ROSASTAYS Jeolikote, Nainital — Hotel in Uttarakhand

Hey there, fellow travel enthusiasts! Today, I want to share my experience staying at a hidden gem in the hills of Nainital (Jeolikote, 20 KM fron Nainital center) - a charming old Kipling-era house that will transport you back in time.

As soon as I arrived, I was struck by the stunning beauty of the place. The house, made with stones and boasting wooden flooring and red roof that are more than 75 years old, exudes a rustic charm that is hard to resist. But what really stole my heart were the sky kissing pine trees, views of the valley and small hill track that lead to the stream of river. The serenity and peace I felt while walking along the stream were unparalleled.

But it wasn't just the natural beauty that made my stay so special. The four dogs on the property quickly became my furry companions, and they made my stay all the more enjoyable. Their wagging tails and playful nature added an extra layer of joy and comfort to my stay.

The rooms themselves were spacious and comfortable, and I loved the old-world charm that was evident in every detail. The wooden flooring and roof added to the overall ambiance, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that was perfect for a relaxing getaway. We got our selves upgraded to the Deluxe Rooms which was huge with Idyllic mountain living becomes reality with wide-angle valley views. Queen-sized beds, upholstered sofas, handmade wardrobes, oversized mirrors kindle fascination with vintage. even the bathroom was picutre perfect.

The common area was just mejastic with perfect selection of furniture, lighting and artifacts, this place was giving the royal yet cozy feeling. the roof cum balcony was the best place to sit and sip in a cup of hot tea/coffee in the morning and a glass of wine at Night (Disclaimer, we did not drank wine there :)).

The food was simply divine, with locally sourced ingredients that made each meal a true culinary delight. And the staff, specially Mr. Raju and the Chef were some of the friendliest and most helpful people I have ever encountered on my travels. They went out of their way to ensure that my stay was perfect in every way.

All in all, if you're looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in the hills of Nainital, I highly recommend this charming old Kipling era house. With its historic architecture, stunning views, furry companions, and warm hospitality, it's a true hidden gem that is sure to leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and filled with...

Location: The place is located approx 20kms before Nainital which has both an advantage to keep you away from the madness of Nainital and also a disadvantage of being situated at a lower height, however the view overlooking the valley is absolutely stunning.

Property: The property is an old bunglow renovated for staycation. The construction is wood with a splash of bohemian (for the lack of better word) interiors and low rise roof situated away from the main Nainital road making it very peaceful.

Food: Although not mentioned exclusively the chef cooks up a storm in the kitchen. The dishes carry an excellent blend of local Kumaon and homemade cuisine and the chef will take the time to understand the guest’s requirements if needed.

Staff & Service: the staff is very responsive and pays good attention to detail and tries to cater to all the demands of the guest leaving no stone unturned.

Best time to visit: Summers can be a bit hot, however end of summers and post rains would be a good season to visit. Winters is good for folks who do not mind the bitter cold.

Areas of improvement: Personal bell in the rooms is highly desirable even though folks are looking to unwind, room phone/bell appears to be a necessity. Not all rooms marked as mountain/valley view overlook the valley, which defeats the purpose of the extra money guest shell out. Correction in description can go a long way to improve transparency.

Conclusion: This place is 4.5/5. Recommended for folks looking to detach and relax admist the nature. Do not compare to regular starred hotels, but to explore the history, nature, and view around this place, and did I mention the two adorable and very well behaved dogs...

Rosastays, Jeolikote is nestled in the calm and quiet hills of Uttarkhand and this heritage homestay is a perfect retreat to unwind amidst nature and experience the vibe of timeless colonial charm. During our stay, we were captivated by the peaceful ambience that pervades the entire property and the calmness away from the humdrum of everyday life. The colonial architecture and decor create an elegant yet cozy atmosphere, evoking a sense of nostalgia while providing modern day comforts at the same time.|A special mention goes to Mr. Lalit, the Chef, whose culinary skills truly elevated our stay. Every meal felt like fine dining- from delicious local delicacies to perfectly prepared multi-course meals. Do try out his curated recipe of -"The Kumauni Chicken & Mutton Curry"|Not to forget, equally commendable was Mr. Vinod, who provided excellent service throughout our stay. He was always courteous, attentive and went out of his way to ensure we were comfortable and well taken care of.|Rosastays offers peace, elegance & heartfelt hospitality with a touch of heritage, old colonial charm and some mouth-watering homely cuisines.|Rosastays, Jeolikote is a...