Shimla's Moon International Hotel: Luxury Escape Awaits!
Shimla's Moon International Hotel: Luxury Escape Awaits! - My Honest (and Slightly Messy) Take
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Shimla and lived to tell the tale! And by "tales," I mean a brutally honest review of the Moon International Hotel – "Luxury Escape Awaits!" they boast. Did it live up to the hype? Did I find my inner zen nestled amongst the Himalayan peaks? (Spoiler alert: maybe a little, but mostly I found delicious food and a near-constant desire for a cozy nap).
Firstly, the Basics – Accessibility (and What It Means for This Clumsy Clod):
Let's get the practical bits out of the way. Accessibility is generally good. The hotel has an elevator, which is a godsend considering I'm more likely to trip on air than gracefully navigate stairs. They mention facilities for disabled guests, but I'm not sure on the specifics of that – hopefully, they are well-equipped for all needs. There's a lot of talk of the "luxury escape," but for someone with mobility issues, or even just burdened with luggage (like yours truly), that escape is much easier thanks to the available help. They do provide a much-needed "Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station," so if you have one of those fancy cars, you're sorted.
Getting There & Getting Around:
Airport transfer – Yes! Definitely a plus, because let's be honest, navigating Indian roads after a flight isn't for the faint of heart. They also offer a taxi service, which is a no-brainer really. Car park on site, too, so you can bring your own wheels. There's even bicycle parking, if you're feeling ambitious (though honestly, I wouldn't cycle up those hills without a rocket attached).
Cleanliness, Safety and Hygiene – Because Let's Face It, We’re Still Living in That Time:
Okay, this is super important, and I'm happy to report the Moon International seems to take it seriously. They've got the whole shebang: "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Staff trained in safety protocol," "Room sanitization," "Staff trained in safety protocol" and, even the "Rooms sanitized between stays" and "Individually-wrapped food options." They seem to have covered their bases.
The Digital Life – Internet Access (Because, You Know, Content):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! A resounding YES from me. I'm glued to my phone, even when "escaping to luxury." Plus, you get "Internet access – LAN" if you want to feel like you're back in the late 90s (but hey, maybe that’s your thing!). Wi-Fi in public areas too, so your Instagram followers can be jealous of your epic mountain views.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Where the Magic Happens (And Where I Spent Most of My Time):
- Restaurants, Restaurants, Restaurants! Okay, so the Moon International offers a lot of food options. We're talking everything from "Asian breakfast" and "International cuisine" to the humble "Salad in restaurant" (essential when you've been indulging in all the… well, everything).
- My Food Revelation: Let me tell you about the "A la carte in restaurant." I was skeptical. A hotel restaurant? Surely, it's going to be bland, overpriced, and filled with tourists. Wrong! I ordered the butter chicken like a true cliché but oh my god. The best I've ever had. And the "Desserts in restaurant?" Don't even get me started. I’ll admit right now that I may have ordered 2 in a row at one point. It was a beautiful moment, filled with a mix of joy and the beginning of a food coma. Just a taste of pure bliss.
- Breakfast Bonanza: "Breakfast [buffet]" and "Breakfast service" – definitely a winner. They had the works, "Asian breakfast," "Western breakfast," and more. I'm a sucker for a good hotel breakfast.
- Drinks, Anyone?: Let's not forget the "Poolside bar" and "Bar." Happy hour? Yes, please! Fueling up for a few more hours of lounging by the pool sounds perfect.
- And the Little Things: The "Coffee/tea in restaurant" was perfect for an energy boost before exploring.
- Vegetarian Delight: I can't personally attest to this, but they also have a "Vegetarian restaurant" in the selection, so any vegetarians or vegans can rest assured.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – The "Luxury Escape" Promises:
- Spa Day Dreams: They've got the full spa shebang: "Body scrub," "Body wrap," "Foot bath," "Massage," "Spa," "Spa/sauna," "Steamroom," and "Sauna." I’m not a spa person, I admit. I'm more of a "stare out the window and contemplate life" type of relaxer. But for all you spa lovers, they are available.
- Fitness Fanatics Unite: "Fitness center" and "Gym/fitness?" Perfect for burning off all those delicious calories I mentioned earlier.
