Luxury Hotels in Nainital: Stays That Actually Feel Worth It
If you’re coming to Nainital and want a stay that feels like a stay – not just a room with a view – this list is for you.
No fluff, no brochure language. Just real places that genuinely feel premium when you walk in, lie back, or step onto the balcony.
These are the luxury hotels in Nainital that people actually return to… and the ones worth paying extra for.
1. The Naini Retreat – Heritage, Views & Maharaja Vibes
Location: Ayarpatta Slopes
Good for: Couples, anniversary trips, anyone who enjoys older architecture with personality.
Walking into The Naini Retreat feels like stepping inside a well-kept story. The building once belonged to the Maharaja of Pilibhit, so the whole place has this “old-school mountain royalty” energy – wooden staircases, ridge-side balconies, and long corridors that smell faintly of polish and pine.
What feels luxurious:
Their lake-view terrace at golden hour (trust me… stay 20 minutes longer than you planned).
Fireplaces in the common areas during winter.
Rooms that feel vintage but not dated.
Why it’s worth it:
The view hits different here. Elevated above the lake, the property sees cleaner light and quieter nights.
Weaknesses: Because of the hillside and heritage layout, accessibility can be tricky (lots of stairs) – if you have mobility issues, this matters. Also, premium price.
2. The Manu Maharani – Polished, Modern & Zero-Hassle
Location: Grassmere Estate
Good for: Families, people who want modern rooms with consistent service.
The Manu Maharani is one of those hotels where you check in and instantly feel sorted – clean corridors, warm lighting, and rooms that feel lived in just the right way.
What feels luxurious:
The view: If you get a higher-floor room, you see the entire Naini Lake curve.
Spacious rooms – rare in hill towns where architecture is restrictive.
Why it’s worth it:
Everything “just works” here – food, staff, location, cleanliness. It’s not trying to be princely; it’s trying to be comfortable and does it well.
3. Pura Vida Nainital – Boutique + Calm = Win
Location: Pangot Road side
Good for: Mindful travellers, slow-paced stays, couples who want quiet.
This is premium in a different way – soft aesthetics, minimal rooms, good bedding, lots of light, and silence that feels like a feature. It’s the kind of place where you sip morning coffee a little slower than usual.
What feels luxurious:
Huge windows with forest or valley views.
Rooms with warm tones (great for creators filming content).
Common areas that don’t feel crowded.
Why it’s worth it:
You get boutique calm without the pretentiousness. Great if you want luxury without the “hotel buzz”.
4. Shervani Hilltop – Cozy Luxury Hidden in Woods
Location: Mallital
Good for: Families, couples, long-stay travellers.
Shervani Hilltop sits in its own little world – slightly tucked away, surrounded by thick greenery. The moment you walk in, you get a mix of resort comfort and Nainital freshness.
What feels luxurious:
Beautifully maintained lawns and pathways.
Cottage-style rooms with a warm look.
Their breakfast spread – genuinely good.
Why it’s worth it:
It’s peaceful without being remote. You’re still close to the main town but far enough to escape the crowd.
5. Soulitude by the Riverside / Soulitude in the Himalayas
Location: Gagar / Chanfi (around Nainital)
Good for: People who want premium nature more than premium marble floors.
These are experiential luxury retreats – the kind where you wake up to birds, not vehicles.
What feels luxurious:
Rooms with large windows and minimal design.
River-facing / valley-facing corners for slow mornings.
Homely meals cooked beautifully.
Why it’s worth it:
You come here to breathe. To think. To not think. Depends on your mood.
6. Aamod at Bhimtal (Bonus Pick – Near Nainital)
Location: Bhimtal (20-22 mins from Nainital)
Good for: People who don’t mind staying slightly outside the main town for cleaner views.
While technically in Bhimtal, many travellers choose Aamod for its polished rooms, very clean layouts and better parking space.
If your trip is more about exploring the region, this is a smart luxury pick.
How to Choose Your Luxury Stay in Nianital (Without Overthinking)
If you want old-world charm:
→ The Naini Retreat
If you want polished, modern luxury:
→ The Manu Maharani
If you want boutique silence:
→ Pura Vida
If you want easy luxury close to the city:
→ Shervani Hilltop
If you want experiential premium stays:
→ Soulitude properties
| Summary Table | ||
| Hotel | Best For | Potential Trade-off |
| The Naini Retreat | Heritage luxury + hillside lake view | Steep slopes / stairs |
| Namah Nainital | Modern design + valley view | Room size / peak service speed |
| WelcomHeritage Ashdale | Boutique historic stay | Some older furnishings |
| Brij Atmanya | Premium mountain escape near Nainital | Slight distance from town centre |
| Mixed “luxury” properties | Budget pressure for luxury tag | Value may vary; higher scrutiny needed |
What to check before booking (because “luxury” means different things)
View & orientation: In hills like Nainital, “lake/valley view” often means extra cost.
Accessibility: If you’re carrying luggage or have less mobile travellers, stairs/hills matter (heritage properties especially).
Transport to town/Mall Road: Some luxury stays are slightly removed, so check shuttle service or car access.
Off-season & pricing: Luxury stays can still be expensive unless you find off-peak deals (weekday stays, shoulder season).
Service level vs cost: I saw hotels where food or amenities were “good” but not exceptional – for premium price you want “exceptional”.
Expectations vs reality: Some properties labelled “5-star” may feel more like upscale 4-star in certain aspects (maintenance, finishes).
A Quick Note About Nainital Hotel Prices (Important)
Nainital hotel prices behave like hill-station weather – they change fast.
Rates vary heavily based on:
season (April-June + Oct–Nov = peak)
weekends vs weekdays
room category + view
how early you book
demand on travel apps
So instead of listing prices that will go stale, I have kept the content factual and evergreen.