The Oberoi Cecil

During the 19th century, Shimla was a widely popular summer retreat for the British living in India. Sitting up on its slopes was a humble house called the Tendrils Cottage, first built in 1868. The house was made famous because of an ardent writer named Rudyard Kipling, who loved staying there every summer since his first visit in 1883. As the years passed, the Tendrils Cottage changed hands, eventually ending up in 1902 with Mr. Robert Hotz and wife, Florence Elizabeth.

Under the Hotzes, the property was expanded and transformed into the Cecil Hotel. Mrs. Hotz managed the hotel until it was later sold in 1916 to Arthur Henry Pook, an English businessman, and Giovanni "John" Faletti, a hotelier from Italy. The Cecil Hotel was then renamed to Faletti's Cecil Hotel soon after.

It was in 1922, during Faletti's ownership, that an aspiring young man from Pakistan named Mohan Singh Oberoi came to work at the hotel. He worked diligently under The Cecil's manager, Ernest Clarke, who, in turn, took a liking to Oberoi's acumen and diligence. Clarke also had dreams of managing his own hotel, and later purchased the Carlton Hotel, taking Mohan Singh with him. At the Carlton, Mohan Singh honed his business and management skills. By the time Clarke was planning to retire and return to England, the industrious Oberoi was his first choice to whom the Carlton Hotel would be sold.

While Oberoi did not have the amount requested by Clarke and only had enough for an advance payment, the Englishman still gladly handed over the keys to someone he could trust. Oberoi would faithfully make his remaining payments once he got the Carlton Hotel up and running in 1934, as well as renaming it to the Clarke's Hotel in honor of his friend and mentor. This was the beginning of Mohan Singh Oberoi's hotel empire, expanding not long after with The Grand in Calcutta in 1938, and coming back to Shimla to acquire The Cecil Hotel in 1944 and renaming it The Oberoi Cecil.

Since then, The Oberoi Cecil has maintained its reputation as one of the most prestigious hotels in Northern India, winning the National Tourism Award for Best Heritage Hotel in 2017. It did undergo extensive renovations in 1984, which lasted until 1997, but the result was a regal establishment that embodies the finest aspects of modern India and the British Colonial Era.

From the outside, The Oberoi Cecil features an edifice reminiscent of Himalayan Kath-Kuni architecture, blended with Victorian and Edwardian British Colonial elements. The exterior is even colored in green and white, perhaps representing the snow-covered mountains and sea of evergreens during winter.

For its interiors, the hotel is equipped with a multi-storey atrium, which helps regulate the temperature. Save for some areas like the indoor swimming pool, the floors are mainly made of teakwood, while walls are clad in paneling, alongside pillar designs that hearken back to the British Raj. Providing warmth and illumination are the shining chandeliers and crackling fireplaces fitted in shared spaces as well as in accommodations. Guest rooms and suites carry period-style décor with dark wood finishes, brass accents, and large, bright windows with breathtaking views.

Adding to the hotel's luxurious setting are ensuite bathrooms equipped with soaking tubs, a signature on-site spa, and a grand ballroom that also serves as a restaurant and banquet hall.

The Oberoi Cecil features two classy establishments within the hotel, as well as choice dining experiences that can be integrated into your trip.

Oberoi Cecil Restaurant

Set in a grand ballroom illuminated by dazzling chandeliers, diners at Oberoi Cecil's restaurant can look forward to a wide selection of delectable dishes prepared by skilled chefs and cooks. Choose from a variety of cuisines, including native Shimla and Indian dishes, along with international fare like Italian pastas, and Asian stir-fry.

Opening hours: 7:30 am - 10:30 pm

The Lounge

Sit back and relax with your favorite beverage, whether it's tea, coffee, or an original cocktail crafted by creative mixologists. Complement your drink with a tasty little snack, all while enjoying the skylight view and soothing piano music.

Opening hours: 11 am - 11 pm

Picnic at Glen Forest

Spend a morning or afternoon walking along the forest trails of Shimla's slopes, before taking a break at a scenic little spot to enjoy a delicious picnic. The picnic package contains not only delicious gourmet food, but also inclusive of access to a forest park and the setup fee for your picnic spot.

Candlelit Dinner

Celebrate a special evening with a candlelit four-course dinner for two. Each dish is prepared by a chef and can be customized as per your requests. You may also choose a private room for the dinner service, should you prefer a more secluded and intimate setting.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Shimla was already renowned as the summer capital during British Colonial India, and it maintains that reputation to this day. Cultural treasures such as ancient native temples and ornate colonial buildings lie hidden amidst the tall hills and mountains. Book a guided Heritage Walk around Shimla, taking you to places like the Viceregal Lodge and Gorton Castle. You'll also be visiting historic neighborhoods, such as Mall Road and Scandal Point.

For the outdoor adventurers, the whole of Shimla will be your playground. The alpine setting is filled with old and mystical woodlands, such as Mashobra Valley and Shali Peak. Mountain bike tours are also available, with trails leading to places like the Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary.

In between adventures, guests can recuperate with treatments at the hotel's Oberoi Spa. Signature Eastern, Western, and Oberoi Treatments are on offer, providing a variety of options to rejuvenate your body. There's also a heated indoor pool available year-round, as well as a fitness center where you can maintain your exercise routines.

The Oberoi Cecil also offers two charming venues available for private events and corporate functions. The Kipling Hall can accommodate 40 to 45 guests, while the Curzon Room has a capacity of 30 to 40 guests. Both halls can be furnished with a variety of seating and table arrangements, and are adjacent to the lounge, enabling easy access to refreshments and quick meals. To further customize your event, reach out to management via their website proposal form.