The hype
Guests are obsessed with the lake views and the cafe's vibe but consistently disappointed by housekeeping standards.
The Lake Hill
$40-60/ night
Book this if You want a front-row seat to Bhimtal Lake and don't mind trading some polish and quiet for that killer view.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location directly across from Bhimtal Lake and boat stand
- The Lake Hill Restaurant Café offers some of the best views (and butter chicken) in town
- Balconies that actually face the water, not just a sliver of it
Quick Take: A view-heavy, maintenance-light hotel that relies on its location to distract you from the stained linens and road noise.
Reviewed by @wifeynext_door: I booked this spot for a quiet weekend and the view blew me away. Sitting on that swing chair while the mist rolled over the lake was unforgettable. Just heads up—the monkeys are cheeky, so keep the snacks inside! Perfect for a misty monsoon escape.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You're paying for the balcony view; the room itself often feels smaller and grimier than the photos suggest.
- You plan to spend most of your time on the balcony or exploring
- You want to be steps away from boating and the aquarium
- You prefer the slightly calmer vibe of Bhimtal over the chaos of Nainital's Mall Road
Cleanliness & Maintenance
5.5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Daily cleaning happens, but deep cleaning is neglected. Dust on fans and under beds is common.
- Bathroom hygiene: Passable but aging. Watch out for stained grout and occasionally broken toilet seats.
- Maintenance: Struggling. Peeling paint, damp patches on walls, and finicky door locks are frequently reported.
- Linens & towels: High risk area. Multiple recent reviews mention stained or graying sheets. Inspect immediately.
- Odors & scents: Generally neutral, though some rooms have a musty/damp smell during monsoon season.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic from the main Bhimtal-Bhowali road
- Loud generator kicking in during power cuts
- Noise from the on-site restaurant and boat stand crowds
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel is right on the main road; crossing to the lake can be tricky with traffic.
- There is no elevator, so be prepared to climb stairs if you want the best views.
- Parking is available but tight; the guard will help you squeeze in.
What to pack
- Earplugs for the road noise and generator
- Warm layers (even in summer, evenings get chilly by the lake)
- Your own toiletries (hotel provided ones are basic and sometimes missing)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Deluxe Lake Facing Room with Balcony (Upper Floors) — essential for the view and privacy from the street.
- Premium Room — slightly larger (approx 280 sq ft) if you find the standard rooms too cramped.
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms — zero privacy from the road and noisy.
- Non-lake facing rooms — you lose the only real reason to stay here.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am booking a stay and requesting a Deluxe Lake Facing Room on the highest possible floor. Please ensure it is NOT on the ground level near the road, and double-check that the linens are fresh before my arrival.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is this hotel in Nainital?
No, it is in Bhimtal, which is a separate town about 20km (45-60 mins drive) from Nainital.
Does the hotel have a pool?
No, there is no swimming pool. Some suites have a 'jacuzzi' tub, but functionality is hit-or-miss.
Is there parking available?
Yes, there is a small on-site parking area, but it fills up fast. It's free for guests.
How is the food?
Surprisingly good. The in-house 'Lake Hill Restaurant Café' serves tasty Indian and Chinese dishes, though prices are on the higher side for the area.
Is there AC and heating?
Yes, rooms have AC for summer and heaters are usually provided in winter, though power cuts can interrupt them.
Can I bring my pet?
No, the hotel has a strict no-pets policy.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Aquarium Island Cafe' nearby is a tourist trap; stick to the hotel's own cafe or head to iHeart Cafe for better quality.
- ✨
Ask for a room away from the generator side if you want any chance of sleeping through a power cut.
- ✨
Breakfast spread is decent but often runs out early—get there by 8:30 AM.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Jacuzzi' in the suite is often just a bathtub with broken jets.
💡You will likely hear your neighbors' conversations due to thin walls.
💡The 'lake view' from the ground floor is mostly a 'road view' with a lake background.
💡Room service can take 45+ minutes during dinner rush.
💡The WiFi is spotty at best; don't plan on taking Zoom calls here.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Lake Hill is located and what's nearby.