Accommodation which speaks of "going back in time to the years when it was the oldest English Boarding House in the Himalayas – it was named 'Ada Villa". It was to be the repose of Kings, Queens and other dignitaries, but not forgetting the old Tea Planters of that era!
The only truly authentic Colonial Hotel in the region – You will be offered one of the orginal suites where Royalty has stayed – it has been restored and not renovated". ADA VILLA WAS BUILT BY THE RAJ SOCIETY IN 1841. It is the orginal "old house" with Royal Suites, Daisy’s Music Room, Bearpark's Parlour and the famous Windamere Bar (where many famous parties were held!)
Ada Villa (originally built in the late 1880's) reflects the age-old colonial style of the Windamere Colonial hotel in Darjeeling. The Villa was extensively used as an English boarding house for British Raj professionals on contract during their stay in Darjeeling. In addition, Ada Villa housed many bachelor tea planters during the era of the British Raj. All of the suites and cottages are from the old Colonial days of the British Raj period, which stretched from the 1800’s up to Indian Independence in 1947). This house is part of the Windamere accommodation on Observatory Hill. All suite names relate to the actual person who stayed there. Four of the six Colonial Suites offer a second bedroom.
Observatory Hill, Darjeeling, India, Pin Code: 734101 (Direction)
Telephone: +91-354-2254041 / +91-354-2254042
Colonial Suite Double
Knebworth: situated within the main house of Ada Villa, this beautiful suite has a full sitting area, twin or double beds, fireplace and bathroom. The main Ada Villa house suites are quite large. This room was named after Lord Cobbold’s stately home in England. His father, The Earl of Lytton, was a former Viceroy of India, during the Raj period and was also known as Viscount Knebworth. They all stayed with us.
Alexandra David Neal: a similar suite to Knebworth, again this room is quite large – with a fireplace. It was named after the famous French lady who dressed up as a monk and managed to get into what was at that time was the reclusive and forbidden country of Tibet. Today, French groups come to honour her. Twin or double beds.
Guests find this little suite extremely cosy. Situated next to our 'Garden Enclosed', with an extra garden style entrance.
Guests find this little suite extremely cosy. Situated across from front office, with an extra garden style entrance with a small sitting area and Victorian bathroom. Only accommodates one person.
Royal Suite Double
Situated upstairs in the main house, this is a full colonial suite (twin/double beds), with a second single bedroom and bathroom + fireplace. Beautifully furnished, with high class Indian rugs. The Prince actually stayed here (he was the cousin to the now deceased Duke of Edinburgh).
Named after our famous guest, the King of Sikkim (he was formally introduced to his second wife at Windamere). A gorgeous room, with twin or double beds, large sitting area, second single room, bathroom and fireplace – again, beautifully furnished with high class Indian rugs
When Thailand was known as Siam, the Princess stayed here. The present Princess of Thailand has also stayed in this suite, as has the present Thai Ambassador to India. A twin or double bedded suite, with a large sitting area, + a separate single room, fireplace, chaise longue and bathroom. Beautiful Indian rugs from Kashmir + restored antique furniture, extra bedroom/lounge area.
Would have been the wife of a Nawab or Nizam. Twin/double bedded, fireplace, sitting area, separate single room and bathroom - same standard of rugs.
Cottages & Honeymoon Suites
Is a very interesting suite! It is semi-circular in shape and situated under our dining room. It is also known as a "Honeymoon Suite", with its double bed, lovely sitting area, television and bathroom. The view from the window looks out across the Himalayan Mountains. Couples find this room to be very cosy and private. There is no fireplace in this suite (due to a lack of a chimney), but we do have a very cosy "living fire" in the room. Again, very popular – famous Bollywood stars have stayed here!
The Tenduf-La Suites consist of: 'Faith' (named after a famous Trappist Monk. Thomas Merton (famous spiritual author), who stayed here: Hope & Charity are named after the American socialite, Hope Cook, who met and eventually married the King of Sikkim (known as 'The Chogyal of Sikkim'). They met at Windamere. This suite has a bedroom, salon sitting room, and two full bathrooms.
This suite has 2 x bathrooms... both with Victorian tubs. Large screen TV in sitting room.
Is just up Observatory Hill (we are the only property on this hill, with the Pundits and Lamas giving blessing at the temple above us). Built in the late 1880's, this lovely cottage offers “top of the line” accommodation and is situated less than one minute from the main house. It is a standalone bungalow, with a king-sized bed; 2 x bathrooms; a roaring fire and newly upholstered easy chairs and sofas. Luxury Tibetan and Indian area rugs grace the polished wood floors. The property comes with a large veranda, offering two seating areas; flat screen TV (also in the bedroom and living area); dining table and chairs and a kitchen. It is set in its own grounds, with a sit-out area just outside the main door and sweeping lawns (with a play area for children). Extra beds can be included in both the living room and also the verandah. This accommodation is quickly sought after by honeymoon couples and families who require more privacy. All meals (Breakfast, Luncheon, Afternoon Tea and Dinner) are included in the tariff. Also, we offer butler service (if meals are to be taken in the bungalow) and a dedicated maid. The mountain views are spectacular from this vantage point. Kanchenjunga is just a minute away.
This delightful cottage is set right on The Patio, with a great view of the Himalayan Mountains. It has an adjoining suite, through an attached door (very good for families). Little Peppers has its own sitting room and separate king-sized bed, fireplace, dressing room and bathroom. The suite next door also has a fireplace, sitting area and single bed (can be double bed …extra charge). Both sides have Victorian bathrooms. This cottage is very popular!
Double Bed
Banquet Hall
Free Wi-Fi
Restaurant
Room service
Transfer