Woodville Palace Hotel Review: Heritage Stay That Will Transport You To Colonial Shimla

Disclaimer: The author stayed at the hotel at her own expense. This is not a sponsored article. The images used in this article are the author’s personal photos and are not to be reused for any purposes whatsoever. Read about our editorial policies.

Imagine staying at a hotel that was once a residence of a king! When I first looked at the castle-like facade of Woodville Palace Hotel, with the Himalayas in the backdrop, I was left awestruck. 

Nestled amidst deodar, pine, oak trees and 4 acres of manicured gardens, the building’s pointed red turret roofs atop the beige ramparts was a sight to behold. The heritage property’s royal English charm instantly transported me to the time when Shimla used to be the summer capital of the British Raj. 

A 10-minute drive away from Shimla’s Mall Road, the palace hotel combines the allure of British aristocracy and natural beauty of the Himalayas, while also offering modern hospitality to its guests.

Come, let me take you on a virtual tour of my stay experience here.

Before that, you can also check out our complete Shimla travel guide to plan your holiday.

Best Parts Of My Stay At Woodville Palace Hotel, Shimla

 # Exquisite Fine Art Collection

One of the most interesting features of Woodville Palace Hotel is its stunning fine art collection, inspired by the art-deco era. The regal antiques, period furniture and vintage interiors offer a visual treat to guests. Carefully-curated artwork, including personal artifacts of the royal Jubbal family, adorn the hotel’s lobby, restaurants and common areas. The walls also feature real portraits of royals and their information, adding a museum-like vibe to the stay. 

# Beyond Pet-Friendly 

In most cases, pet-friendly means that the hotel just allows your pets to stay with you. But when you stay at Woodville Palace Hotel, your pet is also going to receive royal treatment! Specialized bedding, leashes, collars, and litter boxes, along with treats like bones and catnip, are kept at the service of your fur ball here. In addition to that, helpful amenities such as water bowls, doggie pickup bags, etc. are also provided.  Being a pet parent myself, I was thoroughly impressed with their offerings for the fur babies.  

# Award-Winning Restaurant

The food at Woodville Palace Hotel exceeded my expectations! There were innumerable options to choose from, including delectable vegan and gluten-free dishes. Since the hotel is frequented by foreign tourists, there were several international dishes on the menu as well. Every single dish I tried during my 2-day stay here was absolutely delicious, flavorful, and presented beautifully. I will share more details about the food a little later in the article. 

TWT Trivia: Woodville Palace is owned and managed by the descendants of the royal Jubbal family. The property had several owners since 1866, before it went to Jubbal’s Raja Rana, who converted it into his family residence in 1938. In 1977, his grandson Raj Kumar Uday Singh turned it into a hotel. 

The Room At Woodville Palace Hotel, Shimla

Ranging from INR 8,000-25,000 per night, Woodville Palace Hotel, Shimla offers different types of rooms and suites, including Deluxe, Imperial, and Royal. 

I stayed at the Imperial Room, which was beyond comfortable, with an amalgamation of modern and vintage accents. The white walls featured dark wooden panels, while the decor elements included personal items of the royal family.

There was a pretty balcony where I remember sitting for hours and admiring the views of the Himalayas. The antique bed was comfortable and covered with soft, luxurious linens. The curtains and drapes added to the overall charm of the room. 

State-Of-The-Art Bathroom

The lavish bathroom was an ode to white and chrome, with a lavender vase adding a pleasant touch to my senses. Its marble countertop, spacious shower area, state-of-the-art fixtures and custom lighting offered a luxurious vibe. There was also a vanity area with a makeup mirror and a storage cabinet.

The bathroom’s rejuvenating aura and fragrant aromatic soaps helped me wash away my worries.  

Impeccable Facilities

Besides being aesthetically-pleasing, the room was equipped with several facilities that made my stay all the more pleasant and comfortable. They included:

• Air conditioning
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Television
• Safe
• Kitchen
• Work desk
• Mini-fridge
• Hot water kettle
• Reading lamps
• Sofa chairs
• Tea-coffee essentials
• Fireplace
• Heater

Did You Know?

The property is a popular location for film shoots and has been featured in several Bollywood movies over the years including Raju Chacha, Raaz 2, and 3 Idiots.

Food & Drinks At Woodville Palace Hotel, Shimla

Woodville Palace Hotel’s award-winning restaurant serves delicious dishes from around the world and its bar is well-stocked. By using organically grown ingredients that are sourced locally, the property takes significant measures to reduce its carbon footprint and protect guests’ health. The menu includes flavorful Indian and continental foods, including pastas, pizzas, soups, lasagne, etc.

Breakfast

The warm and inviting atmosphere at the terrace (breakfast venue), coupled with the view of the magnificent vistas, took my breath away! There was a sumptuous breakfast spread, including Indian and Continental cuisines. You could choose from freshly baked bread, cereals, pancakes, omelets, eggs, bacon, sausages, cheese platters, pastries, fruits, idli, dosa, paratha, puri-bhaji, etc. I gorged on blueberry pancakes and belgian waffles, which were heavenly! 

Lunch

Lunch featured a plethora of traditional regional delicacies as well as international cuisine. Even when I chose a basic dish like the classic Indian Dal Tadka and Roti, it was enough to tantalize my taste buds! The meal was both appetizing and healthy.

