Gangtok Getaway: Uncover the Hidden Gem of HOTEL CHERRY!

HOTEL CHERRY Gangtok India

HOTEL CHERRY Gangtok India

Gangtok Getaway: Uncover the Hidden Gem of HOTEL CHERRY!

Gangtok Getaway: Unveiling the Secret Charm of HOTEL CHERRY! (A Totally Honest Review – No Kidding!)

Okay, let’s be real. Planning a trip to Gangtok is magical, right? Himalayas, monasteries, momos… pure bliss! But finding a good hotel? That’s where things get… tricky. So, I spent a week at HOTEL CHERRY (for you, dear reader, because I care!), and here’s the lowdown, warts and all, in a way that’s, well, me. Forget those polished advertorials; this is the real deal.

First Impressions (and Why My Ankle’s Killing Me): Accessibility & Navigating the Terrain

Right off the bat, let’s address the elephant in the room: Gangtok is hilly. Seriously hilly. Hotel Cherry? Well, it's in the heart of the action, which is great! But that also means…prepare for a workout. I’m no marathon runner, and my ankle is still screaming from all the inclines. The good news? Inside, the hotel has an elevator, thank god. "Facilities for disabled guests" are listed, and I did see some thoughtful touches, but honestly, navigating the surrounding streets? That’s a whole different beast. Keep that in mind if mobility is a major concern. (And pack comfy shoes! Seriously.)

The Room: Cozy Comfort (and Some Minor Quirks)

My room? Oh, the room! Air conditioning (a lifesaver!), a comfy bed, and a window that opens (fresh mountain air – yes, please!). There were the expected amenities: bathrobes, slippers, coffee/tea maker (crucial!), free bottled water, hair dryer. Standard stuff, but appreciated. The blackout curtains are excellent for those jet-lagged mornings. And the non-smoking rooms are a must (hallelujah!).

However, I'm going to be completely honest, the carpeting was showing its age a little, and the closet space…well, let's just say I’m glad I travel light. But, look, it was clean, the linens were fresh, and the views, oh, the views! (More on that later). The satellite/cable channels got me through some seriously rainy afternoons. The internet access - wireless was solid, in my room (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!).

Internet: A Mixed Bag (Because, Life)

Speaking of the internet… the Wi-Fi in my room was generally good. Not blazing fast, but perfectly adequate for emails and keeping up with my Instagram feed. You could also get some Internet [LAN] if you preferred to plug. The Wi-Fi in public areas was decent, too, but sometimes, you know, the mountain gods get in the way of a super strong signal. Just breathe.

Food, Glorious Food! (And My Love Affair with the Asian Breakfast)

Okay, the food. This is where HOTEL CHERRY really shines. Let's get the basics. Breakfast [buffet] was included, and honestly, it was a feast. Asian breakfast was the star, overflowing with deliciousness. Think fluffy idlis, spicy sambhar, and the best dosas I’ve ever eaten. Seriously, I could have lived off those dosas alone. [A la carte in restaurant] and Buffet in restaurant options for other meals too.

I can’t speak highly enough of the Asian cuisine in restaurant. I’m suddenly craving a bowl of steaming hot thukpa as I remember my dinner there. The restaurants at the Poolside bar seemed delightful (I didn’t have a chance to hit it, sadly), but also there were other Restaurants.

And the best part? Some late night Room service [24-hour] when I was in the mood for a snack, or a cup of tea.

Things to Do (And Relaxing After All That Trekking)

Right, so, what about unwinding? They have a Spa, a Sauna, and a steamroom. Honestly, I was so busy exploring Gangtok, I didn't get around to trying them out! (Regrets! I have a few!). The Pool with view was closed during my visit, which was a bummer, but I heard it was amazing.

They have a Gym/fitness center, too, but, again, my ankle… Let's call it an active recovery phase!

Cleanliness & Safety (Because, Duh!)

This is super important. The hotel seemed to take hygiene seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer everywhere, the staff were all masked up, and I found Hand sanitizer stations everywhere! The rooms were cleaned daily, and I could even opt out of room sanitization. [Staff trained in safety protocol].

Services and Conveniences (Because Life Gets Easier)

Hotel Cherry is a well-oiled machine when it comes to other services: Daily housekeeping, a helpful concierge, laundry service. Taxi service available right from the door. They also have Cash withdrawal if you need it.

The Little Touches:

  • Daily Disinfection: Felt safe knowing they were regularly cleaning
  • Essential Condiments: They even had some of these in my room, which was nice!
  • Elevator: A huge win in terms of accessibility!

