Hotel Willow Banks | Shimla Heritage Stay on Mall Road from $80

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Hotel Willow Banks, Mall Road Shimla Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Near Tourism Lift, The Mall,, Shimla, India, 170001

Near The Ridge, Shimla

Very good

7.8

7.7

/10

4.0

3.7

Loved by Hotel Willow Banks, Mall Road Shimla guests

Amazing views
Comfortable rooms
Delicious breakfast
Attentive staff
Convenient location
Multiple choices

"This hotel has a Spa in it, a mini gym in it and also a salon in it."

Mehul Nisar from India

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"The location was perfect especially for the Shimla Christmas Carnival."

Sharon from United Kingdom

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"Great views of Shimla."

Michelle from United Kingdom

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4-star heritage hotel with stunning rooftop views in Shimla

Dining

Hotel Willow Banks offers two highly rated dining options, including Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar and Café Simla Times. Eighteen71 serves a range of cuisines from Pan Indian to Oriental, and features live grills along with nitrogen-based cocktails. Café Simla Times specializes in wood-fired pizzas and offers a mix of world cuisines with breathtaking views from its terrace.

Skybar

The Skybar at Hotel Willow Banks stands out with its 360-degree views of Shimla, offering a scenic rooftop setting. Guests can enjoy cocktails and hookah while experiencing mesmerizing sunsets and starry nights. This unique bar is the first of its kind in Shimla, making it a notable attraction for visitors.

Amenities

The property features a fully equipped gym to maintain active routines, along with leisure facilities like a billiards and pool room. Guests can refresh their senses at the Akasa Spa, which offers a variety of therapeutic massages and wellness treatments. The hotel also provides easy accessibility through the Tourism Lift, enhancing guest convenience.

Location

Hotel Willow Banks is centrally located in Shimla, providing easy access to popular attractions such as the Viceregal Lodge and Mall Road, only about 3 kilometers away. Transportation options include proximity to Cart Road parking and access via the Tourism Lift, allowing for straightforward travel. This central placement offers visitors both tranquility and the ability to easily explore the city's diverse offerings.

Rooms

The hotel features spacious rooms adorned with heritage architecture, fitted with modern amenities. Premium rooms provide guests with stunning views of the Shimla valley, while Deluxe rooms offer unique designs and charm. Many rooms also come with sit-out balconies for relaxing while enjoying the fresh mountain air.

Highlights

Dining: Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar and Café Simla Times

Skybar: Rooftop bar with 360-degree views

Spa: Akasa Spa offering various massages

Gym: Fully equipped gym for fitness enthusiasts

Location: Central accessibility near attractions

Must-do experiences

Stroll along Mall Road for shopping and stunning mountain views.
Visit Jakhoo Temple at sunrise for a serene pilgrimage experience.
Savor traditional Chole Bhature at Kanwarji's for a tasty delight.
Explore the historic Viceregal Lodge and its beautiful gardens.
Take a scenic toy train ride to experience Shimla's charm.

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Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

Super Deluxe Room Small Balcony Bathtub on spa & laundry Complimentary Happy Hours 11

2 persons

380 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Luxury rooms Balcony Limited View Bathtub on spa & laundry Complimentary Happy Hours 11

2 persons

380 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Deluxe Room Mall road facing Bathtub on spa & laundry Complimentary Happy Hours 11

2 persons

380 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Bathtub

room details

Club Room Balcony Bathtub Valley & SkyBar Views on spa & laundry Complimentary Happy Hours 11

2 persons

380 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Click button to see more rooms

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See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

Facilities: Very good

7.9/10Review score

General

Non-smoking rooms
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Car park
Handicap parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Lift
Barber shop
Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Dryer
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Paid shuttle service
Room service
Car hire
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Spa & Leisure

Night club
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Jacuzzi
Massage

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Dryer
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Parquet floor

Dining Onsite

At Hotel Willow Banks Shimla, a delightful assortment of dining experiences awaits, showcasing a blend of local flavors and international cuisines. From modern eateries to charming cafes, indulging in diverse culinary delights has never been more appealing.

Hotel Willow Banks, Mall Road Shimla Restaurant photo

Cafe Simla Times

International with a focus on Chinese, Indian, and Seafood dishes

Ambiance

Family-friendly and modern, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for all

Key Offerings

Enjoy delectable brunches, high tea, or relax during cocktail hours while savoring plates of expertly crafted pizza and Asian delicacies

Reservation

Open daily from 13:00 - 22:30

Eighteen71

Pan Indian and Oriental with a touch of European and Local flavors

Ambiance

A modern yet romantic setting, perfect for intimate dinners or family gatherings

Key Offerings

Guests can delight in a range of culinary creations from Thai delicacies to Indonesian specialties, accompanied by refreshing craft cocktails

Reservation

Recommended

Serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, high tea, and cocktail hour

