Best Hotels in Nainital

About Nainital

There’s something oddly comforting about arriving in Nainital, the kind of town where the mist feels like it has its own schedule, where mornings smell faintly of pine and toast from lakeside bakeries, and where the lake reflects every mood the sky throws at it. The town, cradled around the emerald Naini Lake, balances between lazy mountain calm and the hum of holidaymakers. People come here for the lake, sure, but they stay because of the way time slows without asking permission. Every turn in Nainital carries a story. The uphill drive from Kathgodam station still rattles slightly at the bends, and every local taxi driver seems to have a favorite shortcut that “saves five minutes”, even if it doesn’t. You’ll notice families wrapped in shawls, couples on paddleboats, and students carrying guitars up Mallital, all part of a rhythm that feels genuinely lived-in.

The best hotels in Nainital are just as varied. Some still carry the scent of colonial wood polish, others hum with the chatter of city escapees. There are family-run guesthouses where the owner personally knocks to check if the geyser’s working, and 5 star hotels in Nainital that serve artisanal teas with Himalayan honey. Between those extremes lies a wide, charming spectrum of stay options from the cheapest hotel in Nainital tucked behind Mall Road to luxury hotels in Nainital overlooking the lake like silent sentinels. It’s a place where travel isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about finding small comforts in a cup of steaming masala chai at dusk, a creaking wooden staircase that echoes a century of footsteps, and a friendly nod from the shopkeeper at Narain’s General Store who somehow remembers every face.

For those who prefer smooth planning over juggling bookings, Nainital tour packages on akbartravels.com bundle hotels, local transfers, and sightseeing into one easy deal, ideal for first-time visitors who want lake views without logistics headaches.

Nainital Airport Address

Pantnagar Airport
Address: Civil Aerodrome, Pantnagar, District Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand – 263145
Contact: +91 5944 233 760
Email: apdpantnagar@aai.aero

It’s about 70 km from Nainital, roughly a two-hour drive if the traffic gods are kind. Taxis outside charge around ₹2,000–₹2,500 for a direct drop to Mallital. Those looking for hotels in Nainital near airport often stay around Tallital, where early departures are easier to manage.

The Best Time to Visit Nainital

From late March to mid-June, the weather sits comfortably between 10°C and 25°C, a sweet window before the monsoon’s mischief. July to September brings mist and occasional road delays, but the green after-rain glow is worth a few muddy shoes. October to February, however, belongs to winter romantics; snow sometimes visits in late December.

Hotels in Nainital raise tariffs by 20–40% during May, Diwali, and Christmas weeks. A little-known trick: rates drop noticeably after the first week of July once city schools reopen. Booking early 40 to 50 days in advance helps, especially via platforms like akbartravels.com, which consistently lists verified deals with upfront cancellation policies.

How to Reach Nainital

By Air:

Pantnagar Airport is the nearest. Limited flights operate, mostly from Delhi. From the airport, taxis and shared jeeps are available.

By Rail:

Kathgodam (34 km away) is the nearest railhead. The Shatabdi Express from Delhi reaches by late morning. Outside the station, prepaid taxi counters charge ₹1,200–₹1,800 for the uphill climb. If booking hotels in Nainital near railway station, look at properties in Tallital for easier check-ins after dusk.

By Road:

From Delhi, it’s roughly 300 km in about 7 hours with a chai stop at Gajraula. Buses run from Anand Vihar ISBT. Driving offers flexibility, but parking in town is limited, especially near Mall Road.

Things to Do in Nainital

1. Naini Lake: Paddleboats, reflections, and cold wind against your cheeks; the heart of town.
2. Naina Devi Temple: Quiet devotion right by the lake’s edge.
3. Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat): Panoramic views and a fair uphill trek.
4. Snow View Point: Reached by cable car; clouds sometimes block the reward.
5. Eco Cave Gardens: Low caves and dim lights; kids adore them.
6. Governor’s House (Raj Bhawan): Colonial Gothic charm, accessible on guided tours.
7. Hanuman Garhi: Sunset spot with saffron-robed peace.
8. The Flatts: Evening hangout for snacks and people-watching.
9. St. John in the Wilderness Church: Mossy, still, beautifully melancholic.
10. Bhimtal & Sattal: Short drives out, quieter lakes with gentler moods.

