Pearl surrounded by tea bushes

This hotel doesn’t only welcome you at their doorstep, but already at the airport of Bagdogra: the driver offers you a cold drink and wet towels to get you set for the three and a half hours drive to the estate. On the way, you are offered real Glenburn tea, sandwiches (which we really liked) and cake. How English. The trip to the hotel is a long one and the last 45 minutes are like sitting in a blender. But it is all more than worth it: the setting of this hotel is absolutely gorgeous: the tea plantation surrounds the beautiful house and the view on the Himalaya is stunning. We were warmly welcomed by the English couple who manage the hotel on behalf of the Calcutta-based owners and they do an excellent job in making certain the guests are comfortable. We stayed in the old property in a spectacular room with a huge bed, fireplace and small garden room (it was, indeed, the room we requested. In advance they would not confirm the room to us, and to be hones, considering the price this hotel charges, we find it incorrect that they should not accept reservations for specific rooms). All service you could think of is included in the price. We love the ‘bed tea’: a serving of tea in your room just after you wake up. Also, it was quite a treat that you could ask for tea and cake at all times of the day. The (western) breakfast is good, but the homemade jam was more like a mash than a jam. The specials were delicious and also the homemade muesli (with home made yoghurt). The dinner was served on a large table with all guests (you can opt out, and have a private dinner). Although this sometimes takes a bit getting used to, we enjoyed talking with the various guests. The food was mostly delicious, but there were some misses here and there. The hotel is quite a distance from Darjeeling and Kalimpong, but the hotel can arrange your visit there, too (driver is included in the price). Having said that, the trip is quite long and we were content with visiting only Darjeeling on one day, and we spend the rest of our time reading, touring the tea factory (including tasting: amazing how different all the teas taste), making walks through the tea plantation and to the river (where the hotel organized a pleasant BBQ. Heed their warning to put DEET on. I forgot a spot on my arm and the small flies got me good; it itched for days after!) They have wifi in the hotel, but the connection is terrible. It is typically a location to relax after an exhausting trip through Nepal, Bhutan or India, so we would recommend staying at least three nights; a shorter stay doesn’t seem worth the trouble. We would not be surprised if we found ourselves staying here again!