The Hamir Hotel, located just on the outskirts of the city, should be your first go-to place since the choices in Hamirpur are limited. The hotel is part of the HPTDC, Himachal Pradesh Tourism, which has a decent reputation around the state for clean, reasonably priced rooms. Because it is a government run hotel, bargaining on the room rate usually ends in a futile standoff with the front desk. Compared to the other hotels in town, The Hamir is the most expensive. However, some budget options do exist here. Built into a hillside, the front faces the well traveled highway giving easy access to their ample parking spaces.
Both of my stays here, 2006 and 2009, put me in virtually the same style of room. Walk in through the door to find a nicely stained wood, built-in closet and luggage rack. Immediately you see that the room is large enough for 4 people even though the bed will accommodate 1-2. The extra living space divided between the bed and small seating area is extraordinary. Hamirpur is known for having abundant land which the HPTDC used to build generously sized rooms. Over-sized windows look out onto the property but alas, the view is not spectacular. For my most recent visit I chose a non-A/C room that did come with a ceiling fan. With the canopy of trees blanketing the building and the time of year, why pay extra for A/C?
The bathroom is nicely finished with a built in tiled shower, Western toilet, hot water tank with full-time running water. The counter here is comparable to any US bathroom in space, large and easily enough room for two people. Towels and TP are standard issue, no need to bring your own here.
Rooms are accessed by walking over-sized, high ceiling hallways that at night are a bit eerie. Lights are turned off to save electricity but a staff member can help you find the light switches. All the usual amenities are here, luggage assistance, laundry service and room service. Unfortunately there is no internet so walk up the road (mind the speeding traffic) about a half mile where you can find a small cyber cafe located in the market. The rates are very reasonable and the connection speed is fast. Take this opportunity to use the STD’s nearby and pick up cheap bottled water.
A full service restaurant on the second floor serves a wide variety of Indian food options as well as some continental and Chinese fare. Cost for meals is a tad on the high end but the portions are HUGE and it’s one of the few neat and clean in town. An order of veg biryani, roti and tea for just myself would have fed 3. Businessmen are seen here during the lunch hour replaced by local families during the dinner hours.
Room cost:
2006 Rs 1000 ($22) per night / 2009 Rs 660 ($15) per night (Non-A/C)
