Snow peaks, deodar forests and old hill-station charm are what draw most travellers to the state. The hotels in Himachal Pradesh are just as much of an attraction. Some of the most memorable ones are government-run HPTDC properties set in old palaces, colonial-era buildings and mountain-view retreats.
HPTDC sorts its hotels in Himachal Pradesh into three categories: Premium (Heritage), Deluxe and Budget. This guide covers the Premium and top Deluxe properties. Many of them can now be booked through Adotrip, which describes itself as the first General Sales Agent and first technology-led online company to officially partner with the Government of Himachal Pradesh on tourism.
Why Choose HPTDC Hotels in Himachal Pradesh?
These properties offer something private chains often can't: real history and prime locations. A palace built for a Maharaja, or a hotel that once hosted Viceroys, comes with a story. HPTDC stays are also known for balancing heritage charm and scenic settings with tariffs that private luxury hotels rarely match. That makes them a good starting point when comparing hotels in Himachal Pradesh for a special trip.
- The Palace, Chail: Stay Like a Maharaja
Chail Palace is the best-known heritage stay among luxury hotels in Himachal Pradesh. It was the summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh, and was later handed to Himachal Tourism, which converted it into a hotel. Built in 1891, it sits on about 75 acres.
The suites follow royal ranks. Rooms are named after the Wazeer, Dewan, Rajkumari, Rajkumar, Maharani and Maharaja, and are furnished with antiques, carpets and fireplaces. There are lawns, a tennis court and a badminton court. One guest who stayed in the deluxe cottages said the mist, clouds and green mountains around their cosy hut felt like luxury in itself.
Best for: romantic getaways and heritage weekends from Delhi or Chandigarh. - The Peterhof, Shimla: A Viceregal Address
Shimla was the British Raj's summer capital, and The Peterhof carries that past. It is said to have housed at least seven Viceroys and Governors-General. It stands in the heart of the city at Chaura Maidan, with panoramic views of the surrounding ranges.
Best for: history lovers who want to be close to the Mall and Ridge. - The Holiday Home, Shimla: The Flagship Stay
The Holiday Home is Himachal Tourism's flagship hotel in Shimla. Its imposing building faces the heart of town, and major sights are within easy reach. Choose it if you want comfort and convenience over a palace atmosphere. - The New Ros Common, Kasauli
Kasauli is a quiet, pine-covered town close to the plains, and it's easy to reach for a short break. Adotrip lists The New Ros Common in the Premium category. It suits travellers who want a peaceful, low-key escape among the hotels in Himachal Pradesh. - The Log Huts, Manali: Rustic Luxury
HPTDC's own description is confident: nothing in Manali surpasses the Log Huts for sheer luxury, which blend rustic charm and modern comfort. They sit about 2 km from Manali, with views of the snow-capped peaks.
Best for: couples and families who want space and mountain views away from the Mall Road crowds. - The Kunzam, Manali: Central and Convenient
If you'd rather stay in the middle of the action, Hotel Kunzam is described as Manali's most centrally located deluxe hotel. It has a restaurant, a bar and conference facilities, so it works well for business trips and group travel. - More Hotels in Himachal Pradesh with Mountain Views
The Manimahesh, Dalhousie: a modern deluxe hotel with views of snow-clad ranges, named after the sacred Manimahesh Kailash peak.
The Dhauladhar, Dharamshala: a good base for the Dhauladhar range and the Kangra valley.
The Tea Bud, Palampur: a Deluxe hotel in the finest part of town, with lush tea gardens opposite.
Hotel Golf Glade, Naldehra: on the edge of the golf course, an ideal retreat from Shimla.
How to Pick the Right Stay
If you want...
Consider
A royal, romantic escape
The Palace, Chail
Colonial history
The Peterhof, Shimla
Snow views and privacy
The Log Huts, Manali
A central base
Holiday Home (Shimla) or Kunzam (Manali)
Quiet nature and tea gardens
The Tea Bud, Palampur
Tips for Booking Hotels in Himachal Pradesh
Book early for peak seasons. May–June and December–January are the busiest, and palace and heritage rooms sell out first.
Check current tariffs. Rates change by season and room type, and some prices online are years old.
Use the official channel. HPTDC properties can be booked through Adotrip or the HPTDC website, which avoids unofficial resellers.
Combine stays. Pairing Shimla, Chail and Kasauli, or Manali with Dharamshala, makes for an easy circuit.
Final Thoughts
The best hotels in Himachal Pradesh are palaces, Raj-era landmarks and log huts more than glass towers. A night in a Maharaja's summer retreat or a hotel that once hosted Viceroys stays with you long after the trip. Pick the one that fits your style and season, and book early.