Dinner

I had the option of choosing from a variety of Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisines, including dal-roti, fried rice, paneer butter masala, aubergine, red pepper and spinach curry, noodles, manchurian, etc. For me, the highlights were local specialties like aaloo tikki and palak paneer for their scintillating flavors.

Other Amenities & Services At Woodville Palace Hotel, Shimla 

•   Room service
•   Free spacious parking area
•   24-hour front desk
•   Free toiletries
•   Seating areas
•   Private entrance
•   Electric kettle
•   No smoking rooms
•   Meeting facilities
•   Concierge services
•   Complimentary WiFi
•   Regal banquet spaces

Cleanliness At Woodville Palace Hotel, Shimla 

I could see that all areas of Woodville Palace Hotel were kept impeccably clean and sanitized. Both public areas and rooms were regularly vacuumed. I also availed their laundry service, which is equipped with the latest cleaning technology. 

Even when it comes to food safety and hygiene, extra care is taken by the staff. The hotel manager allowed me a tour of the kitchen area, which looked absolutely hygienic and spotless.  

Location Of Woodville Palace Hotel, Shimla 

The Woodville Palace Hotel is close to all of Shimla’s main attractions such as Mall Road, The Ridge, Jakhu Temple, Lakkar Bazaar and the Himachal State Museum. As it is surrounded by the Himalayan mountains, it also offers breathtaking views. The Kufri Fun World and Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary are also not too far away from here. 

What’s Nearby?

•   Daulat Singh Park (50 m)
•   The Ridge, Shimla (100 m)
•   Circular Road (400 m)
•   CPWD Park (550 m)
•   Victory Tunnel (1.1 km)
•   Nagar Nigam Park-the Mall (1.2 km)
•   Annandale Ground (1.7 km)
•   Park-New Shimla (2.2 km)
•   Willys Park-Elfin Estate Chaura Maidaan (2.5 km)
•   Himalayan Bird Park (2.7 km)

Closest Airports, Railway Station, & Bus Stop

•   Shimla Airport (10 km)
• Shimla Inter-State Bus Terminus (8 km)
•   Shimla Railway Station (7 km)
• Chandigarh Airport (59 km)
• Kullu–Manali Airport (85 km)

TWT Experience Summary of Woodville Palace Hotel, Shimla

The luxurious accommodation, with its colonial architecture, was an ideal blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. Being a heritage property, Woodville Palace offers much more than just a hotel. The royal treatment you receive here is unparalleled. 

An incredible feature is that all the tastefully-decorated rooms offer spectacular views of the mountains, which means you don’t have to pay extra to get a room with a view. For foodies, a range of dining options are offered, including international and local delicacies.

Being an avid traveler, I have stayed in different kinds of accommodations, ranging from budget hotels to 5-star resorts at foreign locations. One thing I have realized is that there is a huge difference between professional staff and compassionate staff. The staff at Woodville Palace Hotel were extremely warm and considerate of my needs. It felt that fulfilling my wishes was not only a part of their job responsibility, but also their pleasure!

Inclusivity Checklist:

✅ Kid-friendly

✅ Eco-friendly

✅ Vegan-friendly

✅ Pet-friendly

✅  Couple-friendly

✅  Trained staff to assist guests with disabilities

Check-In Time: 2 pm

Check-Out Time: 12 pm

Price Per Night: INR 8,000 – 25,000 (rates may vary during peak seasons)

Address: Mall Road, Milsington Estate, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh -171002

Landmark: Near Raj Bhavan & CM House

Location: Google Maps

Contact: +91-8874923456 / [email protected]

Woodville Palace Hotel’s website: Booking Link

Frequently Asked Questions On Woodville Palace Hotel, Shimla 

 1. Is parking available at the hotel?

Yes, there is free parking available at Woodville Palace, Shimla – a heritage property since 1938.

 2. Who is the owner of Woodville Palace Hotel, Shimla?

Woodville Palace is owned by the descendents of the royal family of Jubbal, which was a pre-independence kingdom in Shimla. 

 3. How far is Woodville Palace Hotel Shimla from the Mall Road?

Woodville Palace Hotel is a 30-minute walk away from the Mall Road in Shimla. By a taxi, it just takes 10 minutes to reach the area.

4. Is there a swimming pool at Woodville Palace Hotel?

No, there is no pool at the Woodville Palace Hotel, Shimla.

 5. What is the price of staying at Woodville Palace Hotel?

The cost of rooms at Woodville Palace Hotel, Shimla starts from INR 8000. The Royal suites are the highest priced rooms of the hotel, which cost INR 25,000 per night. 

6. Do I need to pack warm clothes if I am visiting Shimla in the summer season?

Being a hill station, a light jacket is necessary even if you are visiting Shimla during the summer. The summer temperatures in Shimla range between 19 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

 7. Which are the best places for shopping in Shimla?

Shopaholics should add the following spots to their Shimla travel plan:

•   The Mall Road
•   Himachal Emporium
•   Tibetan Market
•   Lakkar Bazaar
•   Middle Bazar
•   Lower Bazar
•   Ram Bazar
•   Minchy’s

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