- Pool with a View: "Swimming pool," "Swimming pool [outdoor]" – and I imagine some pretty spectacular views to accompany them. This is high on my priorities.
- Other Amenities:
- Couple's Room: For the romantic types, or just those who enjoy double the space.
- The Poolside Bar: A must-visit.
The Nitty Gritty – Services and Conveniences:
- Extra Perks: "Concierge," "Dry cleaning," "Laundry service," "Cash withdrawal," "Currency exchange," "Gift/souvenir shop," and the essential "Elevator." All the things that make life slightly easier.
- Business Traveler Friendly: "Business facilities," "Meeting/banquet facilities," "Meetings," "Projector/LED display," and "Xerox/fax in business center," for all you workaholics.
- Convenience is Key: "Room service [24-hour]" (because late-night cravings, am I right?) and a "Convenience store."
- Daily Housekeeping: They keep the rooms sparkling, and "Luggage storage" is always a great thing.
- Special Needs: "Facilities for disabled guests," which is important to note.
For the Kids – Yes, They're Thought of Too!
- Family Friendly: "Babysitting service," "Family/child friendly," and "Kids facilities." So, the little ones can be entertained while you slip off to the spa.
- Room for all: "Interconnecting room(s) available" ensures a comfortable stay for everyone.
- Meals: "Kids meal" is available.
The Rooms Themselves – My Personal Kingdom:
- The Essentials: "Air conditioning," "Air conditioning in public area," "Alarm clock," "Bathrobes," "Bathtub," "Blackout curtains" (essential for blocking out that pesky sun!), "Coffee/tea maker," "Free bottled water," "Daily housekeeping," "Desk," "Hair dryer," "In-room safe box," "Internet access – wireless," "Ironing facilities," "Laptop workspace," "Mini bar," "Mirror," "Private bathroom," "Refrigerator," "Satellite/cable channels," "Seating area," "Separate shower/bathtub," "Shower," "Slippers," "Smoke detector," "Sofa," "Telephone," "Toiletries," "Towels," "Wake-up service," "Wi-Fi [free]," and a "Window that opens."
- The Extras: "Extra long bed" if you're tall. "In-room safe box," "Reading light" for all you bookworms, not that I read on holiday.
- The Little Things: "Additional toilet," "Safety/security feature," "Socket near the bed," and "Non-smoking" room so you can breath fresh air and "Smoke alarms."
My Anecdote:
Okay, so, here’s the deal. I’m a terrible packer. Like, truly awful. I forget half the things I need, and I end up with a suitcase that explodes the moment I open it. Anyway, I was exhausted on the first day. I got my room, unpacked (or rather, tried to unpack), and then collapsed in the "Seating area." I was ready for a nap, but realised I hadn’t had a chance to eat. Thankfully, "Room service [24-hour]" came to the rescue. A burger, fries, and sheer bliss. I tell you, sometimes it's the simple things in life.
The Quirky Observation:
The hotel is decorated in a style that is, how do I put it? Eclectic. Think "mountain lodge meets modern chic with a dash of Indian grandeur." It's a lot, but somehow, it works. (I think?)
The Imperfection:
While the Wi-Fi was mostly good, there were a few moments where it gave up the ghost, and I had to give up. And I'm not sure how my laptop
Cabarrus Inn Concord: Your NC Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re about to take a chaotic, emotionally charged, probably-slightly-hungover trip through Moon International Hotel in Shimla, India. Forget the pristine, perfectly curated itineraries. This is the real deal. Get ready for a bumpy ride.
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Angst (and Some Seriously Good Pakoras)
- Morning (or what felt like the morning after a particularly enthusiastic night): Landed in Chandigarh. The pre-trip excitement? Long gone, replaced by a gnawing dread of the taxi ride that was looming. That, and the altitude. Shimla sits high, and my lungs, used to sea-level living, were already staging a revolt. My brain felt like it was attempting to escape through my ears.