The Quirks, the Imperfections, and My Honest Feelings:

Okay, time for the real truth bombs. As great as it was, it wasn’t perfect. Sometimes, service was a little slow (welcome to India, right?). There were a couple of small issues with the water pressure in my shower. Things like that. But honestly? Those were minor quibbles.

The Big Reveal: The View! (And My Moment of Pure Bliss)

But the real magic of HOTEL CHERRY? The views. From my room (and, presumably, from many of the rooms!), I was able to see the majestic Himalayas. Seriously, sitting by the window with a cup of tea, watching the sunrise paint the snow-capped peaks gold? That was pure, unadulterated bliss. It's those moments, the moments of quiet beauty, that make a trip truly special. [Proposal spot].

For the Kids?!

I didn’t travel with kids, but they’ve got Babysitting service and some Kids facilities. So, looks like family friendly.

Getting Around:

They have Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], and Car park [on-site]. This makes it easy to get in and out.

The Verdict (Would I Go Back?)

Absolutely. Imperfections aside (and every place has them!), HOTEL CHERRY is a solid choice. It's well-located, clean, the food is fantastic, the staff are friendly, and the views… well, the views are worth the price of admission alone. If you’re heading to Gangtok and looking for a comfortable, convenient, and charming base to explore from, HOTEL CHERRY is a hidden gem.

The Ultimate Offer (Because You Deserve It!)

Book Your Gangtok Getaway NOW and get a 10% Discount PLUS a FREE Himalayan Trekking Guide and a complimentary dinner at the hotel's rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views!

  • Limited time offer. Valid for bookings made before [Date].
  • Use code "CHERRYBLOSSOM" at checkout.
  • Don’t miss out on this chance to experience the magic of Gangtok in style!
Escape to Paradise: Lucknow's Marino Water Park & Resort Awaits!

Book Now

HOTEL CHERRY Gangtok India

HOTEL CHERRY Gangtok India

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… my Hotel Cherry Gangtok adventure, and it's gonna be a wild ride. Let's just say, I thrive on chaos, and hopefully, so will you.

Day 1: Arrival, Altitude Adjustment, and a Soup-er Start (or a Soup-er Disaster?)

  • 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Reaching Gangtok, The Mountain Kiss
    • The Reality: Landed in Bagdogra, sweating buckets already (hello, humidity!), and squeezed into a shared jeep like a sardine in a tin can. Honestly, the drive up to Gangtok? I think I aged a decade. The roads are a glorious mess of potholes and hairpin turns, and the driver, bless his heart, seemed to be channeling his inner rally racer. I was gripping the seat so hard my knuckles were white. But! Then… the mountains. They just appear. Majestic, looming, breathtaking. And all of a sudden, the car sickness was worth it.
    • Sentiment: Pure relief mixed with awe. Feeling on top of the world (literally).
  • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Hotel Cherry Check-in
    • The Reality: Finally! Hotel Cherry. It's… cute. A little worn, definitely. The room feels a bit like a cozy cell, yet it has a balcony, and the view… oh the view! Directly into a wall of green. Well, maybe not directly, but you get the idea. The staff are super friendly, though, and bless them for trying to understand my broken Hindi.
    • Sentiment: Mildly underwhelmed by the room, fiercely delighted with the view.
  • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at a Local Eatery
    • The Reality: Found a little "mom-and-pop" place down the road. Ordered the "Thukpa," a kind of noodle soup. The place was packed. The Thukpa? Let's just say, it was… an experience. The broth was incredibly savory, almost a bit too much so. At first, I was in heaven. Then, the second bowl, not so much. My stomach is grumbling just thinking about it.
    • Emotion: Starts out with sheer delight, shifts into mild heartburn-induced regret.
  • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Altitude Adjustment & Touristy Stroll
    • The Reality: Slower pace. The altitude is a beast. Took a stroll down MG Marg (Gangtok’s main street). It's colorful, bustling, and full of tourist shops, but also surprisingly clean. Almost got trampled by a yak or two (I swear!). Ended up buying a ridiculously oversized scarf that I’ll probably never wear.
    • Emotion: Exhaustion, mixed with mild frustration at the scarf purchase, but also genuine joy at soaking in the atmosphere.
  • 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to hotel & Resting
    • The Reality: Back at the hotel. I didn't want to go out. I didn't want to talk to people. I just wanted to sit in the room and stare at the green hills.
    • Emotion: Tired, lonely and ready to go home.
  • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at Hotel Cherry
    • The Reality: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The food was ok, nothing special. I'm starting to feel my loneliness.
    • Emotion: Disappointment.

Day 2: Monastery Mornings & Momos-Mania (or More Regret?)

  • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast & Prep
    • The Reality: The hotel breakfast buffet is… basic. Toast, eggs, and some very questionable-looking fruit. Cautiously sampling everything. Coffee is, surprisingly, decent. Packing my daypack, hoping I remember everything this time.
    • Emotion: Cautiously optimistic.
  • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Rumtek Monastery & Photo Ops
    • The Reality: The drive to Rumtek Monastery was incredible! Winding roads, views that made me gasp, and the air felt so much cleaner. Rumtek itself? Stunning. The colors! The intricate detail! The monks chanting! I felt strangely moved, even though I don't really "do" religion. Took a million photos (of course). The problem is, the sun was brutal. My face felt like it was melting.
    • Emotion: Overwhelmed in the best way possible. A genuine sense of peace, then a desperate need for sunscreen.
  • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at the monastery cafeteria
    • The Reality: The cafeteria was basic but had the best momos ever. I got the vegetarian plate.
    • Emotion: Joy.
  • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Return to Gangtok
    • The Reality: Another drive, another set of amazing views. The scenery never gets old. But I am getting tired.
    • Emotion: Appreciation and exhaustion.
  • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Exploring Gangtok
    • The Reality: Went to a local store. Bough a bag. Took a break at a cafe.
    • Emotion: Relaxed.
  • 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to hotel
    • The Reality: Back at the hotel. I was so tired, but still had to write my journal entry.
    • Emotion: Overwhelmed.
  • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at Hotel Cherry
    • The Reality: The food was ok, nothing special.
    • Emotion: Disappointment.

Day 3: Tsomgo Lake & The Yak That Haunted My Dreams (Seriously)

  • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Preparation & Local Transport
    • The Reality: Today's the big one: Tsomgo Lake! The hotel arranged a driver (another crazy driver, I am sure). The roads up there are supposed to be even…challenging. But the pictures! That turquoise water! I'm bracing myself for the cold. Packing every warm layer I own.
    • Sentiment: Nervous excitement mixed with trepidation.
  • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Road to Tsomgo
    • The Reality: The road was indeed a beast. We made it through the winding roads. The scenery, though… breathtaking. Snow-capped mountains, valleys that seemed to stretch forever. The driver kept pointing out different peaks and telling me stories. It was a bumpy ride.
    • Sentiment: The view was worth the drive.
  • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: At Tsomgo Lake
    • The Reality: Okay, so Tsomgo Lake. The turquoise water is as stunning as the pictures. But the wind! It was brutal. Freezing. Nearly blew my hat off. I did, however, get a picture with a Yak. A giant, fluffy, incredibly smelly yak. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Until…
    • The Yak! I spent a good hour wandering around, taking photos. I came face to face with a grumpy little yak. I don't know how I did it, but it's like a picture of me will forever be in my mind. I'll never forget its stink, or the blank stare of the big yak. It was surreal.. But… something happened. The yak, somehow, imprinted on my memory. I kept seeing it's silly face. It haunted me. I have seen it in my mind's eye. My dreams became a yak-induced nightmare.
    • Emotion: Pure wonder and a deep, abiding terror of yaks.
  • 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Return
    • The Reality: The drive down was somehow worse than the drive up.
    • Emotion: I just wanted to get back to the hotel.
  • 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner
    • The Reality: The food was ok, nothing special. I had the worst sleep ever.
    • Emotion: Disappointment.

Day 4: Farewell & Final Thoughts (And a Plea to the Yak Gods)

  • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast & Check Out
    • The Reality: The last rushed breakfast. Saying goodbye to the friendly staff at Hotel Cherry. Wishing I had a spare room key.
    • Emotion: A mix of sadness and relief.
  • **10:00 AM - 1
Escape to Bansko's BEST Family Apartment: B206 Awaits!

Book Now

HOTEL CHERRY Gangtok India

HOTEL CHERRY Gangtok India

Gangtok Getaway: Uncover the Hidden Gem of HOTEL CHERRY! - Seriously, Should You? (My Honest Rundown)

Okay, spill. Is Hotel Cherry *actually* a hidden gem, or is it just another hyped-up hotel?

Alright, alright, settle down, everyone! Let's get real. "Hidden gem"... it's a phrase thrown around like confetti, right? Honestly? Hotel Cherry *kinda* is. But with a giant, neon-lit asterisk attached. See, Gangtok itself is gorgeous, breathtaking even. So, any place with a decent view has a head start. Hotel Cherry? It *does* have a killer view, assuming the clouds aren't doing their usual Himalayan disappearing trick. I spent a good hour just staring out the window, feeling utterly insignificant next to those mountains. Bliss. But then... the "gem" part is a bit rough around the edges, like a perfectly imperfect jewel. (More on that later).