Shopping in Nainital

For souvenirs and slightly over-ambitious woolens, these spots never disappoint:

• Bara Bazaar (hand-knitted sweaters, candles)
• Mall Road (shawls, woodcrafts)
• Tibet Market (yak wool scarves)
• The Pahari Store (locally sourced teas)
• Pratap Market (budget-friendly trinkets)
• Himalayan Weavers Outlet
• The Sakley’s Boutique Store
• Narain’s General Shop (old-school confectionery)
• Mahendra’s Bookstore (rare travel editions)
• Snow View Souvenir Booth
• Pine Basket (eco products)
• Thandi Sadak roadside stalls (handmade soaps and small toys)
• Kainchi Dham craft stalls (quirky charms)

Famous Restaurants in Nainital

Food in Nainital oscillates between nostalgia and newness.

• Sakley’s Mountain Café – warm apple pie and live music nights.
• Machan Restaurant – perfect for curries with a view.
• Café Chica – inside Abbotsford, serves homemade pastas.
• Zooby’s Kitchen – reliable tandoori fix.
• Embassy Restaurant – old charm, slightly slow service.
• Boat House Club Restaurant – scenic but pricey; still worth one meal.
• Simz Café – cozy coffee and cookies near Mall Road.
• The Nature Restaurant – vegetarian menu with honest simplicity.
• Giannis Pure Veg – South Indian meals served quickly.
• Chandani Chowk Restaurant – décor mimics Old Delhi lanes.
• Pine & Petals – good breakfast spread.
• The Baker’s Hut – fresh croissants by morning.
• Moonlight Bar – tucked behind a steep lane, cocktails are hit or miss.

Popular Hotels in Nainital

From lakeside charmers to hillside retreats, these names come recommended:

• The Naini Retreat
• Shervani Hilltop
• Manu Maharani Hotel & Spa
• Hotel Himalaya
• Hotel Alpine Club
• Hotel Channi Raja
• Balrampur House Heritage Hotel
• The Pavilion
• Seasons Hotel and Resort
• Hotel Villa Astoria
• The Earl’s Court
• Ashdale Boutique Hotel
• The Swiss Hotel
• Hotel Arif Castles
• Hotel Maharaja

Each of these hotels in Nainital carries distinct quirks. For example, The Naini Retreat’s reception stairs creak like they have a story, while Hotel Himalaya offers an open mini-golf course, slightly uneven, but that’s the charm.

Popular Resorts in Nainital

When silence and scenery matter more than Wi-Fi speed:

• The Lake Resort Bhimtal
• Country Inn Sattal
• Aamari Resort
• Sterling Nainital
• Dynasty Resort
• The Hive
• Abbotsford Heritage Homestay
• Cygnett Resort Mountain Breeze
• Fern Villas Resort
• Soulitude in the Himalayas
• Ayar Jungle Resort
• Maple Resort
• Vikram Vintage Inn
• Anant Rasa by Aamod
• The Tall Trees Resort

These resorts offer everything from yoga decks to private bonfires. Booking early on akbartravels.com helps grab lake-view rooms that vanish fast during May weekends.

Where to Stay in Nainital

Choose according to what you wake up craving:

• Mallital: Central, scenic, pricier hotels in Nainital.
• Tallital: Quieter, budget-friendly with easy lake access.
• Ayarpatta Hill: Ideal for luxury hotels in Nainital with privacy.
• Bhowali Road: For long stays, hotel apartments in Nainital make sense.
• Bhimtal or Sattal: For extended workations, less crowd and cheaper tariffs.

Each area has a distinct rhythm. Mallital buzzes late into the night; Tallital feels like a soft exhale. If driving, check whether parking is onsite, some old buildings rely on public lots.

Places to Stay in Nainital Near Popular Attractions

If the lake view matters most, try The Earl’s Court or Hotel Villa Astoria. For temple proximity, look near Naina Devi’s path; Hotel Channi Raja fits. Around Zoo Road, Shervani Hilltop gives altitude without isolation. Travelers looking for hotels in Nainital near beach (though there’s no real beach, just the lakefront promenade) usually book along Mall Road to stay steps from the water.

Budget Hotels in Nainital

A handful of cheap hotels in Nainital genuinely deliver comfort without cutting corners:

• Hotel New Bharat
• Hotel Welcome Park
• Langdale Manor
• Hotel Happy Home
• The Pavilion Budget Wing
• Hotel Cloud 7
• Hotel Hill View

These are good picks for under ₹2,000 during off-peak months. Cheap hotels in Nainital fill up quickly on weekends, so calling the property before arrival is smart. Sometimes, front desk managers offer walk-in discounts 5–10%, if you arrive post 3 PM and rooms remain unsold.

