A Magical Retreat: Our Unforgettable Stay at Sterling Nainital

I can never say no to hills!

It was Nidhi’s birthday and she expressed her desire of heading to the hills. Hence, we packed our bags, booked our ride and headed to the hills.

Nainital popularly known as the City of Lakes has been one of our favourite spots ever since we were kids. Boating at Naini Lake, shopping at Mall road, having maggi and bhutta (corn) brings back so much nostalgia and memories. It was time to relive the era gone by.

For our abode, we didn’t have a second thought. We had loved the hospitality of Sterling Mussoorie last year. Hence for Nainital, we booked Sterling Holiday Resorts in Nainital. Nestled amidst the picturesque hills of Nainital, far from the hustle and bustle of the city center, lies the haven of Sterling Nainital. Our unforgettable getaway was filled with breathtaking views, delectable food, impeccable hospitality, family time and heartwarming surprises.

A beautiful drive led us to the property and upon arrival, from the moment we stepped into the grand lobby, enveloped by warm smiles, we knew we were in for a treat. We were treated to refreshing welcome drinks while the staff efficiently completed the check-in formalities.

The corridors which led to our rooms were adorned with pictures that captured the essence of Nainital, further amplifying the excitement for our stay.

It was time to check out our heavenly rooms. The Super Premier Room with a Balcony & Valley View was a delight! Stepping inside, we were acquainted with spaciousness and artful design. The highlight, undoubtedly, was the private balcony offering a mesmerizing vista of the valley below.

The room itself was a haven of comfort with calming interiors, a plush double bed overlooking the view, TV, cozy seating, ample luggage space, wardrobe, and a spacious bathroom. To add a touch of local charm, there were welcome goodies including special Uttarakhand delicacies waiting for us – a delightful start to our stay.

The balcony became our favourite spot, especially during mornings and evenings. As we sipped on our cups of tea, we were enveloped by the beauty of the valley, making it the perfect way to start and end our days.

After a long journey, we were famished. In-room dining came to our rescue, and we ordered some delicious grilled sandwiches with tea before heading for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

The restaurant Tadka was a visual delight, exuding elegance with a touch of greenery. Plush seating in pastel colours like pink and green created a warm and inviting ambiance.

The culinary experience at Sterling Nainital was nothing short of extraordinary. Every bite here was a journey of flavours. Let us take you through the culinary extravaganza we indulged in.

Our culinary adventure began with a delightful spread of appetizers. We savoured both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including Vegetable Sweet Corn Soup, Chicken Sweet Corn Soup, and Garden Green Salad. The flavoursome soups were a perfect precursor to the mouthwatering starters.

For starters, we tried the irresistible Fish Fry, Paneer Tikka, and Vegetable Kebab. The Vegetable Kebabs were particularly delightful – crispy on the outside and bursting with flavours on the inside.

We could not resist ordering Chinese, our indulgence included Wok Fried Paneer and Greens, a vibrant dish that tantalized our taste buds.

For main course, we devoured Paneer Lababdar, Dal Makhani, and Handi Chicken Lazeez, served with raita, rice, and assorted breads. Each dish was cooked to perfection, leaving us wanting more.

As a sweet ending to this perfect meal, we relished Seviyan Kheer, Chocolate Blondies, and Gulab Jamun.

We headed to the room passing through the beautiful passage.

Just as the clock struck twelve, there was a knock on our door. To our delight, it was the hotel staff, with a birthday cake for Nidhi arranged by the hotel to celebrate Nidhi’s special day! This unexpected gesture filled our hearts with warmth and made her birthday even more special.

The next day started with some fresh fruits and then we headed for a delightful breakfast buffet. The spread was vast and impressive, offering a tempting array of cereals, fresh juices, chicken sausages, salami, boiled eggs, idli, poori sabji, stuffed parathas, and much more. Live dosa and egg counters ensured that everyone’s preferences were catered to, ensuring a perfect start to our day.

Something we would recommend at the breakfast is the crisp and yum Masala Dosa, served with three chutneys and sambar, and it was an absolute delight.

After breakfast, we clicked some pictures in the beautiful lobby before embarking on a sightseeing tour arranged by the hotel. Our first stop was the peaceful Neem Karoli Baba Ashram. We then headed to the bustling Mall Road, indulging in some shopping and spending time by the gorgeous Naini Lake.

As the evening turned chilly, we returned to the hotel. To our pleasure surprise, we were greeted by a delightful surprise in our room – towel art arranged on the bed, adding a playful touch to our space.

