ITC forays into Himachal Pradesh with its first property in the state
With domestic travel witnessing a steady growth and people’s rediscovered love for local attractions, tourists now have the chance of experiencing the rural charm of a Himachali village surrounded by thick canopies of Cedar trees. It’s the perfect spot for those looking for a break from the mundane city life, in the untouched wilderness, amidst nature. It can be your home in the hills. Welcomhotel — ITC Hotels has now spread its footprint in Himachal Pradesh, launching its first property in Shimla.
Tucked away in an unexplored village with experiential stays, lush green expanse and breathtaking views of the hills, Welcomhotel Shimla comes as the ideal getaway destination for those wanting to reconnect with nature. As one leaves behind the bustling streets of Shimla city centre and drives uphill, the tranquil town of Mashobra is only half an hour away and is a beautiful haven for hodophiles.
With a 25-hour check-in and check-out, it gives you an additional hour to explore more. It offers a view of the green splendour from its 47 rooms and suites overlooking the picturesque Mashobra valley. The views are panoramic and unparalleled. The building is laid out to receive maximum natural light and all guest room windows are designed at very specific angles to receive incessant sunlight from dusk to dawn.
The modern design philosophy has elements that add the old-world charm. The hotel is committed to sustainable measures. Its design team was mindful about the authenticity of the land. Aligning with its ‘Responsible Luxury Philosophy’ of conservation of resources, all grey water is treated in-house and used for horticulture. Non-carcinogenic wooden materials are used around the property and intelligent controls have been built in the elevators to maximise movement efficiency.
Speaking on the launch, Nakul Anand, Executive Director, ITC Ltd, said, “With domestic travel and wellness experiences regaining popularity, we believe it is the perfect time to launch our latest Welcomhotel outpost in ‘devbhoomi’ Himachal Pradesh. With stunning 360-degree mountain views and striking architectural and interior design, we aim to attract discerning leisure and business travellers with our heightened safety measures in place and the quintessential hospitality at the forefront.”
WelcomCafe Cedar, the all-day dining restaurant, offers fresh seasonal specialties from the region along with a holistic menu with signature Indian and international dishes. Guests will be in for a culinary treat with WelcomSthalika, an assortment of popular regional dishes that come on a single platter, strengthening the ‘Vocal for Local’ cause. The ingredients are seasonal and locally sourced, supporting the farming community of the neighbourhood.
With over 3,186 sq ft spacious, seamless, indoor banquet spaces and a huge 3,477 sq ft outdoor venue called the ‘Sunset Garden’, surrounded by the majestic Himalayan range, the hotel can host both social and corporate events with élan. For wellness, the hotel will soon be opening ‘K by Kaya Kalp’. The spa will offer signature, holistic therapies & personalised wellness experiences like Yoga and Zumba.
Perfect for a leisurely family getaway in the lap of snowcapped mountains, the hotel has indoor and outdoor activities like chess, kids’ play room and guided local tours. The outdoor golf area is opening soon. Adding to experiences is bird watching with a local expert, walk with a local historian, cycling within the Shimla Wildlife Sanctuary or picnics and camping in the greens. For the young adults, ‘Ollies Club’ offers a range of activities like archery, skittle, croquet, badminton, table tennis, pool, board games and darts. Enjoy walks to Craignano Trail, Mashobra to Kalyani Helipad and Mashobra Valley Trail.
