Shimla Has A New Haven, And We Have All The Details

A room facing verdant Himalayan valleys speckled with lush green expanses is the ideal setup for a new year holiday. And Shimla’s new haunt, Welcomhotel Shimla offers just this and more. Scroll down below for more details. By Bayar Jain

After leaving its footprint across the nation, ITC Hotels’ brand Welcomehotel is all set to take to the hills with a new addition: Welcomhotel Shimla. Snuggled in Mashobra, this getaway is ideal for those looking to reconnect with nature after long bouts of staying indoors. A short 30-minutes drive away from the bustling city centre, this quiet escapade comes blessed with natural streams, bountiful orchards, and lush green coniferous forests.

Equipped with 47 rooms and suites overlooking the panoramic valley, the new abode celebrates nature in its rawest forms. Apart from the building itself—which is built to invite maximum natural light in all its nooks and crannies—the windows across all the guest rooms ensure the flow of consistent sunlight from dawn to dusk as well.

This reliance on nature’s offerings is further enhanced by their commitment to sustainability. Aligning with ITC Hotels’ Responsible Luxury philosophy, all grey water at the Shimla property is treated in-house and used for horticulture. To maximise movement efficiency, intelligent controllers have been installed in elevators, while non-carcinogenic wooden materials find space throughout the hotel.

Another signature ITC marker visible here is palate-pleasing foods and exotic beverages, courtesy in-house master chefs. At Welcomhotel Shimla, guests can choose from fresh seasonal specialities, Indian delicacies, and countless international dishes at WelcomCafe Cedar, an all-day dining restaurant. For an assortment of regional favourites, the WelcomSthalika here entices. Expect locally-sourced ingredients underlining the virtues of ‘Vocal for Local’. The Swizzle bar overlooking coniferous trees creates the ideal ambience to enjoy signature cocktails and premium wines. Pair this with the soon-to-open K by Kaya Kalp, the hotel’s spa, to end your day on a blissful note.

Those looking to host social and corporate events amid the majestic Himalayan range can head to the Sunset Garden, a spacious outdoor venue spread over 3,477 square feet; or the 3,186-square-feet indoor banquet hall for an intimate gathering. Irrespective of the venue, the in-house event managers bring with them expertise guaranteed to make every event memorable.

However, if events aren’t on the cards, then a leisurely family getaway here is just as enduring. Picture indoor games like chess; guided local tours with local historians; cycling around the Shimla Wildlife Sanctuary; tranquil nature walks to Craignano natural trail, Mashobra to Kalyani helipad; and Mashobra valley trail; or even a day replete with fun activities like archery, skittle, croquet, badminton, and table tennis at Ollies Club.

Speaking about the launch, Nakul Anand, Executive Director, ITC Ltd. says, “With domestic travel and wellness experiences regaining popularity, we believe it is the perfect time to launch our latest Welcomhotel outpost in devbhoomi, Himachal Pradesh. With stunning 360° mountain views and striking architectural and interior design, we aim to attract discerning leisure and business travellers.”

Related: ITC Hotels Launched A Biryani & Pulao Collection Nationwide And We Got An Exclusive Preview

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