Uncover Shimla's Secrets: 7 Hills of Luxury at Him Haults!
Uncover Shimla's Secrets: 7 Hills of Luxury at Him Haults! - A Real Person's Take (With a Sprinkle of SEO Magic)
Okay, so I just got back from Shimla, and let me tell you, the air is thin. And not just because of the altitude – the pressure to actually enjoy yourself is high, especially when you're staying at a place like Him Haults. This isn't your beige, cookie-cutter hotel experience. This is a place that promises to uncover Shimla’s secrets, and… well, did it live up to the hype? Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because this review is gonna be less polished hotel brochure and more… well, me.
Accessibility: The Good, The… Could Be Better
Right off the bat, I need to address accessibility. Finding truly accessible places in the Himalayas can be a Herculean task. Unfortunately, Him Haults doesn't scream "barrier-free paradise" from the rooftops. While they do have an elevator, and the website mentions "Facilities for disabled guests," I'd advise checking directly with them about specific needs. This isn't something I personally tested, so I can't give a detailed firsthand account. However, the fact that they offer some consideration is a good start.
Internet Access – Oh, the Glory of Free Wi-Fi!
Let's be honest. Being able to post those Instagram pics while you're actually experiencing a mountain sunset is a must. And Him Haults delivers on the Wi-Fi front. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Bless you, Him Haults! Plus, they have Wi-Fi in public areas too, so even if you're lounging in a common area, you're still connected. There's also Internet [LAN], which is a bonus for those who prefer a wired connection (though let's be real, who uses those anymore?). They've nailed the Internet services game.
Cleanliness and Safety - Breathe Easy!
Okay, this is HUGE right now. I’m a bit of a germaphobe, so I was particularly vigilant about this. And honestly? Major props to Him Haults. They seem to take cleanliness seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays… they throw around these buzzwords, but they actually mean them! I saw staff diligently spraying and wiping down surfaces. They also had Hand sanitizer readily available everywhere. Hygiene certification is mentioned – nice! Staff trained in safety protocol, check. They even have Room sanitization opt-out available, which is considerate (though I definitely didn't opt out!). So, if you're a worrywart like me, you can breathe a sigh of relief.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food! (And My Personal Obsession)
Alright, confession time: Food is my love language. And Him Haults… well, they spoke it. Loudly.
- Restaurants: They had several Restaurants, serving different cuisines.
- Buffet in restaurant: They had a decent buffet, though I would have appreciated a bit more local flavor.
- A la carte in restaurant: A la carte options are always a win for variety.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: I wasn't expecting it, but the Asian food was surprisingly good.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: They had your standard Western fare too.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Coffee was decent. Could be better, but that's my daily struggle.
My Personal High Point – The Poolside Bar and My Near-Death Experience with a Himalayan Sunset
This is where things get personal, and a little… dramatic. The Pool with view? Incredible. Seriously, the view is breathtaking. And the Poolside bar? Game changer. Picture this: I'm perched on a lounger, a cocktail (or three, don't judge) in hand, watching the sun dip behind the snow-capped peaks. It’s all very idyllic. Then, the sun starts to go down. And oh. My. God. The colors! Fiery oranges, electric pinks, purples you've only seen in your wildest dreams… It's the kind of sunset that makes you question everything you thought you knew about sunsets.
I swear, I almost fell into the pool because I was so mesmerized. I think I might have forgotten to breathe for a solid few minutes. It was, hands down, the most beautiful thing I've seen in ages. And that memory, that experience – that's worth the price of admission alone. That happy hour was definitely a happy hour. I can see it in my mind right now.
Other Food Thoughts:
- Breakfast [buffet]: Pretty standard fare, but the eggs were cooked perfectly, and the pancakes were fluffy.
- Breakfast service: They offer Breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service too, which is brilliant for those lazy mornings.
- Room service [24-hour]: Perfect for late-night cravings (and let's face it, who doesn't crave room service?).
- Snack bar: Good for a quick bite.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Spa Day Dreams and Gym Day Realities
Okay, so Him Haults isn’t just about the food (though, let's be honest, a large part is about the food). They also offer plenty of ways to unwind.
- Spa: They have a Spa and Spa/sauna with different treatments, and a Sauna. I got a massage – pure bliss after a day of hiking.
- Fitness center: Fitness centers are a godsend for me.
- Gym/fitness: Check!
- Steamroom: Yes!
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The ultimate luxury.
- Foot bath: This is a nice touch after a long day.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: pamper yourself
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Make a Difference
Him Haults offers all the usual suspects:
- Air conditioning in public area and Air conditioning in the rooms. Essential.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Luggage storage – all the stuff you need.
- Concierge: Super helpful with arranging taxis, tours, etc.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless every day.
- Doorman: There to greet you and help with luggage.
- Elevator: Helps with getting around.
- Safety deposit boxes.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station.
For the Kids - Family-Friendly Fun
I don't have kids, but I noticed they seemed well-equipped for families. They have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and provide Kids meal.
Available in all rooms - the essentials
The Available in all rooms list is long as the service list:
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa,: Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Getting Around - Easy Peasy
They offer Airport transfer, Taxi service, Car park [free of charge], Valet parking, so getting around is a breeze.
In Conclusion - Should You Go?
Yes. Absolutely. Him Haults isn't perfect (what is?), but it's a solid choice for a luxurious Shimla getaway. It delivers on its promise of comfort and relaxation, with a touch of magic (thanks, sunset pool!). The cleanliness and safety measures were impressive, the food was delicious, and the spa was a treat.