- Mid-morning: The drive. Oh, the drive. Winding mountain roads, hair-pin turns that threatened to send my stomach into my throat (and that’s saying something because I had a delicious paratha for breakfast), and a constant fear of falling off the edge. Our driver, bless his soul, seemed unfazed. He probably does this in his sleep. Me? Not so much. I gripped the door handle for dear life, alternating between staring out the window at the breathtaking (and terrifying) views and closing my eyes and praying for it to be over.
- Lunch (or, the Pakora Salvation): ARRIVAL!! The hotel? Moon International. Surprisingly charming. Room? Decent, but the view… oh, the view. Majestic Himalayas. My jaw actually dropped. Briefly forgotten was the altitude sickness. Before being whisked away by the need for food. And boy did they deliver! Crispy, golden-brown pakoras. So good. I ate about a million. Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but they were the best I've ever tasted. The spicy chutney just amplified the taste. This, I thought, this is what heaven tastes like.
- Afternoon: A tentative exploration of the hotel. Found the rooftop terrace. Found the Himalayas again. And this is where the real "I live here" came. The air was crisp, the sky achingly blue. The feeling of being completely removed from my everyday life. The absolute peace of the sunset. I felt a moment of pure, unadulterated joy, a feeling of "I deserve this".
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Service was slow, which I'm accustomed to. Everything seemed to take a little longer. The food was good, but the altitude was still messing with my appetite. Tried some local thali, got overwhelmed by choices, and ultimately ate more pakoras. Hey, when you find something you love, you stick with it.
Day 2: The Mall Road Mayhem & A Case of the Blues (and Unbelievably Scenic Landscapes)
- Morning: The dreaded Mall Road. It's beautiful. But it is so, so crowded. Tourist central. I managed to snag a scarf from a shop, and I feel it's not overpriced. It's that kind of place.
- Afternoon: The church. The one with the stained glass. Incredible architecture. The silence. The serenity. It was a much-needed break from the chaos of the street. The church was an escape.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The worst part of the trip. It started with the food poisoning. It wasn't the pakoras. It was a different restaurant I tried. I won't name names, but let's just say my bowels were not my friend. I had to skip dinner.
- Late Night: I'm back in the room. Dehydrated. Feeling sorry for myself. And then, the silence. The Himalayas, silhouetted against a moonlit sky. Breathtaking. It was a reminder that even at my lowest, beauty persisted. And then I drank a liter of water.
Day 3: Recovery, Reliance, and a Return to the Pakoras
- Morning: My stomach is, finally, cooperating. I slowly walked to the hotel roof terrace. The view. The air. The light hit my face. It was worth it.
- Afternoon: I walked in the garden. Found a quiet spot. I spent some time just breathing, observing the world. I felt more like myself again. I wanted to be in the moment.
- Evening: Dinner. I was hesitant, but I knew I had to eat. I went for the pakoras. Not the same restaurant. Moon International had a lovely selection. The pakoras were heavenly. I ate them slowly. And then, I went to bed.
Day 4: Departure & the Sadness of Leaving (and a Promise to Return)
Morning: The dreaded packing. I hate goodbyes. This time, the goodbye was to the majestic Himalayas. I had breakfast one last time.
Afternoon: The drive back. This time, it wasn't so terrifying. I had been at peace.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Arrival at the airport. Boarding the flight.
The End: I was glad to go. And I was happy to be back. But, I know I'll be back. Shimla had gotten under my skin. I will return for the pakoras, the mountains, and a little bit of peace.
P.S.: Learn from my mistakes. Drink plenty of water. Don't go cheap on food. And, most importantly, embrace the chaos. It’s all part of the adventure. And Shimla? Shimla is an adventure worth having.
Okay, spill the beans. Is Moon International REALLY as luxurious as they say, or is it just another pretty face on Booking.com?
The reviews rave about the food. Should I trust them? Because my expectations are *high*. I'm talking Michelin Star high.
Is the spa worth it? I need some serious relaxation, like, yesterday. Especially after that "lamb shank" saga.
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually convenient for exploring Shimla? And is it *really* close to the mall road?
Okay, be honest. Were there any major hiccups? Or was the whole experience mostly smooth sailing?
Given everything, would you go back? Or are you moving on to find the *perfect* hotel?
What's the one thing you'd tell someone *before* they book Moon International?
