Springfield
Springfield is the quiet, unassuming kind of place that is perfect for a holiday in the hills. Tucked away from the madness that surrounds the city of Shimla, the beautiful flower gardens and Victorian façade feel homely and comforting. The wooden flooring, the high ceilings and quaint fireplaces all add to the charm of this 100 year old building. Originally built by Mohammad Yahya Khan, an aristocrat from Lahore, the building was later bought to be used as a summer retreat for the Maharaja of Sheikhpura and his wife (now more than 100 years old and still living in a wing of the house).
Unlike other heritage properties, there is nothing pretentious about Springfield. The manager is a jovial, down to earth guy who will make sure all your needs are met, the common areas are full of board games, comfy sofas and fireplaces, and you are pretty much left to do your own thing. Its location itself will however, provide for plenty of entertainment. Overlooking a beautiful valley and surrounded by the snow capped Choor Dhar Ranges, the resort is spread across 4 acres of garden.
Inside the hotel is full of memories from its past but it isn’t cluttered and there is plenty of space and light. The rooms are spread across two floors, with the downstairs rooms opening out to the wide gardens at the back and the ones on the top floor opening out to balconies that overlook the gardens. The hotel itself is perched off the side of the hill at the very top, and the edge of the garden opens up to fantastical views of the valley below with the mountain ranges around you for company. At night, the hotel sometimes organises bonfires and the blanket of stars is breathtaking.
The rooms are huge but feel cosy none the same. The floors are wooden, there are fireplaces and the roofs are low and sloping. There are en suite bathrooms that are clean and have (thankfully) great hot showers. The beds are comfortable and there are plenty of windows letting in a lot of light. Mornings are magical. There are signs through out the room reminding you of the importance of saving water and some beautiful quotes from the ancient traditions of the world telling you how we are all connected to ‘Mother Earth’.
The hotel is very well located near the market at Chotta (small) Shimla and is at a walking distance from the famous Mall road at Shimla’s town centre. If you want to stay away from the shops and hustle bustle there are plenty of beautiful forest walks to be had. Coming back to a warm fire and a hot meal is the ideal end of the day.
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