Nainital Hotels by Star Rating

• Nainital 5 star hotel: The Manu Maharani Hotel & Spa
• 4-star: Shervani Hilltop, The Naini Retreat, The Earl’s Court
• 3-star: Hotel Himalaya, The Pavilion, Alpine Club
• 2 star hotel Nainital: Hotel Cloud 7, Hill View, Maharaja

Star ratings don’t always reflect service warmth with some 2-star properties surprising with genuine hospitality that rivals big chains.

Best Hotels in Nainital Based on Location

• Near Mall Road: The Pavilion, Hotel Channi Raja
• Near Zoo Road: Shervani Hilltop
• Near Tallital Bus Stand: Hotel Welcome Park
• Near Naini Lake: Balrampur House, The Swiss Hotel
• Near Snow View: Ashdale Boutique Hotel

Booking hotels in Nainital via akbartravels.com provides location filters that actually match map reality, a rare relief since not every listing platform marks altitude accurately.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Nainital

Families prefer open spaces and quick meal service. Recommended:

• The Manu Maharani (play zone, buffet spreads)
• Shervani Hilltop (bonfire evenings)
• Balrampur House (heritage lawns)
• Sterling Nainital (family cottages)
• Hotel Himalaya (mini golf)
• The Earl’s Court (large triple rooms)

Staff in these hotels in Nainital tend to accommodate early breakfasts if you ask politely. Some provide milk boilers on request with small touches that matter when traveling with kids.

Nainital Hotels Tariff

Rates vary seasonally. Rough daily Nainital hotel price bands (for double occupancy):

• Budget: ₹1,200–₹2,000
• Mid-range: ₹2,000–₹5,000
• Luxury: ₹6,000–₹12,000
• 5-star category: ₹12,000–₹18,000

During New Year’s week, prices jump by 30–60%. A Nainital hotel price comparison shows savings of about ₹1,500/night if booked two weeks earlier. Checking last-minute offers on akbartravels.com can still work in monsoon months when occupancy drops below 50%.

Nainital Travel Tips

1. No Airport in Town: Nainital doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest one is Pantnagar Airport, about 70 km away (roughly a 2-hour drive). To secure the best fares, it’s advisable to book cheap flights to Pantnagar well in advance and rates spike close to long weekends.
2. Book Early for Lake-View Rooms: Lake-facing hotels in Nainital are limited. Reserve at least 40–45 days ahead; last-minute travelers often end up in hill-facing rooms with “partial view” written in tiny print.
3. Avoid Driving on Mall Road: Vehicles aren’t allowed from 6 PM to 9 PM. Park at the Tallital lot (₹200/day) or ask your hotel to prearrange a pass if available.
4. Pack Layers, Not Just Jackets: The mountain weather flips fast; sun at noon, drizzle by 3. Carry a light rain jacket and one extra pair of socks; damp shoes ruin more trips than missed trains.
5. Cash Still Counts: ATMs around Mallital run dry during holidays. Keep ₹2,000–₹3,000 handy for small cafés, rickshaw fares, and temple offerings.
6. Festival Week Alert: During Nanda Devi Mela (September) and Christmas–New Year, tariffs at hotels in Nainital rise by 30–50%. Booking via akbartravels.com can still fetch better locked-in rates.
7. Power Cuts Are Normal: Short blackouts, especially during rain, are common. Confirm backup availability while booking. A small torch on your keychain is more useful than you’d expect.
8. Food Closes Early: After 9:30 PM, only a handful of hotel kitchens serve food. Carry instant noodles or snacks if you plan late-night strolls by the lake.
9. Skip Weekends if Possible: Mid-week stays (Tuesday–Thursday) mean lighter crowds and around ₹800–₹1,200 off nightly rates at many hotels in Nainital.
10. Local Taxi Fares Are Fixed-ish: Expect ₹150–₹250 for short rides, ₹700–₹1,000 for half-day tours. Always confirm before starting; drivers appreciate polite firmness more than haggling.
11. Taste the Local Brew: Try rhododendron (buransh) juice or the cardamom-infused tea served near Naina Devi Temple. Both taste better in the chill than any café latte.
12. Watch the Timing for Snow View Ropeway: Tickets sell out by noon on weekends. Morning rides are clearer & clouds tend to roll in by early afternoon.
13. Respect the Lakefront Silence: After 10 PM, police gently disperse gatherings along the promenade. Keep noise low; locals take lake tranquility seriously.
14. Keep Your Paperwork Handy: Carry a valid photo ID and one printed booking copy and not all front desks accept digital screenshots during power outages.
15. Book Combo Packages When Possible: Akbar Travels lists bundled options (hotel + cab transfers) that usually shave off ₹1,000–₹2,000 compared to separate bookings, worth checking before finalizing plans.

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