Your stay — Hotel Amar Palace
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The Property — Hotel Amar Palace
Hotel Amar Palace exudes a warm, colonial-era charm in its lobby, with intricate wooden paneling, vintage photographs, and plush armchairs. The property's 3-star rating is reflected in its comfortable, no-frills rooms and friendly staff. This hotel suits families, couples, and solo travellers seeking a central base for exploring Shimla's scenic beauty. The hotel's restaurant serves traditional Himachali cuisine, which is a highlight for many guests. Overall, it's a solid choice for those prioritizing value and location.
Chronicles of Shimla
Shimla, the 'Queen of Hill Stations,' was founded by the British in 1819 as a retreat from the heat of the plains. The city's architecture reflects its colonial past, with grand buildings like the Viceregal Lodge and Christ Church. Today, Shimla is a bustling hub of Himachali culture, with a mix of traditional temples, markets, and colonial-era bazaars. The city hosts various festivals, including the Shaiv Kumar Mela and the Shimla Summer Festival. Visitors can explore the city's scenic Mall Road, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Best Time to Visit
Full Shimla guide →Best months
The best months to visit Shimla are April and May, with pleasant temperatures (15-25°C) and fewer crowds. June is also a good option, but the weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Shimla, with the Shimla Summer Festival and the Indian Independence Day celebrations drawing large crowds. Hotel prices increase significantly during this time, with prices up to 50% higher than the average. The festival features music, dance, and cultural events, making it a great time to experience Shimla's vibrant culture.
Budget shoulder season
September and October are the best shoulder months to visit Shimla, with comfortable temperatures (15-20°C) and fewer crowds. Prices are lower than the peak season, with discounts of up to 20% on hotel rooms.
Weather & packing
Shimla's climate is characterized by unpredictable rain showers, so it's essential to pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for the cooler mornings and evenings, even during the warmer months.
Live City Briefing — Shimla
- The Shimla- Kalka Railway Line, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been restored and is now open to tourists for guided walks. The Kufri Fun World, a popular amusement park, has introduced new rides and attractions for the summer season. The Shimla Municipal Corporation has launched a new app, 'Shimla Connect,' which provides information on local events, public transport, and tourist attractions.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hotel Amar Palace, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms on higher floors (above 3rd floor) for reduced street noise from Mall Road. These rooms are also likely to have a better view of the surrounding hills.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor due to potential noise from the restaurant and lobby area.
Best views
Rooms on the south side (facing the hills) are likely to have a better view of the surrounding landscape.
Quietest floors
Floors 4-6 are likely to be quieter, given the hotel's layout and the fact that these floors are not directly adjacent to the main road.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location on Mall Road means that there will be some street noise, especially during peak season. The hotel's design, with a lift and service entrance on the ground floor, may also contribute to some noise.
Insider tips
Request a room with a window on the side to minimize street noise. Keep in mind that the hotel's rooms are not soundproofed, so some noise may still seep in. If you're planning to visit the nearby attractions, consider asking the hotel for a map or guidance on the best routes to take, as the hotel's location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Shimla.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hotel Amar Palace
free; 10 Mbps speed; no login constraints
serves all floors; no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader); physical newspapers available in the lobby
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM; early check-in available at INR 500; late check-out by 2:00 PM with INR 1000 fee
available 24/7 in the lobby area; INR 100 per day
step-free access; wheelchair-friendly entrance; some structural limitations due to old building
on-site parking available; INR 200 per night; nearest public car park is at the Shimla Bus Stand (INR 50 per day); no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: INR 50 per night per person
Deposit & card hold: INR 1000 advance deposit + INR 2000 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Christ Church (474 m · ~6 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Jakhoo Temple (940 m · ~12 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Sidh Shri Baba Balak Nath Ji Mandir (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Kali Bari Temple (1.5 km · ~19 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Indira Gandhi Park — 564 m · ~7 min walk
The Army Heritage Museum — 2.5 km · ~32 min walk
Gaiety Theater — 716 m · ~9 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 590 m · ~7 min walk
Kusum Medical Store — 1.2 km · ~14 min walk
Local Busstand — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indian Rupee, INR
You can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange counters at the airport, or use ATMs. Be cautious of poor exchange rates at airports and tourist bureaux, and consider using online services for better rates.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in Shimla, especially in major hotels, restaurants, and shops. Contactless and mobile payments are also becoming increasingly common.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. 10-20 INR for taxi drivers, 10% for restaurant bills, and 50-100 INR for hotel staff for good service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →You can get a cup of chai (tea) for 10-20 INR or a coffee for around 30-50 INR at local stalls or small cafes.
