cars can come up to hotel entrance.

Hotel Dolphin (Mid Range)

This hotel in my opinion has the best view of Kanchenjunga range out of all in Darjeeling. It's located near one end of the Mall Road and next to the Raj Bhawan. In fact there is a public viewing area right next to the hotel, so you can imagine what may the positional advantage of the hotel. There are several rooms across couple of floors that offer sweeping views of Kanchenjunga on a clear day through the large window panes. The hotel has in-house restaurant and ideally located to take a stroll along the Mall Road. The Chowrasta Mall (the town center) is only 7-8 minutes walk. However the hotel itself and its location do have some shortfalls. So check out the review before you take a decision to stay here.

Ramada Hotel (Luxury)

This is a new and a large hotel with 62 rooms and located on Gandhi road in a busy area of the main township. The Superior and Premium rooms have wonderful view of the mountain peaks through the large windows. The Premium rooms additionally have private balconies where you can enjoy a cup of Darjeeling tea and soak in the views of Kanchenjunga.

Dekeling hotel (Budget/Mid Range)

This hotel is located on Gandhi Road right at the Clubside taxi stand occupying a few upper floors of a building. When you come to the area, you won't believe that a hotel from such a busy and chaotic area can have rooms with great views. Ask for the Super Deluxe views rooms or the Attic Deluxe room right on top. Only limited rooms have views. The picture above was taken from this hotel. The building that you see on the right is the Gorkha Ranga Maanch Bhawan - an auditorium cum exhibition center.

Broadway Annex ( Budget)

This is a family run budget hotel and an annex to the main Broadway hotel. The annex building is located on Zakir Hussain road and has a few rooms with great views. Room no. 202 is the best. While booking ask for this room specifically. However, several other rooms have common balconies that offer wonderful view of Kanchenjunga as well. The hotel is about 15-18 minutes walk from the Mall.

Main Olde Bellevue Hotel (Mid Range)

There are two buildings of this hotel located on one side of the Mall. Both have rooms offering great views of Kanchenjunga. The newer building on the front side has a few super deluxe and attic suites that offer excellent views of the range. However the heritage wing which is an old colonial property and located at an upper level and accessible by a steep stony staircase has a beautiful lawn with views. This heritage building has rooms in the upper floor that have a common wooden balcony. While the rooms have no separate windows, but the view from the common balcony is exceptional.

Travellers Inn (Budget)

Located on Zakir Hussain road, some rooms (like #105, 106, 107 etc) have fantastic views of the snow peaks and the valley. Even the restaurant has nice seating arrangement with sofa type seating by the side of large window panes offering great views. The Mall is about 15-18 minutes walk. If you want calmness and be away from the crowd, then this hotel can be a nice choice for budget stay. But ensure that they don't allot a room facing the road.

Highlanders' Inn (Budget) X Closed

Just below The Retreat and on a narrow lane few yards off the Mall road is Highlanders' Inn. This is a budget hotel with few rooms and run by lady staff. While most rooms are small and quite basic, they have small TVs, attached western style toilets, hot & cold water etc, but most importantly several of them offer sweeping views. Even the small sitting area offers great views. They provide food. Mall is only 4-5 minutes walk. But cars can not come up to the hotel. You will need to walk from Bhanu Bhawan for about 3-4 minutes to reach the hotel. You will get porters to carry your luggage.

Related Articles

1) The Hotels Guide: Independent reviews of all the popular hotels in Darjeeling

Visitors' Reviews/Comments

Dilip Dutta Gupta (February 2019)

Hi. Thank you so much for your informative, upright and honest reviews. I see Darjeeling through your eyes. I am retired and very soon my wife will also retire. I find that even after selecting the best rooms for viewing Kanchenjunga you may miss the bus if weather plays truant. Can you please suggest a time slot of seven days when usually in Darjeeling the weather is most helpful? Please also suggest good eateries with continental and Bengali cuisine. Should our first choice be Classic Guesthouse? My budget for one week for two of us is forty to forty five thousand.

Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) February 2019

Hi, March-April is usually a good time for the views and so is October-December. Glenary's and Shangrila (both on Nehru Road and close to each other) are good multi-cuisine restaurants. For typical Bengali food, you can visit Mahakal restaurant on Robertson Road... it's a budget eatery so do not expect great stuff. Classic Guesthouse is good but can be inconvenient for the seniors because meals are not served and it's an uphill walk to the mall. Better choose a hotel with in-house dining, even Darjeeling Tourist Lodge (room in main building upstairs can be a good option).

F. Jaiswal (January 2019)

Hello Mr Raj, We appreciate your work. Its truly above and beyond. It's beneficial for all of us. We are planning a trip to Darjeeling along with elderly family members who wish stay in unobstructed full Kanchenjunga view rooms near the Mall. We are considering hotels (within Rs 4000) within 500 meters of the Mall. We want to know about The Oakdene Resort. It will be of immense help if you share your review of The Oakdene Resort. Awaiting your reply.

Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) January 2019

Hi, Oakdene is a relatively new 3-star hotel on the Mall Road (East). The backside rooms (Premium Rooms) have great views of Kanchenjunga (few of these rooms have a large terrace opening out to the views). Service and in-house food are good. Its within 3-4 minute walk from the Mall. Cars won't come up to the doorstep, so you need to walk from the nearest taxi stand (Bhanu Bhawan or Clubside stand). The published rate (rack rate) won't match with your target price, you need to negotiate and during off season they can oblige.

Asok Chatterjee (November 2018)

Raj: You are doing a heck of a job. We appreciate. Rate the TOP 3 hotels for me in order of ABSOLUTE BEST MOUNTAIN VIEW either from room or from hotel's patio/common areas, regardless of price. I thank you.

Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) November 2018

Cedar Inn (view from rooms), Hotel Hermitage (view from rooms), Windamere (view from patio).

Sam (September 2016)

Hi Raj, Your posts are really great. After reading those and doing a little bit of research, I chose three options 1) Windamere, 2) Cedar Inn and 3) Mayfair hotel, as I want rooms with mountain views. I understand Windamere price is the highest so thought of settling with the other two. But though I learnt that Cedar Inn has good views, but its far from the mall and main roads, so that's an issue. So my question is about Mayfair hotel and wanted your honest opinion about it. How good is the hotel and are there rooms with mountain views. Thanks in advance.

Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) September 2016

Hi, Mayfair is definitely a great hotel, although may not rank #1 in my list. The hotel and its rooms face the valley full of houses and trees. So views are limited from the rooms. However the hotel has vantage points for viewing Kanchenjunga snow peaks.

Arup Chakraorty (November 2015)

Hello Raj, Thanks for your informative site. Raj, every year since last 14 yrs I am visiting Darjeeling. After going through your site I feel happy that every year I stayed at the best Kanchenjunga viewing hotels. Frankly I can't think of any other hotel than Dolphin, Highlander's inn or Sailung. Now I need a help from you- Please provide your guidance and inform me about any other hotel as this year I need a different taste.

Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) November 2015

Hi, you can try out Hotel Hermitage (a new 3-star category hotel located next to Highlander's Inn). The upper floors of Darjeeling Tourist Lodge (Main Building) are also good for views.

Prasun Bhattacharyya (January 2014)

Hello Raj, Thank you very much for sharing such a great and informative website for travel lovers. I am coming with my wife in Darjeeling in the month of March. I need little assistance from you regarding Hotel choosing in Darjeeling. Since you mentioned about Hotel North Star can you please let me know if this hotel is in good location like I need a Kanchanjunga facing room? And how is the food quality of this hotel? How far is the hotel from Mall? Is car come upto this hotel or do I have to walk from taxi stand? I know I am asking lot but please help me on this.

Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) January 2014

Hi, Hotel North Star is okay and located on the narrow HD Lama road. The road itself is quite congested. So the approach to the hotel is not good. But the location is quite convenient and the taxi can reach you up to the hotel. Mall is about 5-6 minutes walk. Take a view room and not a road facing room. The view rooms are costlier. Most rooms are quite spacious and clean. The food is average. They serve buffet type lunch and dinner during high season. The staff could be more professional but they are cooperative. Overall a good hotel but not amongst the best in its category. You can find better view hotels in this price range.

Moumita Dutta (January 2014)

Hello Raj, There are few friends of mine who have suggested the Hotel Retreat of Darjeeling which is near Governor's House. Wanted to know how good is the Hotel? Kindly suggest few hotels which are little away from the hustle bustle of the mall with great Mt. K's view. Many Thanks in advance

Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) January 2014

Hi, The Retreat is okay. Sometime back they got their entire intercom phone lines & TV cable lines burnt up due to nearby fire. So check this out before you go. The rooms have been recently renovated. Owned by a Bengali group in Kolkata, so mostly all Bengali staff. Choose a good view room (202, 203 etc). Room heating is inadequate during winter. No bar in the restaurant. A bit overpriced in my view. Actually there aren't many hotels in Darjeeling in the same price category. Another one which you may consider is Central Nirvana, on CR Das Road below Mall.

Abhisek Kejariwal (April 2013)

After reading your suggestions and the page "Darjeeling hotels with best Kanchenjunga views" we have thought of the classic guesthouse for our stay as it is both in our budget as well as the reviews are good. please give your valuable suggestions in this regard. Thanks a lot in advance

Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com, April 2013)

Good choice... homely atmosphere. Mostly chosen by the foreigners. Although a little old, I like it. Great views. Less noise although close to the mall. The only issue is to carry the luggage. There is no taxi service up to the guesthouse. Take a porter from the taxi stand if you need one. You should ask the taxi to drop you at Clubside taxi stand on Gandhi Road (which is the one closest to the mall) and not at lower bazaar stand or any other.

Swati Gupta (February 2013)

Raj, I'm also a great mountain lover, specially Darjeeling. Had gone there innumerable times on our way back from different treks, staying most of the time in Main old Bellevue hotel. But it has become costlier these days. This time I'll be visiting Darjeeling by march-end with my 82 years old father & 3 kids. We are a 9 member team altogether. I'd like a k'junga view room in medium budget & not very far from the madding crowd :-) Can u suggest one? I've heard about some Holiday Inn just beside the Raj Bhavan which has great view rooms. I think it is near Dolphin hotel. Please let me know about this hotel & it's tariff.

Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com, December 2012)

Swati, You are probably meaning Highlanders Inn located on Hermitage Road and near Raj Bhawan (there is no Holiday Inn). Highlanders is a nice budget hotel with rooms having sweeping views of Kanchenjunga like that of Hotel Dolphin. The hotel is run by women staff. Rooms are basic and have standard amenities of a budget hotel including TV, phone, carpet, attached bath with shower, hot water, room & laundry service etc. Maintenance is average (can improve). There is an in-house restaurant and the food is good. Service is quite warm and friendly. The overall feel is like that of a guest house. The best part, I agree is the view. Room rate (double room) ranges from Rs. 1400 - 1800 per night (roughly). You will get good discounts during off season.

Location & Contacts: Highlanders Inn

6/1, Hermitage Road, Close to Governor's House, Darjeeling - 734101.

Phone: +91-354 2254055; Mobile: (+91) 98325 52662

Email: [email protected]

Eesit Pradhan (December 2012)

Sir, thanks a ton for giving us such useful info. I'm planning to go to Darjeeling with my newly-wed wife. Villa Everest or Swiss hotel, which has better view of mountain ranges, especially Kanchenjunga? if you have any suggestion for us, we will be highly grateful for that. Thanking you, yours etc.

Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com, December 2012)

Eisit, My personal preference would be Villa Everest. Swiss Hotel is further down Gandhi Road and the upstairs rooms of the main building has great views. The garden in Swiss Hotel also offers lovely views. Whereas all rooms of Villa Everest are view rooms.

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