Restaurant #3

Information not specified

Ambiance

Information not specified

Key Offerings

Information not specified

Reservation

Information not specified

Hotel Willow Banks, Mall Road Shimla Location

Near Tourism Lift, The Mall,, Shimla, India, 170001

Map view

Near Tourism Lift, The Mall,, Shimla, India, 170001

City landmarks

Square

The Ridge

2100 ft

Pagoda

Shri Hanuman Mandir Jakhoo

1.2 mi

Landmark

Jakhoo Gondola

2600 ft

Landmark

Kalka Shimla Railway

2400 ft

Market

Lower Bazar

2300 ft

Landmark

Kali Bari Temple

4700 ft

Landmark

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex

3400 ft

Church

St Mary's Church

4700 ft

Landmark

Baragaon

4700 ft

Landmark

Scandal Point

2800 ft

Landmark

Jakhoo

1.2 mi

Landmark

Sheeshe Wali Kothi

3700 ft

Landmark

Sankat Mochan Temple

1.1 mi

Landmark

Hanuman Statue

1.1 mi

Museum

The Army Heritage Museum

2.5 mi

Nearby

Church

Christ Church

1800 ft

Museum

Johnnie's Wax Museum

100 ft

Museum

Shimla Heritage Museum

400 ft

Arki

Luturu Mahadev Temple

300 ft

Kotkhai

Kotkhai Palace

1600 ft

Ridge

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex Shimla

2000 ft

Forest

Kiala Forest

2200 ft

2 Km From the Ridge

Jakhoo Hill

4200 ft

Mall Rd

Combermere Bridge

500 ft

Mall Rd

Rani Jhansi Park

900 ft

Ridge

Hawa Ghar

1500 ft

Indira Gandhi Statue

1600 ft

Kiari Village

Mahamai Temple

1600 ft

Jakhu Hill

Rothney Castle

1700 ft

The Mall

Town Hall

1800 ft

Restaurants

Eighteen71- Cookhouse & Bar

5100 ft

Hotel Willow Banks

Embassy Restaurant

400 ft

The Mall

Embassy Ice Creams

500 ft

The Mall Road

Hotel Combermere

700 ft

The Mall

Moti Mahal Delux Restaurant

600 ft

The Mall Road Hotel Bridge View Regency

Cafe Coffee Day

1100 ft

Mall Rd Near Raj Bhavan

Punjabi Rasoi

1100 ft

Ritz the Mallshop No-5 Gpo

Explore Shimla

Local Highlights

The Ridge

8 minutes' walk

A popular open space for stunning views, events, and social gatherings, ideal for leisurely strolls.

Christ Church

7 minutes' walk

A beautiful neo-Gothic church known for its stained glass windows, perfect for a moment of peace.

Johnnie's Wax Museum

1 minute' walk

An engaging museum featuring lifelike wax figures, great for families and moments of fun.

Shimla Heritage Museum

5 minutes' walk

Showcases the rich cultural history of Shimla through artifacts and exhibitions, with various events hosted.

Jakhoo Gondola

10 minutes' walk

A thrilling cable car ride that offers breathtaking views of Shimla and the surrounding mountains.

Shimla Water Catchment Wildlife Sanctuary

34 minutes' drive

A serene spot for hiking and birdwatching, with diverse flora and fauna, best accessed by car.

Local Handicraft Market

12 minutes' walk

A vibrant market filled with local crafts and souvenirs, offering an authentic shopping experience.

Wellness Spa at Hotel Combermere

3 minutes' walk

Offers a variety of relaxation treatments, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Embassy Restaurant

2 minutes' walk

Offers a menu of local and Indian cuisine in a casual, family-friendly environment. Vegetarian options available.

Eighteen71- Cookhouse & Bar

19 minutes' walk

Features a lively atmosphere with gourmet dishes and craft cocktails; outdoor seating adds to its charm.

Hotel Combermere

3 minutes' walk

Known for its cozy ambiance and delicious multi-cuisine options, catering to various dietary needs.

Moti Mahal Delux Restaurant

3 minutes' walk

Specializes in North Indian cuisines with a reputation for rich flavors and hearty portions.

Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex

15 minutes' walk

A historic venue hosting plays, music events, and cultural activities, enhancing your arts experience in Shimla.

Local Bars at The Mall

5 minutes' walk

Offers a vibrant nightlife with live music and local brews, perfect for socializing and enjoying Shimla's night scene.

Shimla Summer Festival

10 minutes' drive

Annual festival featuring music, dance, and local cuisine, ideal for families and cultural exploration.

Getting around

City Centre

Shimla6 min · 1700 ft

Airports

Simla (SLV)33 min · 13.7 mi

Chandigarh (IXC)188 min · 77.9 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:59

Check-out

until 12 pm

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible at a location nearby at INR 300 per day.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of Rs. 750 per person per day.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Former name

hotel willow banks - boutique 4 star hotel on the mall road shimla

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Hotel Willow Banks enjoys a prime location directly on Mall Road, making it easy to explore cafes, shops, and local attractions. The rooms are spacious and many offer beautiful views of the hills; some guests noted that the hotel's decor could use some updating. Dining is a highlight with multiple restaurants on site, including Shimla Brewing Company where the beers are a must-try, and a rooftop cafe, making it a convenient base for exploring Shimla.

