Real Traveler Review: Hotel Raj Ville, Darjeeling ​Prime Location with a Kanchenjunga View (If you book smart!) ​Location: Cooch Behar Road, Near Mall Road, Darjeeling, West Bengal. ​🏔️ The Himalayan Vibe: What We Loved ​Hotel Raj Ville offers a fantastic blend of convenience and authentic Darjeeling charm, especially considering the price range (typically \text{INR } 3,000 to \text{INR } 5,500 per night). ​Location, Location, Location: You absolutely cannot beat the proximity to the town's key areas. It's a brisk 10-minute walk downhill to the bustling Mall Road (Chowrasta) for shopping and dining. Crucially, it's only a 5-minute walk to major sites like the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) and the Zoological Park. ​The Rooftop Reward: The standout feature is the rooftop terrace. On a clear morning, the panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga massif is absolutely breathtaking and makes the steep climb worth every step. ​Exceptional Staff: The personnel here are truly the heart of the hotel. The staff and management were consistently described as incredibly helpful, cooperative, and attentive—a genuine welcome that makes your stay much smoother. ​Convenience Amenities: The hotel includes a crucial elevator/lift, which is a lifesaver after a long day of walking on the Darjeeling slopes! They also provide 24-hour hot water (essential in the cold climate) and offer a range of cuisine in their restaurant (Chinese, Indian, Nepalese, etc.). ​🚧 The Practical Hurdles: What to Know Before You Book ​No hotel in a hill station is perfect, and Raj Ville has a couple of significant caveats you need to be aware of: ​The Steep Approach Road: This is the hotel's biggest challenge. The final stretch of road leading up to the property is steep, narrow, and involves a challenging uphill climb (around 200 meters, according to some guests). Taxi drivers often won't drive all the way up. Warning: This hotel is generally not recommended for senior citizens or anyone with mobility issues. ​The Room Lottery (Book Wisely!): While "mountain view" rooms are available and highly recommended, some internal rooms lack proper windows. Travelers who got these rooms reported them being dark and even claustrophobic. Make sure to explicitly confirm and book a mountain-view room to guarantee natural light and a good view. ​Water Pressure: Given the hill station location, some guests noted that while hot water is continuous, the water pressure can be quite low. ​Final Verdict ​Hotel Raj Ville is an excellent choice for budget-conscious, able-bodied travelers and families who prioritize location and friendly service. The spectacular Kanchenjunga view from the rooftop is the perfect Darjeeling experience. Just be ready for that calf-burning climb every time you return...
   Read moreDisappointing Experience – Needs Serious Improvement in Staff and Service.
We recently stayed at this hotel and, unfortunately, had one of the worst experiences we've encountered during our travels. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the staff lacked professionalism and hospitality. They were extremely arrogant, unhelpful, and showed little interest in making guests feel welcome.
The room service and food service were both poor — not necessarily because of the food itself, but largely due to the attitude and behavior of the staff. Requests were met with rude responses, and we felt uncomfortable asking for even basic services. This kind of attitude is completely unacceptable in the hospitality industry.
The rooms were also disappointing. While somewhat clean, they were quite small and not well-maintained. The food quality was average at best — edible, but certainly not worth the price or the frustration caused by the service.
Here’s a breakdown of our experience:
Food: 2/5 – The taste was okay, but far from impressive. Not worth the cost. Rooms: 2/5 – Small in size, basic amenities, and not very comfortable. Location: 1/5 – Not convenient or appealing. Service: 0/5 – The worst part of our stay. Arrogant staff and lack of professionalism ruined the experience.
I strongly urge the hotel management to seriously evaluate the behavior and attitude of their staff. The future of this hotel depends on how guests are treated. No matter how good the infrastructure is, poor service can drive customers away — and that’s exactly what will happen if no changes are made.
I do not recommend staying at this hotel until significant improvements are made in staff training, customer service, and overall guest...
   Read moreOur group had a wonderful time at this hotel.the location was superb , easy access to mall ,making it easy to get around on foot and explore the area.The rooms were spacious and well - kept by the housekeeping staff.the breakfast provided was delicious and facilities were excellent. We had taken food for all 3 days and tried all different types of cuisine, all food were served with authentic taste. The stuff were friendly and attentive, especially Mr Sanjit Patra manager of this hotel ensured we had everything we needed throughout our stay. Overall a fantastic experience with great value for money. A highly recommended budget hotel nearby mall!!
Few things to highlight - Heater not installed in the room, however they will install portable heater based on requests with additional 500/day
Food preparation will take 45-60 min , order your food in advance , kitchen closed @8:30 . That’s too early...
   Read more