My only real "complaint"? The constant temptation to just stay put, soak up the views, and eat all the food.
My Opinion:
Him Haults is:
- Great for: Couples seeking a romantic escape, families who appreciate comfort, foodies.
- Not ideal for: Budget travelers, those strictly needing full accessibility without checking.
**Crafting that Persuasive Offer (For Your Booking
Unbelievable Ragusa Duomo Garden: Secret Italy You NEED to See!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is me, raw and unfiltered, about to tackle Seven Hills Shimla with Him Haults Hospitality. Honestly? I'm simultaneously terrified and hyped. Here we go…
Seven Hills Shimla: A Chaotic Chronicle
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Angst (and a REALLY Good Samosa)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 10:00 AM): The Red Eye from hell. I'm not a morning person, and the cramped, noisy flight to Chandigarh had me questioning every life choice. Seriously, who invented airplane bathrooms? The only highlight was the unexpected, ridiculously good coffee.
- (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Arrived in Chandigarh, and thankfully, Him Haults was READY. The driver, a lovely man named Mr. Sharma (bless his patience), whisked us away in their sturdy SUV. The drive to Shimla was breathtaking… until I started feeling the altitude. Headache, nausea, the works. I'm clearly not cut out for the Himalayas.
- (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Check-in at the Him Haults accommodation. It's charmingly rustic, with a view that almost makes me forget I feel like I'm going to hurl. The staff is super friendly, though, and they keep offering me ginger lemon honey. Maybe they know something I don't?
- (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Okay, let’s be real, this is where the trip actually started! Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall dhabha. The samosas? LIFE-CHANGING. Crispy, spicy, and utterly perfect. All my altitude sickness suddenly vanished. This is why I travel.
- (4:00 - Onward) : This is what I'm currently doing - Writing this damn thing! I should probably organize something to do, but frankly - I'm afraid of heights! I should probably take some pictures of the view, but it's so beautiful, it's almost… too much. I'm pretty sure I'll just spend the rest of the day staring at the mountains and trying not to cry.
Day 2: The Mall Road Melee and a Lesson in Wool
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Mall Road Madness: Finally! A little more altitude tolerance. The plan was to hit the Mall Road and see the sights. Reality? A crowded circus. People, tourists, vendors, dogs… It was a delightful chaos. The Christ Church is stunning, even if I spent half the time dodging selfie sticks.
- Side Note: I got hopelessly lost while trying to find a decent coffee shop and ended up buying a bright pink hat. Don't judge me. It's cold up here!
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch at the local joint. I had no idea what it was called, but someone there spoke some broken Hindi, and I managed to order something resembling a meal. It involves potatoes. It was delicious!
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Visited the local shawl and carpet shop. The shopkeeper kept complimenting me, even as I tried to convince him I was too broke to buy any wool! Even though I didn't buy anything there, I learned the sheer artistic and cultural history behind those things.
- Evening (5:00 PM - Onward): I was suppose to go to the Jakoo temple and get great aerial views of the town… but I'm really, really not in the mood. I'm sticking to a very simple dinner tonight. I will probably spend the next few hours staring at some mountain… It's all I can do for right now.
Day 3: Thrills and Chills (Literally!) - Kufri and the Yak Ride That Almost Killed Me
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Kufri. The promised land of adventure. The reality? Cold. Freezing. But! The views are insane. Apparently, there was supposed to snow during December. It was like walking into a postcard. I may, or may not, have spent a solid hour taking pictures.
- (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): The Yak Ride of Doom. Okay, I’m being dramatic. But that yak ride?! I was sure I was going to be tossed into a ravine. It was slow, jerky, and my dignity took a serious hit. But hey, I survived! And the pictures are hilarious.
- (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Hot tea and some snacks. My hands were numb. My cheeks? Red.
- (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back to Shimla. Feeling surprisingly okay! I'd figured that the yak ride would break me, but I'm just happy to be alive.
- (5:00 PM - Onward): A quiet dinner and an early night. Tomorrow, it's time to… well I have no idea what tomorrow brings, but I'm sure it will be something. Hopefully it won't involve yaks. Or heights. Or both.
Day 4: The Ridge and Farewell… For Now?
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Ridge! This time, I braved the walk up and down the incline! It was crowded but energizing! The views were even better than I remembered. I spent a lot of time just soaking it all in, trying to etch the memory into my brain.
- Anecdote: I saw a proposal! A young couple, surrounded by a crowd, with a ring, and a "yes!" It was utterly cheesy and utterly delightful.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): One last delicious lunch at a local place.
- (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM) : Final shopping. I did managed to buy those souvenirs!
- (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The drive back to Chandigarh. More scenic views, more altitude-induced grumbling from me. Mr Sharma, bless his heart, probably knows I'm a mess by now.
- (5:00 PM - Onward): The flight home. Mixed feelings. Relief, sadness, a strange longing to go back already. Shimla, you magnificent, chaotic, glorious beast. You were… something else.
Final Thoughts:
Him Haults Hospitality? Overall, they were great. The driver was reliable, the accommodation was cozy, and they took care of all the logistics. I could have done a better job of asking about the itinerary, but I really came to them at last minute, so I couldn't really blame them. Shimla? More than I expected. It's beautiful, challenging, and completely unpredictable. It's the kind of trip that makes you question everything about yourself – and then makes you laugh. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe skip the Yak rides next time. And the pre-dawn flights. Okay, everything can be better, but I hope you enjoyed my crazy rambling!
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