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Clarkes Hotel, Shimla

Clarkes Hotel

Shimla, India

A small, modest property, Clarkes is one of the oldest hotels in Shimla. As a young man, Mr Mohan Singh Oberoi worked at the hotel and in 1934 bought the property from its British owners, who were moving back to England. Mr Oberoi founded India's largest and most successful hotel chain after his time at Clarkes, but the hotel continued successfully without him and still stands with much of its character, history and charm intact.

The hotel has a terrace with panoramic views overlooking the valley, while the guest rooms are comfortably furnished and offer a good range of modern amenities.

OUR OPINION:

Although modest, Clarkes offers everything you need for a comfortable stay, including plenty of colonial charm and the Mall Road on its doorstep.

OUR RATING: Medium

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Rooms

Clarkes has four room categories; the most popular being the comfortable and well-appointed Deluxe rooms, which offer fantastic value. The Premier rooms are also very comfortable and feature an additional sitting area, while the Suites are the largest, most luxurious option, offering plenty of space and panoramic views across the valley.

Location

Clarkes is located on the eastern edge of the Mall Road, which makes it ideal for those who like to be central and explore by foot. Although Shimla has a large population, the center is compact and Clarkes is close to the main sights, such as Christ Church and the Gaiety Theatre.

Food and drink

The Dining Room restaurant has wonderful views and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, including Indian, continental and Chinese cuisine. Don’t miss the gobhi adraki, which is a delicious dish consisting of cauliflower cooked with ginger. After your meal, head to the late 18th century bar to soak up the colonial atmosphere over a cocktail, beer or soft beverage.

Facilities and activities

The hotel has table tennis, badminton and basketball facilities, and offers a 24-hour laundry service.

Tour ideas in Shimla

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Clarkes Hotel as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.

    • Shimla Toy Train
      Toy Train to Shimla

      Shimla Toy Train

      Shimla Toy Train

      To appreciate the best views provided by the lofty train ride on the historic meter gauge line, you will catch the train from Shimla to Kandaghat station where you will be met by your driver.

      View details

    Shimla and nearby places