A former royal residence amid the pines

Woodville Palace occupies a former summer residence of the Jubbal royal family, nestled within four hectares of pine forest on the heights of Himachal Pradesh, in the Shimla region. The building has retained its heritage character and original décor, making it one of the most distinctive luxury addresses in India's Himalayan North.

The property exemplifies the Indian tradition of converting palaces into hotels, a practice that allows guests to stay in historically significant places while enjoying contemporary comfort.

Why stay here

• An authentic heritage setting: the former Jubbal royal residence has been preserved in its original spirit.
• Décor and furnishings inspired by the Art Deco period, lending the entire property a rare stylistic coherence.
• An immediate natural environment, with four hectares of pine forest that insulate the hotel from urban noise.
• Three distinct dining venues to vary the atmosphere throughout your stay.

Ambiance and architecture

The essence of the place emerges from the encounter between a Himalayan princely residence and Art Deco aesthetics. Common areas, furnishings, and decorative elements draw from this era: geometric lines, worked wood panelling, muted tones. The octagonal hall, now serving as the main restaurant, perfectly exemplifies this architectural vision.

The pine forest setting enhances the experience: you hear the trees, breathe the crisp mountain air, and the light filtered through conifers bathes afternoons in a particular quality.

The rooms

The hotel features 27 rooms and suites, each with a balcony. All showcase the Art Deco-inspired décor and furnishings that characterise the entire palace. The vintage ambiance is complemented by modern amenities such as satellite television and telephone service, offering comfort aligned with current standards.

Dining and services

Three dining venues provide varied culinary experiences:

• The octagonal hall: the hotel's main restaurant, serving multi-regional cuisine with particular emphasis on Himachali specialities and Northern Indian classics.
• The Garden Café: an outdoor venue, suited to lighter meals with views over the pine forest.
• The House of the Rising Sun: a garden restaurant completing the palace's culinary offerings.

On the services side, a travel information desk assists with planning regional excursions. The hotel also arranges on-site or nearby activities, including rafting and horseback riding.

Location

Woodville Palace sits in Himachal Pradesh, within a mid-altitude zone covered by pine forests. This region, long favoured by princely families and British colonial administrators seeking refuge from the plains' heat, retains its reputation as a mountain retreat. Plan for several hours of driving from the Indian plains to reach the area, with access primarily by road from Chandigarh or Delhi.

Nearby

The Shimla and Himachal Pradesh region lends itself to broader Northern Indian itineraries. To extend a mountain stay, the Snow Valley Resort offers another option in a Himalayan setting. En route to or from Delhi, Hotel 6 Chandigarh provides a useful midway stopover. To complete your journey at the capital, The Claridges offers upscale accommodation in Delhi.

Planning your stay

Woodville Palace works well as a few-night stop within a broader circuit encompassing the Indian Himalaya and major Northern cities. To build your complete itinerary, explore our India travel experiences and tailor your Shimla stay duration to your interests.