Hotel Garuda

Most hotels in Pelling are bland newer hotels which cater to package bus tours - this is a great choice for individual travellers, couples and families who are searching for a „home-away-from-home“: This is an older, a bit faded hotel (which is part of its charm) with various room categories - I recommend taking the luxury rooms because on good days, you will have great mountain views to Kangchendzönga. The family lives in the same hotel, and there are loads of comfortable places to linger on rainy days or in the evenings. Staff is really friendly, and at the reception, they can speak good English and give tips what to do. There is a laundry service (for which you will have to pay extra) - if you give the reception the laundry in the evening, it will be ready the next day. The food is also great - the menu is so extensive as these are the food types they can prepare, and there is something for everyone - Western International, Indian, Chinese and Local, all of them either vegetarian or non-vegetarian. We went for the local food, and it was delicious, high-fibre, low-fat and with fresh vegetables. For breakfast, they will prepare something different every day so you get to know the different types of Sikkimese breakfasts. For dinner, I recommend Sikkim rice, as this is basically a Thali giving you various types of local vegetable dishes. I also recommend ordering the fruit platter in addition - you can specify what fruit you want. Note that the kitchen is really clean and - as food is prepared freshly and cooking simply takes some time - you will have to order breakfast the evening before and any other food 2 hours in advance. I made a reservation by writing an email to the hotel which worked perfectly. Note that the furniture of the rooms is indeed a bit faded (if you want something new, you will need to go to a newer and more expensive hotel), but the rooms are perfectly clean. Also, there is no WiFi which is normal in this area.