Best Hotels in Nainital (Overall Guide)
(A personal, no-nonsense guide to choosing where to stay)
If you’ve ever searched for hotels in Nainital, you already know the problem: too many options, too many old photos, and too many places calling themselves “lake-view” when all you can actually see is a parking lot.
So here’s a clean, human, experience-based guide to the best places to stay in Nainital – based on actual stays, real reviews, and what feels right when you’re in the hills.
This isn’t about just listing hotels in Nainital.
This is about helping you choose which part of Nainital matches your mood, and the kind of hotel that fits the trip you want.
How to Choose the Right Hotel in Nainital
Before picking a hotel, pick the zone. Nainital changes completely depending on where you stay.
Mall Road (Lake-Facing) – For People Who Want the Classic Nainital Feel
Walk out of your hotel → eat → shop → walk by the lake → repeat.
Noise? Yes. Energy? Also yes.
Ayarpata / High Slopes – For Quiet, Cozy, View-Lovers
More trees, less traffic. Best for couples, slow travellers, remote workers.
Bhowali Side – For Longer Stays & Families
Cleaner air, bigger rooms, easier parking, more homestay-style properties.
Now that you have the “where”, let’s get into the best hotels across all budgets.
Quick Hotel Guides
• Luxury Hotels in Nainital
• Budget Hotels in Nainital
• Mall Road Hotels in Nainital
Best Hotels in Nainital (All-Round Picks)
(These are reliable, consistent, well-reviewed and genuinely good stays.)
1. The Naini Retreat (Ayarpata Slope)
A heritage property looking straight at the lake – think old wood, long corridors, and a bit of royal charm.
Feels like: A cosy, old-world mountain stay that still has modern comforts.
Best for: Couples, families, anyone who wants a classic experience with views.
2. Shervani Hilltop (Mallital)
One of the safest “can’t go wrong” properties in Nainital.
Set inside pine trees, with stone pathways, gardens, and warm rooms.
Feels like: A resort inside a forest.
Best for: Families, honeymooners, groups.
3. The Pavillion Nainital (Near High Court)
A peaceful spot with a vintage vibe – old British-era architecture, outdoor seating spots, and quiet rooms.
Feels like: Nainital without the crowds.
Best for: Travellers who want a mid-range, calm stay.
4. The Manu Maharani (Near Mallital)
One of Nainital’s most well-known premium hotels. Big rooms, good service, valet parking (rare in Nainital).
Feels like: The polished, hotel-hotel experience.
Best for: Families and travellers wanting comfort + convenience.
5. Lake Retreat by Xperience (Near Boat House Club)
If you want the lake literally in front of you.
Feels like: Wake up → walk out → lake breeze → breakfast.
Best for: First-timers who want the full “Mall Road + Lake” experience.
Best Boutique & Aesthetic Stays
These stays are for people who love pretty rooms, garden corners, quiet mornings and tasteful interiors.
6. Two Chimneys (Gethia, 20–25 mins from Nainital)
A heritage bungalow restored beautifully — warm lights, stone walls, views that change with the mist.
Feels like: A private, peaceful retreat.
Best for: Writers, couples, slow travellers.
7. Soulitude by the Riverside (2 km from Gagar)
Not in Nainital, but close enough and absolutely worth the distance.
A boutique riverside stay where you can actually hear nothing but water.
Feels like: Therapy without the therapist.
Best for: Anyone running away from city noise.
Best Affordable Hotels (Clean, Reliable, No Drama)
These stays aren’t fancy, but they’re clean, well-located, and good value.
Perfect if you only need a comfortable place to sleep and spend most of your day exploring.
8. Hotel Himalaya (Tallital)
A legendary old hotel that still holds strong – basic rooms, huge lawn, direct lake views.
Best for: Families, budget travellers.
9. Dynasty Resort (Khurpatal side)
A peaceful, budget-friendly stay away from crowds.
Best for: People who don’t mind being slightly outside the main town.
10. Hotel Channi Raja (Mall Road)
A simple lake-facing hotel on Mall Road.
Best for: Travellers who want everything at walking distance.
Quick Tips Before Booking
Short, practical, and saves you trouble later.
Always check if heating is included (Oct-Feb).
Lake-view rooms sell out fast, especially on weekends.
Parking is limited everywhere – confirm before booking.
Avoid hotels too close to the bus stop if you want quieter nights.
Read the latest 10 reviews, not the rating. Nainital hotels change staff often.
Final Note: Your Stay Should Match Your Nainital Mood
Some people come to Nainital for the energy of Mall Road.
Some come for the silence of Ayarpata.
Some want views; some want value; some just want a clean room and a good cup of chai.
Here’s the truth:
There’s no “best hotel” in Nainital – only the best hotel for your trip.
Pick a place that fits your pace, your people, and the kind of days you want to have.
If the view feels right and the room feels like home, the trip becomes better automatically.
Quick Hotel Guides
• Luxury Hotels in Nainital
• Budget Hotels in Nainital
• Mall Road Hotels in Nainital