Hotel Combermere

You can find us at Hotel Combermere, located at Chapslee Estate near Lakkar Bazar in Shimla. Our specific spot is Shankar Niwas, Set No-6. Being near Lakkar Bazar means we are right in the heart of the old wood market area. It’s always busy with people buying wooden toys and crafts. The mornings here are my favorite because the mist sits low on the hills and everything is quiet before the shops open. We’ve got a lot of history in this building. It’s not a modern box made of glass; it’s got thick walls and those old-style windows. Sometimes they stick a bit when it's humid. We get travelers from all over India and even from abroad. They usually ask about the best way to walk down to the Mall Road. We tell them to wear comfortable shoes because those slopes are no joke. The staff here has been together for years. We eat our lunch in the small back room and talk about the local news. It’s a busy life, especially during the summer months when everyone wants to be in the mountains. We don’t put on any acts. If a pipe leaks, we fix it. If a guest is hungry late at night, we find them something to eat. It’s just about being decent and keeping the place running as best as we can. It’s a good life up here in 171001.