Travel Destinations » Oberoi Hall Shimla

The Dining Hall Although the cost of living is substantially lower in the hills, both the seasonal nature of the business and the free spending wallets of the visitors from the plains create a peculiar situation. The cost of eating out in mid-budget restaurants in places like Shimla approximates the costs prevalent in similar eateries in the big metros. Is it then unfair to expect here the same standard of food, ambience and service as is to be found in the big cities?

Shimla by that token largely disappoints. But one eatery stands out as an exception: the Dining Hall at the Oberoi Clarkes up on the Mall Road, a mere 100 yards from the main shopping complex. The Oberoi Clarkes is an American Plan hotel, catering substantially to resident guests, with only a fixed menu for all meals. Each fixed meal is offered at a flat charge of Rs 250 per head per meal, and at the price, is a complete steal.

The Dining Hall is unostentatious, deeply evocative of the Raj with an air of formality and understated dignity. The decor is simple: plain white walls and ceiling, red and cream carpet, dark tan furniture with beige upholstery and plain white soft furnishing.

A few pieces of heavy wooden furniture adorn the fireplace, and there’s a piano and a golden mirror stand too. One whole wall is glazed, offering a delightful view of the eastern mountains.