We decided to order in some food from the room’s extensive menu. We feasted on Fusilli Pasta Chicken in red sauce, Chicken Sandwiches, Chicken Pakoda, Garlic Bread, Cheese Chilli Toast, French Fries, Veg Fried Rice, and more. Every dish was just so perfect, showcasing the culinary expertise of the hotel’s chefs.

Sterling Nainital offers various avenues for entertainment and relaxation. After relaxing for sometime, we headed to Discovery Central, where we indulged in a variety of indoor and outdoor games. The 2,000 square ft “Discovery Central,” is a haven for indoor and outdoor games. We indulged in a friendly competition with games like pool, carrom, ludo, chess, and air hockey. This space is a treasure trove for families with kids, keeping them thoroughly entertained. 

Then came the most beautiful surprise ever! We received a call from the hotel to come to the front lawn! Words cannot describe the experience that awaited us there. The hotel had arranged a stunning setup for Nidhi’s birthday with a bonfire, cake, balloons, and candlelight.

We cut the cake with my family under the starlit sky, devouring delicious Veg and Non-Veg Kebab Platters in the delightful outdoor setting. It definitely was the most beautiful birthday ever, thanks to Sterling Nainital. They truly go above and beyond to make their guests feel special.

It was turning to be cold and we headed to the restaurant for dinner. We opted for the Kumaoni Thali, the regional specialty. It was a feast in itself, featuring delicacies like Aloo ke Gutke, Palak ka Kapa, Bhatt ki Churkani, Kumaoni Raita, and Maduwa ki Roti in the vegetarian version, and Pahadi Shikar and Kukkad Tari in the non-vegetarian option. It was a delightful exploration of simple, wholesome Kumaoni cuisine. We highly recommend trying these regional delicacies to experience the true flavours of the region.

With lovely memories we headed to the room and retired for the day.

Our next morning began with a delightful breakfast featuring the wide variety of dishes. We were pleasantly surprised seeing the quintessential Chhole Bhature. Nice, fluffy, tasty, crispy, it made our morning even more energized.  Post breakfast, we headed for a day filled with sightseeing.

We explored the serene beauty of Nainital and places around – Naukuchiatal, Hanuman Mandir, Bhimtal, and Saat Taal. The tranquillity of these places was mesmerizing, and the weather was just perfect throughout our stay.

For a hassle-free experience, I highly recommend booking your sightseeing trips through the hotel. The drivers are incredibly reliable and professional. They ensured we were at the right spots at the right time.

After returning to the hotel, we enjoyed a variety of snacks, including soup, sandwiches, pakoras, veg fried rice, crispy corn, and veg noodles.

We also checked out Subuthi Spa during our stay. Inspired by the Sanskrit words “Su” (good) and “Buthi” (existence or mind), the spa promises a holistic experience for those seeking rejuvenation. Their signature spa rituals and ancient world therapies incorporate natural elements to promote relaxation, energization, and rejuvenation. We did not have a chance to experience it ourselves, but it’s definitely something to consider for your next stay!

The resort also caters to those seeking a lively atmosphere. During our stay, we were also invited for a fun-filled DJ night, perfect for letting loose and grooving to the music under the starry sky.

For dinner, we savoured a sumptuous spread that included Dal Makhani, Bhindi, Paneer Tikka Butter Masala, Handi Chicken, and Rogani Gosht, all accompanied by an assortment of breads. We also made a special request for Gajar ka Halwa, and the staff graciously obliged. It was absolutely delicious, complemented perfectly with the classic Gulab Jamun.

The next morning, we woke up to a breathtaking view and headed for our last breakfast at the resort. The buffet offered a vast selection, including Vermicelli Upma, Mysore Bonda, Plain Paratha, Chana Masala, Lyonnaise potatoes, Porridge, fresh fruits and juices, and of course, the live dosa and egg counters. We savoured a delicious breakfast before bidding a heartfelt goodbye to the staff.

As we bid adieu to Sterling Nainital, we were filled with gratitude for the impeccable hospitality extended to us. Special thanks to General Manager Anurag Agrawal, Mr. Kovid, and Mr. Rajendra Singh (F&B Manager) for taking such wonderful care of us throughout our stay.

Our stay at Sterling Nainital was an unforgettable experience. From the breathtaking views and impeccable hospitality to the delicious food and heartwarming surprises, everything was perfect. We left the resort feeling rejuvenated and with memories that will last a lifetime.