Oberoi Cecil, Shimla - India
It bears repeating that if you plan a trip to India, a drive of 90kms (approximately 50 miles) on your itinerary will usually mean four to five hours. Averaging 18 mph is good! Remember, landslides, "s" curves and animals. Getting into Shima took 45 minutes to drive three miles...shades of traffic jams in Chicago.
But now I have died and gone to Heaven. We are staying at the Oberoi Cecil. (Prepare for a big, rave review.) But first, I'd like to clarify the fact that ex-Marine and I do not receive (and have not accepted) free accommodations, or meals to write a good review. We pay our own way and if someplace is a "dump", you'll hear about it. Recommendations are based on MY experience only.
The Cecil was originally built in 1884 as a small cottage and has changed hands three times since then. We learned that Mohan Singh Oberoi started working at the Faletti Hotel (as it was called then) in 1922 as a desk clerk, and after years of hard work bought his first hotel in India. The Cecil was the third property he owned and became the "hip" place to come to both before and after independence. It has been restored with wood floors, period furniture, rooms located around a central atrium, heating swimming pool, a Banyan Tree Spa and much more.
Pulling up to the Oberoi Cecil Hotel in Shimla was like landing on an alien planet after all the small, little villages we have been in. The Hotel is situated on the Mall, a pedestrian-only road in Shimla. (The Mall is where most of the shops, etc., are located.) Our driver was only allowed to drive up the road below the hotel where a guard notified the Cecil that we were here. The Cecil driver came to pick us and our luggage for transport to the lobby. There, we were greeted and welcomed by Front Desk People and Assistant Manager, waiting outside for us, and bowed into the Hotel. After some of our inadequate stays, I was in "Hog Heaven." A huge, palatial room...ex-Marine was ecstatic over CNN, BBC and a baseball game being televised (that's what makes him happy)....gorgeous bathroom with Ayrvedic amenities....there is nothing like a 5***** luxury hotel in India, especially an Oberoi. We've been fortunate enough to stay at some Taj Mahal and Oberoi Hotels during past trips to India, but based on our past few stays, the Taj Mahal service is not what it used to be. Pick the Oberoi if you have a choice.
The service, food and personnel were impeccable and friendly. Try to end whatever trip or vacation you take with a stay in a Luxury Hotel. I do and somehow, whatever not-so-nice memories you may have experienced, just disappear!
Time to visit Shimla....
Comments
i am the student of hotel management B.SC 2nd year.i have done my 2 month training from club mahindra manali and i want to doing my 6 month training in The Oberoi Cecil shimla.please tell me how is this possible.
sachin-9418094348
I would contact the Oberoi Cecil directly. The Manager's name is in the article you read and I certainly couldn't think of a better place to work. Good luck! Sheila
Posted by: sachin kaundal | July 14, 2007 01:15 AM
i am a student i hv'e to take admission in oberoi hotel school shimla pl's reply and send what is y'r admission procedure
Dear Sir:
I'm afraid you have confused my visit to the Oberoi with whatever they're hiring practices are. Please contact the Oberoi Chain directly. Good luck.
Sheila
Posted by: abhineet | May 7, 2008 10:11 AM
respected sir,
i m doing BHM(hotel managment degree) 2nd year from CT instt. jalandhar(punjab).i want to know that next year i want t o come for trainning in ur hotel,how can b it possible for me to do so.i will be very thankfull to u to let me know all about the procedure...
yours thnkful ..
as my contact number is 09888396944.
I do not work for the Oberoi. You will have to contact them directly. Sorry,
Sheila
Posted by: ajaypal singh | June 13, 2008 04:51 AM
am a student i hv'e to take admission in oberoi hotel school shimla pl's reply and send what is y'r admission procedure........ in which month the admission is taken place. all details .thanking in advance
Sorry but I have nothing to do with the Oberoi. Please contact them directly.
Posted by: rahul | August 3, 2008 04:53 PM
Dear sir i am the student of Sarva IHM in panchkula.I am doing Diploma in hospitalty management from AH&LA. I am wondering for the training in Oberoi Cecil in shimla. My contact no is :09416549280
I am sorry but I can't help you. I just write about travel and have nothing to do with the hiring. Good luck..
Posted by: Rishabh shukla | November 18, 2009 12:27 AM