Review: Hotel Dev Dar Woods in Mussoorie, India

Mussoorie is one of India's traditional hillside retreats at the foot of the Himalayas. If you want to get away from the tourist kitsch found in the main part of the town, try staying above the town in Hotel Dev Dar Woods.

Location
The hotel is located in Sister's Bazaar, which is a long uphill walk from the main town of Mussoorie. The walk, or a heart-stopping taxi drive, will reward you with stunning views and a quieter, woodsier atmosphere than the town of Mussoorie below. If you have luggage you will certainly want to employ a taxi to get up here, as the path is steep and can take thirty minutes to walk from the center of town. Hotel Dev Dar Woods is only a two-minute walk from the Landour Language School, where you can sign up to learn various Indian languages.

Rooms
Double rooms at Hotel Dev Dar cost about 800 rupees (US $20) per night during off-season (winter), and special discounts are offered for language school students throughout the year. The twelve spacious rooms are often booked solid through the summer months, as they keep cool and airy in the heat of the day. In winter, rooms without sun shining through the windows can get bitterly cold, so you may want to inquire if you can rent a space heater from the hotel. Rooms are basic but cozy and are equipped with Western toilets and hot water showers.

Food
The hotel has its own dining hall and lounge, complete with a small library of classics to leaf through while sitting by the fireplace. You can pay for the delicious fare a la carte, or you can ask to have a flat fee tacked onto your room rate. Many language school students take advantage of a monthly meal plan from the hotel. Their Indian fare is fresh, and their pizzas were surprisingly good! It's hard to find good pizzas in the subcontinent, but Hotel Dev Dar's chef seems to have mastered it. If you don't want to eat the hotel, you can eat at a small shop in "Char Dukan" (four shops) or you can take the trek down to Mussoorie for all sorts of tasty fare, from Tibetan to South Indian.

Service
Everyone working at Hotel Dev Dar Woods seems to have the same relaxed air about him. They were friendly and helpful; nothing like the frenetic overzealous hoteliers you often find in the subcontinent.

Hotel Dev Dar Woods is one of the best places to stay in the area, particularly if are planning to study at the Landour Language School. Make sure to book ahead for all seasons, but especially in summer. Many times reservations are made a whole year in advance! Enjoy a sleepy and relaxing time at the foot of the Himalayas during your stay at Hotel Dev Dar Woods.

Contact Information:

Phone: (91) (135) 263-2544

Email: anilprakash56@yahoo.com

http://devdar.blogspot.com/