Mid-range Heritage hotel · Nainital
The Naini Retreat
A heritage hotel on the Ayarpata slopes above Naini lake, once a residence of the Maharaja of Pilibhit, run by Leisure Hotels as part of IHCL's SeleQtions collection. It offers lake views, gardens and quiet above the Mall.
Photo: Utkarshsingh.1992 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · CommonsThe Naini Retreat sits at about 1,995 m on the wooded Ayarpata side of Nainital, above the lake and away from the noise of the Mall. The main building was historically a residence of the Maharaja of Pilibhit. The hotel is operated by the Leisure Hotels group and joined Indian Hotels Company's SeleQtions collection, which brings brand standards to an older property.
The grounds cover more than five acres of garden and forest, and many rooms have large bay windows facing the valley or lake. The hotel has dining options, a bar and a spa. It is a short drive or a steep walk to the Mall and the lake, which suits families and couples who want comfort and calm while still seeing Nainital on foot.
Why we use it
- Lake and valley views from a quiet slope
- Heritage building with modern comforts
- Gardens and forest within the grounds
Best for
Trips that stay here
Sleep here on a trip
Photo: Skalvanov · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Comfort
Kumaon lakes family holiday
Private car with driver
Photo: Skalvanov · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Signature
Kumaon in depth: lakes, orchards and oak
Private car with driver
Around the stay
Nainital
Nainital is Kumaon's busiest hill station, built around an eye-shaped lake at about 1,938 m, 35 km above Kathgodam railway station. Come for a dawn row to the Naina Devi temple, the ridge walks to Tiffin Top and Snow View, and day trips to Kainchi Dham and Kaladhungi. Two nights is right; avoid May weekends.
Photo: Incorelabs · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
A dawn row to the Naina Devi temple
Start before the town wakes: a hand-rowed boat from Tallital across the still lake, the ridges lit from the east, then …
Photo: 25 Cents FC · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
An early visit to Kainchi Dham
Kainchi Dham is the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba on the Shipra stream, 17 km from Nainital. Its Hanuman temple was consec…
Photo: rohit gowaikar · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Commons
Jim Corbett's house at Kaladhungi
Jim Corbett, hunter of man-eaters and later a conservationist, spent his winters at Chhoti Haldwani near Kaladhungi, 35…
Questions
About The Naini Retreat
Where is The Naini Retreat in Nainital?
It is on the Ayarpata slopes on the southern side of Nainital, above the lake. The Mall and the lake are a short drive or a steep walk away.
Is The Naini Retreat a heritage property?
Yes. The building was historically a residence of the Maharaja of Pilibhit and now runs as a heritage hotel under Leisure Hotels, within IHCL's SeleQtions collection.
Is The Naini Retreat good for families?
Yes. It offers space, gardens and a quieter setting than hotels on the Mall, with dining on site. The slopes mean some steps and walking, so check access if travelling with seniors.
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Photo: SudiptoDutta · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
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