The hype
Staff is eager to please and food is decent, but the building feels tired and housekeeping misses the details.
Clarks Residences Bhowali
$50-80/ night
Book this if You want a quiet, budget-friendly base for Kainchi Dham and Bhimtal without the chaos (and parking nightmares) of Nainital Mall Road.
Why People Love It
- Peaceful Shyamkhet location away from city noise
- Spacious Family Apartments with separate living areas
- Walking distance to the scenic Shyamkhet Tea Garden
Quick Take: A functional 3-star highway hotel that markets itself as a 'residence'—great for families needing space, but don't expect 5-star maintenance or a pool.
Reviewed by @thatgirl_nikitaa: I finally made it to Kainchi Dham and found this gem just 20 mins away. The suite was massive—felt like a proper apartment with a killer mountain view. Waking up here before the temple visit was so peaceful. Definitely my go-to spot in Bhowali now.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Valley View' is lovely, but lower-floor rooms often smell damp and face a wall or the parking lot.
- You are visiting Kainchi Dham (Neem Karoli Baba Ashram)
- You are traveling with a large family and need 2-bedroom apartments
- You have your own car and want free, easy parking
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is provided, but attention to detail is lacking. Expect dust in corners or under beds.
- Bathroom hygiene: Functional but tired. Grout often shows age/discoloration. Soap dispensers can be grimy.
- Maintenance: Signs of wear are visible—peeling paint, sticky floors in common areas, and damp patches on walls.
- Linens & towels: Generally clean and white, but towels can feel scratchy and over-washed.
- Odors & scents: Lobby and lower corridors often have a damp/musty smell typical of older hill station buildings.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Echoing hallways and slamming doors
- Plumbing/boiler gurgling in some wings
- occasional road noise if facing the Bhowali-Ramgarh road
Before you book
Good to know
- This is a dry hotel (no alcohol served), though you can usually consume your own in rooms discreetly.
- Heaters are provided in winter but may be portable units rather than central heating.
- Mobile network can be spotty; rely on the hotel Wi-Fi which is generally stable in public areas.
What to pack
- Motion sickness pills (the road from Kathgodam is very winding)
- Warm layers (even in summer, evenings in Bhowali get chilly)
- Cash (small local cafes and tea stalls nearby often don't take cards)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Valley View Family Apartment (top floor for best light and less noise)
- Terrace Suite (worth the upgrade for private outdoor space)
Rooms to avoid
- Basement/Lower level rooms (often complain of damp smells and no view)
- Rooms near the elevator/stairwell (noisy)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am booking a stay and kindly request a room on the highest possible floor with a Valley View. Please ensure it is NOT a basement unit and is away from the elevator to avoid noise. We are sensitive to damp smells, so a well-ventilated room is essential.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a swimming pool?
No. Some third-party sites incorrectly list one, but there is absolutely no pool on the property.
How far is it from Kainchi Dham?
It is about 8-9 km away. A taxi takes 20-30 minutes, but traffic can double that time on weekends.
Does the hotel have air conditioning?
Most rooms do not have AC. They have ceiling fans. Bhowali is cooler than the plains, but it can get warm in mid-summer afternoons.
Is the food good?
The on-site restaurant 'The Bridge' serves reliable North Indian and Chinese food. Breakfast is a standard spread but can get repetitive.
Is there parking?
Yes, free on-site parking is available, which is a huge luxury compared to hotels in Nainital town.
Can I walk to Nainital Lake?
No. It is an 11km drive on a mountain road. You need a car or taxi.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk 5 minutes down the road to the Shyamkhet Tea Garden—it's a hidden gem with fresh organic tea and zero crowds.
- ✨
Ask for a room in the 'New Wing' if available; the older blocks tend to have more maintenance issues.
- ✨
If you're visiting Kainchi Dham, leave the hotel by 6:00 AM to beat the massive traffic jams that start by 8:00 AM.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Game Room' is often just a dusty pool table and a carrom board.
💡Hot water can be temperamental; let the tap run for a minute before jumping in.
💡The lift area sometimes has a lingering musty odor.
💡You can buy fresh fruit and local juices at the Bhowali market (1km away) for half the price of tourist spots.
💡Monkeys are active in the area—keep your balcony door locked when you aren't there.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Clarks Residences Bhowali is located and what's nearby.