India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [611]
The Hidden Forest Retreat Offering an authentic homestay experience, this is a fabulous alternative to the hotels in Gangtok. It’s owned by a family that admits it’s a little crazy because their plants come first before all else. Spending a few days here, surrounded by the 30-year-old nursery, taking in lots of fresh air and mountain views and being overfed by the lovely Kesang, is a rare pleasure. With 12 rooms, it’s a small, personal affair—interiors are similar with colorful Sikkimese tenthis (low stools) and choktsis (low tables), pinewood floors and ceilings, and dimly lit but clean bathrooms. Spend the evening on the patio with wind chimes for company, and warm up with chang (a local alcoholic beverage made with millet) served in a beautiful container fashioned out of old wood and silver.
The Hidden Forest Retreat, Sinchey Busty, Gangtok 737 101. /fax 03592/20-5197 or 94-7498-1367. www.hiddenforestretreat.org. 12 units (with shower). Rs 2,150 single; Rs 3,000 double. Rs 700 extra bed. Rates include all meals. No credit cards at press time but may soon accept MC, V; please check. Amenities: Dining; doctor-on-call; heater; television.
Netuk House Buddhist prayer flags flutter above this gorgeously situated and well-run family guesthouse with real Sikkimese flavor. The warm Denzong family, who are always pleased to introduce guests to local culture, owns it. All accommodations are unique; four guest rooms are in the main house and six are in the colorful annex, with its traditional rainbow-hued Sikkimese-style facade. Guest rooms are simple but lovely, and have good, comfortable mattresses covered in crisp white linen. Carefully prepared traditional four-course Sikkimese meals are served in the dining room; there is a charming Sikkimese-style living room with an attached bar.
Tibet Rd., Gangtok 737 101. 03592/20-6778 or 94-7435-2975. netukhouse@gmail.com. 12 units (with shower). Rs 4,150 double, Rs 2,450 single, Rs 1,455 extra person; Rs 725 children 8–12; Rs 375 children 4–7; free for children under 4; taxes extra. Rates include all meals. No credit cards. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; doctor-on-call; TV lounge.
Nor-Khill This stylish hotel, once the royal guesthouse of the former king, offers the priciest and most luxurious accommodations in the state of Sikkim, fronted by a lovely lawn (sadly, overlooking Gangtok’s sports stadium). The renovated deluxe units resemble suites, with a large bedroom area extending off a comfortable and beautiful living area; views are excellent. Huge floral or dragon-motif rugs cover the wood tile floors, and the furnishings and fittings are carved and painted Sikkimese-style. Beds are a little narrow and slightly soft, but have lovely fabrics and scatter cushions. Bathrooms are spacious, with tubs and natural light. Standard doubles are spacious and equally beautiful; reserve room no. 43 or 44, which are large and well-positioned. The room rate includes all meals, served as a set-menu in the formal Shangri-La Restaurant.
Paljor Stadium Rd., Gangtok 737 101. 03592/20-5637 or 0359/22-0064. Fax 03592/20-5639. Reservations: 5 Park Row, 47 Park St., Kolkata 700 016. 033/2226-9878. Fax 033/2246-6388. www.elginhotels.com. 25 units. Rs 5,900