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Review score

Based on 388 verified reviews

8.5/10

Great

82%

Recommend

Location

9.2/10

Staff

8.6/10

Paid Wi-Fi

5.0/10

Free Wi-Fi

7.0/10

Pros

Comfortable room

Great location

Friendly staff

Good view

Excellent options

Cons

Challenging walk

based on 666 reviews

4/5

cecil from united kingdom

Family with children

deluxe room mall road facing bathtub

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 06, 2026

9.0/10

fantastic hotel experience!

warm receptionhelpful staffgreat servicefinger bowl

I found the reception staff warm and helpful. they swiftly addressed every request, from bell service to housekeeping. the restaurant, eighteen 17, provided great service and wonderful food. The dinner is a must. the staff even brought a finger bowl without prompting, a very nice touch!!! the hotel lift gave direct access to the lower town, avoiding queues for the public lift.

the hotel is slightly older, and some amenities could use updating. still, i had a comfortable stay.

Service

10/10

The staff was polite and courteous, always ready to assist and willing to go beyond expectations to ensure a worthwhile stay. They consistently showed a dedication to guest satisfaction by promptly addressing needs and requests. this commitment created a cute atmosphere.

Dining

9/10

I sampled thin crust pizza, indian meals, and desserts. All were delicious. the restaurant offers a variety of options with live musicians each night. the in-house cafe and bar each have a distinct vibe and offer different experiences.

Rooms

8/10

the room had a great hillside and town view and was very comfortable!!! rooms facing the city or the mall road are available. daily cleaning kept the rooms in great shape, with prompt service ensuring a tidy environment.

0 Helpful

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Elliot from United Kingdom

Couple

Deluxe Room Mall Road Facing Bathtub

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 30, 2025

9.3/10

fantastic stay!

perfect locationfriendly staffdelicious food

i just loved my stay the location is perfect with mall road right there it is super easy to get around the staff are genuinely friendly and ready to help with anything i needed the rooms were super clean plus i think the food was delicious with so many choices i did not want to leave.

honestly the only tiny thing was that the lift to the hotel can get a little crowded during peak hours.

Dining

9/10

the variety of dining options impressed me the eighteen71 cookhouse & bar has very nice pan-asian dishes and the simla brewing company offers some great beers with fine views from their sky bar area it's a real treat.

Rooms

9/10

i found the room to be spacious and very clean the beautiful room mall road facing bathtub room had a fantastic view of mall road the bathroom also includes great amenities plus a bathtub to relax after a long day.

Service

10/10

i thought the staff were attentive and cute from the moment i arrived their porter service from the parking was a major plus plus their readiness to assist with any request made my stay so smooth and enjoyable it's a real credit.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Hotel Willow Banks, Mall Road Shimla

If I need to cancel a booking and cannot make it, is there a possibility for a refund?

23 January 2024

Refund requests will be evaluated based on the cancellation policy. If the cancellation occurs outside peak seasons, a refund might be possible, minus any applicable fees.

Is there a website where I can make bookings for the hotel?

28 February 2024

Reservations can be made directly through the official website at www.willowbanks.com.

Can I arrange for a pickup service from Chandigarh Airport, and what would be the cost?

15 March 2024

Yes, pick-up services are available from Chandigarh Airport at a cost of INR 4000 for a Toyota Etios car.

Are there any rooms with Jacuzzis available?

5 April 2024

Yes, Jacuzzis are available in the interconnected family rooms, providing added luxury to your stay.

Is parking available at the hotel premises?

10 May 2024

There is no on-site parking, but arrangements can be made for paid parking nearby, known as Central Shimla Parking.

Are unmarried couples welcome at the hotel?

25 June 2024

Yes, unmarried couples are welcome and can book their stay at the hotel without any issues.

What kind of dining options are available at the hotel?

12 July 2024

The hotel features top-rated dining options, including Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar for fine dining and Café Simla Times for casual dining with a diverse menu.

Are gym facilities available at the hotel for guests wanting to stay fit?

1 August 2024

Yes, there is a fully equipped gym facility available for guests to use for cardio and strength training.

Can the hotel assist in planning sightseeing tours around Shimla?

14 September 2024

Yes, the concierge desk can assist in arranging half-day or full-day sightseeing tours to explore popular attractions in and around Shimla.

Is there a spa and wellness center available at the hotel?

20 October 2024

Yes, the hotel features Akasa Spa, offering various massages and wellness treatments to help guests relax and rejuvenate.

HOTEL WILLOW BANKS, MALL ROAD SHIMLA, Shimla – A Smart Stay in the City

About the Hotel

Loved by Hotel Willow Banks, Mall Road Shimla guests

Dining

Skybar

Amenities

Location

Rooms

Highlights

Must-do experiences

Choose the Room

Check Dates & Room Rates

Amenities

General

Guest Parking

Services

Dining

Business

Spa & Leisure

Room features

Bathroom

Self-catering

Media

Room decor

Dining Onsite

Cafe Simla Times

Eighteen71

Restaurant #3

Hotel Willow Banks, Mall Road Shimla Location

Guest Ratings & Reviews

fantastic hotel experience!

fantastic stay!