The Views! Are they REALLY as good as the Instagram pictures?

Okay, this is where I gotta say, Instagram *sometimes* lies. But in this case? Mostly yes. The views from Hotel Cherry? Jaw-dropping. I mean, you could literally spend your entire trip just camped out on your balcony, sipping tea (which, by the way, is included... sort of... more on that later too). Pictures don't do it justice, trust me. One morning, I swear I saw a snow leopard (probably just a stray yak with a bad hair day, but still!). The morning mists rolling through the valleys...pure magic. Just be prepared, you might get a crick in your neck from all the gawking.

What about the rooms? Are they clean? Cozy? Or more... questionable?

Right, so the rooms... this is where that asterisk pops back up. Clean? Yeah, generally. Cozy? Eh, depends on your definition of "cozy." My room was... well, let's say it had character. The decor? Let’s call it "eclectic." Think mismatched furniture, a slightly wonky mirror, and a rug that had clearly seen better days. But listen, I wasn't there to judge interior design! The bed was comfy enough, the hot water worked (most of the time – another story for later), and the view from my window? Unbeatable. Honestly I'm not a picky person, I always bring cleaning wipes but it was acceptable. So, yeah, not the Ritz, but perfectly acceptable for a mountain getaway.

Food! Tell me everything. Was the food worth writing home about?

Okay, Food. Here's where it gets…interesting. The hotel restaurant, let's call it the "Cherry Cafe," offered a mix of Indian, Chinese, and vaguely "continental" options. The breakfast buffet? Let’s just say it was…adventurous. The toast was either rock-hard or soggy, the eggs were sometimes rubbery, but the fruit… the fruit was heavenly. Especially the oranges. I think I ate about a dozen. Lunch and dinner are on par with what you would expect for the prices: good and bad. I'd say the food was perfectly adequate. The staff was kind, so the low quality of the food did not bother me too much.

Service? Friendly? Efficient? Or the stuff of nightmares?

Service at Hotel Cherry is… idiosyncratic. The staff? Super friendly. Always smiling. Always trying their best. But "efficient"? Let's just say things operate on "mountain time." Don't expect lightning-fast room service. Or for things to be done immediately. I once asked for extra towels and waited a solid two hours. But hey, you're in the Himalayas, right? Chill out! Embrace the slowness. It's part of the charm, or at least something to get used to. The front desk was a little confused on most things however, it was a bit of a challenge to reach out to them.

The location! Is it easy to get around from Hotel Cherry?

The location is… well, it's Gangtok, so prepare for hills. Hotel Cherry isn't *right* in the middle of everything, which can be a good thing (less noise). You'll probably be walking up and down steep hills. Taxis are readily available and relatively cheap. The hotel can arrange them. It’s also close enough to explore MG Marg, the main hub of Gangtok, where you can shop, dine, and soak up the city's vibe. Just be ready for a bit of a climb. My advice? Invest in good shoes. And maybe a walking stick!

Any major downsides I should be aware of? Are there things that nearly made you lose your mind?

Oh, where to begin? Okay, here's the truth bomb: the WiFi was… patchy. Really, *really* patchy. Like, dial-up slow. If you need to stay connected for work or anything, be prepared to tether to your phone. Another thing? The hot water. Sometimes it worked. Sometimes it didn’t. One morning I had an ice-cold shower and boy oh boy, did I curse the mountain gods. The power also flickered a few times during my stay. This wasn’t an issue as the hotel had generators. But, yeah, don't expect absolute luxury! Embracing the imperfections is key to enjoying Hotel Cherry.

Okay, be honest. Would you recommend Hotel Cherry? Given everything, is it worth it?

Alright, final verdict. Would I recommend Hotel Cherry? Yes, but with some serious qualifications! If you're looking for absolute luxury, impeccable service, and flawless amenities… look elsewhere. But if you want: breathtaking views, a decent dose of charm, a sense of adventure, and don't mind a few quirks? Then, yes! Go for it! The views alone are worth the price of admission. Just pack your patience, some extra data for your phone, and potentially a pair of earplugs (the occasional barking dog is a thing). Overall? It’s a yes. It's not perfect, but it's memorable. And that, my friend, is what makes a trip special. It's the imperfections, the little moments of "WTF?", the stuff you'll tell your friends when you get back. So book it, and embrace the Cherry experience! You might just fall in love with it, in all its slightly-wonky glory.
Roaming Hotels

HOTEL CHERRY Gangtok India

HOTEL CHERRY Gangtok India

HOTEL CHERRY Gangtok India

HOTEL CHERRY Gangtok India