A plate of chowmein or momos costs around 50-70 INR at local eateries.
A thali meal at a local restaurant costs around 100-150 INR for a main course.
The Mall and Ridge areas are popular for street food, especially at night.
Grocery shopping can be done at local markets like Lakkar Bazaar and Mall Road.
You can find affordable clothing options at local markets like Lakkar Bazaar and Mall Road, as well as at small shops along the Ridge.
The cheapest way to get around is by using public buses (around 20-30 INR per ride). A day pass for the Shimla city bus service costs around 40 INR.
Use public transport, avoid eating at touristy restaurants, and shop at local markets for affordable options.
Good to know — Shimla
Type C/D/M · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ₹96.53 · INR
Emergency Contacts
ShimlaDial 112 for all emergencies in Shimla. For tourist-specific help, call the Himachal Pradesh Tourism helpline at 0177-2652561. The Shimla district control room is at 0177-2656789.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Shimla, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hotel Amar Palace
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 590 m · ~7 min walk — pharmacy · Kusum Medical Store — 1.2 km · ~14 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Chandigarh Airport (IXC) → Spars Lodge, Shimla
💡 Book through Spars Lodge front desk for a reliable driver who knows the winding mountain roads. Cash only, usually.
Shimla city centre (The Mall) → Spars Lodge (Gosan Gali, Bantony)
💡 Agree on the fare before boarding; drivers might try 100 INR for the route. For Spars Lodge, get off at the Gosan Gali start and walk down the steps—the auto can't reach the door.
Kashmiri Gate ISBT, Delhi → Shimla ISBT (Lakkar Bazaar)
💡 Book online via HRTC website or at counter; sit on the left side for the best views of the Himalayan foothills. From ISBT, Spars Lodge is a steep 10-minute walk up—take a shared auto for 30 INR.
Kalka Railway Station → Shimla Railway Station
💡 Book chair car well in advance—it sells out fast. The narrow-gauge track through 102 tunnels is spectacular, but carry snacks as the pantry car is basic. From station, Spars Lodge is a 15-minute downhill walk or a 50 INR auto.
About Shimla
Wikipedia ↗
Shimla, also known as Simla (the official name until 1972), (Hindi: [ʃɪmla] ) is the capital and the largest city of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of British India. After independence, the city became the capital of East Punjab and was...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hotel Amar Palace?
Request rooms on higher floors (above 3rd floor) for reduced street noise from Mall Road. These rooms are also likely to have a better view of the surrounding hills.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hotel Amar Palace?
Avoid rooms on the first floor due to potential noise from the restaurant and lobby area.
Is Hotel Amar Palace noisy?
The hotel's location on Mall Road means that there will be some street noise, especially during peak season. The hotel's design, with a lift and service entrance on the ground floor, may also contribute to some noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Hotel Amar Palace?
Rooms on the south side (facing the hills) are likely to have a better view of the surrounding landscape.
What are insider tips for staying at Hotel Amar Palace?
Request a room with a window on the side to minimize street noise. Keep in mind that the hotel's rooms are not soundproofed, so some noise may still seep in. If you're planning to visit the nearby attractions, consider asking the hotel for a map or guidance on the best routes to take, as the hotel's location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Shimla.
What time is check-in at Hotel Amar Palace?
Check-in at Hotel Amar Palace is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hotel Amar Palace have Wi-Fi?
free; 10 Mbps speed; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hotel Amar Palace?
INR 50 per night per person
Where can I eat cheaply near Hotel Amar Palace?
A plate of chowmein or momos costs around 50-70 INR at local eateries.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hotel Amar Palace?
The cheapest way to get around is by using public buses (around 20-30 INR per ride). A day pass for the Shimla city bus service costs around 40 INR.
When is the best time to visit Shimla?
The best months to visit Shimla are April and May, with pleasant temperatures (15-25°C) and fewer crowds. June is also a good option, but the weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers.
Top Attractions in Shimla
💡 Start from the Scandal Point end and walk south. Stop at the Indian Coffee House (first floor) for a cheap filter coffee and people-watching. Best time is late afternoon.
💡 Attend the Sunday service at 9am for a quiet, atmospheric visit without other tourists. Photography inside is restricted.
💡 Go early morning before 8am to avoid crowds and see the Himalayan peaks clearly, especially in winter.
💡 Carry water and snacks. The climb takes 30-40 minutes from the Ridge, and views of the entire valley are spectacular. Watch your belongings with the monkeys. No entry fee, but offerings cost extra.
💡 Cheap entry at ₹10 for Indians, ₹25 for foreigners. Visit on a weekday morning when it's quiet. The museum closes for lunch 1-2pm.