Savoy, Ooty - IHCL SeleQtions

The story of the Savoy, Ooty, began when its first building was constructed back in 1829 as a school for the children of European colonists. By 1841, the school was no longer in use and was soon acquired by Henry Royal Dawson, who then turned it into the Dawson Hotel. It underwent another name change in 1868, rechristened as the Sylk’s Hotel, before finally settling with the Savoy, which we know it as to this day.

Unlike other hotel establishments that transformed and modernized, the Savoy, Ooty, retains much of its classic features. These preserved aspects and qualities are what make the Savoy a prime heritage stay, creating an authentic setting that hearkens back to India's Colonial Era.

The Savoy, Ooty, has stood for over 200 years alongside the town's other enduring icons, such as the Toy Train and tea plantations. Its oldest building dates back to 1829 and was formerly a schoolhouse, with parts of its structure sourced from Tipu Sultan’s Palace at Srirangapattanam and said to have been transported by elephants.

The construction can be described as Indo-British Colonial, featuring Victorian conventions such as tiled gable roofs and sprawling lawns. This creates a cottage setting with the perfect, serene country ambiance. The accommodations and spaces further the rural feel of the hotel, with wooden beams and paneling integrated into the aesthetics. Complementing these are period-style furniture and fixtures reminiscent of Victorian England, such as the classic fireplaces and a treasured 150-year-old Steinway piano in the lounge.

Despite its classic aesthetics, the hotel has updated its amenities to welcome guests with accessibility needs. Designated accessible rooms come equipped with wheelchair-friendly aspects like lowered sinks and toilet grab rails. There are also guidance features for vision-impaired guests, such as auditory assistance along with tactile and Braille signs.

The Dining Room

Indulge in the rich flavors of the Nilgiri mountains, represented by the authentic culinary traditions of the native Badaga people. Try various dishes based on local staples such as wheat and millet, seasoned with regional spices. Aside from Badaga cuisine, the restaurant's menu also offers Anglo-Indian favorites influenced by the Colonial Era, and wellness-centric meals for the health-conscious.
Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 12 pm - 3 pm (Lunch); 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm (Dinner)(Lunch); 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm (Dinner)

Canterbury Bar

Said to be the birthplace of the gin and tonic mix, the Canterbury Bar offers seasonal signature cocktails that capture the atmosphere and beauty of the Nilgiri mountains during the Colonial times.
Dress code: Smart casual
Opening hours: 11 am - 11 pm

Tea Lounge

Savor the many fine teas grown on the Nilgiri slopes with a cuppa at the Tea Lounge. Choose from a variety of exclusive blends such as Geranium Moonshine and Jasmine Twirl, grown at the nearby Glendale Estate. Pair your favorite drink with some snacks, desserts, or even a light meal, all while admiring the views from the lawn gardens.
Dress code: Casual
Opening hours: 11 am - 6:30 pm

The gorgeous Nilgiri mountains of the Western Ghats offer some of the most magical views in Tamil Nadu, making the location the perfect setting for your destination wedding. Choose from a variety of venues to suit the scale of your celebrations, from intimate salon-like lounges to festive outdoor lawns.

The Pre-function Area

A small but stylish salon that can be set up with a variety of configurations. While this venue is usually used for preparatory events, it can be booked separately for smaller functions.
Capacity: 25 guests

The Ballroom

A vintage banquet hall, equipped with its own bar and decorated with period elements. The venue is suitable for those who would still prefer a level of privacy with their celebrations.
Capacity: 75 guests

Front Lawn

A triangular 480 sqm (5166 sqft) lawn area in front of the hotel. This expansive and versatile outdoor venue can be set up for not just weddings, but also a variety of corporate events and other private celebrations.
Capacity: 500 guests

Villa Flora Lawn

The hotel's spacious 720 sqm (7750 sqft) lawn area next to the cottages, offering magnificent sweeping views of Ooty. This venue is perfect for grand celebrations that still require a sense of privacy despite the scale.
Capacity: 750 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

At the hotel, guests can take advantage of the mountain resort setting not just to have fun, but also to recuperate. Play a variety of games, from outdoor sports such as badminton, volleyball, and cricket, to traditional games like chess and carom. For the colder months, you may also arrange for a bonfire evening, socializing with friends and family while keeping warm by the flame.

A wonderful way to recover is by booking a session at the on-site spa. They have a selection of therapies and massages that use traditional techniques to help restore and invigorate your body. There's also a fitness center equipped with modern exercise equipment and yoga classes held on the grounds.

Apart from the Himalayan slopes of Northern India, Tamil Nadu's Western Ghats were also a choice location for the British Colonial government to grow tea. But before the arrival of the British, the region was home to tribal groups such as the Badagas, Kurumbas, and Kotas. Travelers can find out more about these native groups with a visit to the Ooty Government Museum, or by booking a guided village tour to their local communities.

Ooty is also home to the "toy trains" of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, part of the Mountain Railways of India UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can grab a ride on one of these classic locomotives, not just as a novelty, but to actually travel around the region to visit other towns and cities.

As for local sightseeing with a more leisurely pace, you should visit the Ooty Tea Museum and Factory, which has guided tours with complimentary beverages. There's also the Ooty Lake, which is a popular date spot because of its boat rides and picturesque scenery.

Aside from hosting weddings, Savoy, Ooty, also accepts privatizations and bookings for company functions. They have a selection of venues suitable for seminars, conferences, and team-building activities. They can also arrange excursions for large groups.

As for more intimate celebrations, guests can book a Private Dining Room or the Pre-Function Area, should they need a segregated location.