This little gem of a hotel in Mussoorie can be found just off the Mall road. I saw the hotel while winding through the countless switchbacks leading to Mussoorie, a hill station located in the North India foot hills of the Himalayas. As we approached the city I kept seeing this beautiful building jutting out of the cliff looking over the Doon Valley below. That night all I wanted was a hot shower, a comfortable bed and I was willing to pay for it.
Access to this hotel is a bit tricky as vehicles are permitted in the Mall only during random hours. We were told you can sometimes talk your way through the gates before nightfall however we encountered a surly guard not willing to barter. In this case, find your way to the entrance gates to the Mall, unload your bags and make the short walk down the shared driveway to the hotel. You will be swarmed by coolies happy to walk your bags, for a small fee of course. The driveway is an access road for at least two other locations but you’ll soon see the Park Plaza sign leading you forward to the end of the drive. Park your vehicle close by until the Mall hours are lifted and you can move your vehicle in the adjoining parking lot for the night.
The building itself does not have a strong Indian architectural feel which becomes more evident once inside. The lobby, hallways and room are well appointed with a very Western feel. In your room you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into any Hilton hotel in the States. Guest rooms are good size complete with Western bathrooms, very comfortable beds, TV and desk etc. The best part is the French doors which lead out onto a small patio offering views of the Doon Valley right from your room.
At night the grounds are lit up almost begging you to walk the property. With the Mall on the opposite side of the building, and on higher ground, there is little noise to disturb the scenery.
Morning food service included with the room is served in the dining room off the lobby. The decor is in keeping with the rest of the building, however the food can be skipped. The choices were a hit and miss of Northern and Southern breakfast items with little Western fare to be found. Given how slow it was, the three of us were the only people at the time for an hour, I can understand it being difficult to keep a fresh and tasty offering.
Park Plaza was a good match nearly 4 weeks into my tour of India. Anyone looking for where to stay in Mussoorie with breathtaking views, clean and comfortable rooms and a great location would be wise to stay here. We paid Rs 4500 per room which was slightly discounted after a bit of haggling.
