10 Places To Stay in Shimla: Best Areas, Hotels & Travel Tips
Choosing the right place to stay in Shimla can make a big difference to your trip. The best area depends on your budget, sightseeing plans and the type of experience you want.
Some travellers prefer staying close to Mall Road and The Ridge, while others prefer quieter areas with better views and a more peaceful atmosphere. There are also several areas where you can find comparatively cheaper hotels while still having good access to central Shimla.
Table of Content
- Best Areas to Stay in Shimla?
- You Don’t Have to Stay Directly on Mall Road ( Special Tip )
- Where to Stay in Shimla for Couples?
- Where to Stay in Shimla for Families?
- Where to Stay in Shimla for a Quiet Holiday?
- Importance of Pre-Booking Your Stay in Shimla
- What to Check Before Booking a Hotel in Shimla
- Is It Better to Stay Near Mall Road?
- Where Should You Stay in Shimla?
- Plan Your Shimla Trip
Best Areas to Stay in Shimla?
- Sanjauli
- Lakkar Bazaar
- Old Bus Stand
- Vidhan Sabha area
- Mall Road & The Ridge
- Chhota Shimla
- Mashobra
- Naldehra
- Kufri
- Summer Hill
If you are visiting Shimla for the first time, choosing a location with easy access to central Shimla can save you both time and transport costs.
1. Sanjauli
Sanjauli is a developed part of Shimla with a local and residential atmosphere. You will find shops, restaurants and everyday facilities in the area.
It is also worth checking when you are looking for accommodation at a comparatively lower price than some properties in the busiest tourist areas.
Depending on your hotel’s exact location, central Shimla can be accessible by local transport or on foot.
Best for
Budget-conscious travellers, families and longer stays
Why stay in Sanjauli?
- Local neighbourhood atmosphere
- Shops and restaurants nearby
- Worth checking for comparatively cheaper hotels
- Suitable for longer stays
- Good option if you don’t need to be directly on Mall Road
💡 Local Expert Tip
If you are looking for a balance between price and access to central Shimla, check Sanjauli before making your booking.
2. Lakkar Bazaar
Lakkar Bazaar is close to several important attractions in central Shimla. It is a convenient option if you want to explore The Ridge, Mall Road and nearby attractions without depending on a taxi for every short journey.
The area also has shops and a local market atmosphere.
Best for
Short trips and travellers who want easy access to central Shimla
Why stay in Lakkar Bazaar?
- Close to central Shimla
- Good for walking
- Near The Ridge and Mall Road
- Shops and food options nearby
- Suitable for short trips
3. Old Bus Stand
The Old Bus Stand area is another place worth checking when looking for accommodation in Shimla.
The area is connected with different parts of the city and can be useful for travellers arriving or leaving by bus.Hotels around this area can sometimes provide better value compared with accommodation in the busiest tourist zones.
Best for
Budget travellers and people using public transport
Why stay near Old Bus Stand?
- Convenient transport connections
- Good access to central areas
- Worth checking for budget accommodation
- Useful for bus travellers
- Shops and everyday facilities nearby
4. Vidhan Sabha Area
The area around Vidhan Sabha is another option to consider. It is away from some of the busiest tourist sections while remaining connected to central parts of Shimla.
Depending on the exact location, some hotels can offer convenient access to the central area by road or on foot.
Best for
Travellers looking for a quieter location with access to central Shimla
Why stay near Vidhan Sabha?
- Relatively quieter surroundings
- Access to central Shimla
- Worth checking for comparatively affordable stays
- Suitable for travellers who don’t need to stay directly on Mall Road
5. Mall Road & The Ridge
Best for
First-time visitors and travellers who want to be in the heart of Shimla
Why stay near Mall Road?
- Close to major attractions
- Easy access to restaurants and cafés
- Convenient for first-time visitors
- Good for short trips
- Plenty of things to explore nearby
Things to consider
Hotels in the busiest central areas can be more expensive, particularly during peak seasons. Some properties may also require walking or stairs because vehicles cannot access every part of the central tourist area.
If you are planning your first visit, our Shimla Travel Guide can help you understand the main areas and attractions before choosing your hotel.
6. Chhota Shimla
Chhota Shimla is a residential and commercial area away from the busiest part of the tourist centre.
It offers a good balance between access to the city and a quieter environment. You can find hotels, restaurants and everyday facilities in and around the area.
Best for
Families, couples and travellers looking for a quieter stay
Why stay in Chhota Shimla?
- Quieter than central tourist areas
- Restaurants and shops nearby
- Suitable for families
- Good for couples
- Reasonable access to central Shimla
7. Mashobra
Mashobra is a popular choice for travellers who want to stay away from the busy centre and enjoy a more relaxed mountain environment.
The area is surrounded by forests and offers a different experience from staying in central Shimla.
Best for
Couples, families and travellers looking for peace
Why stay in Mashobra?
- Peaceful surroundings
- Forested mountain landscape
- Good for couples
- Suitable for families
- Better suited to a relaxed holiday
💡 Local Expert Tip
Mashobra is better suited to travellers who are comfortable arranging taxis or using their own vehicle for sightseeing.
8. Naldehra
Naldehra is outside central Shimla and is known for its green surroundings and mountain landscape.
If your priority is relaxation and spending time in nature, it can be a good place to stay. However, you will need to travel to central Shimla for many of the city’s main attractions.
Best for
Nature lovers and travellers looking for a peaceful holiday
Why stay in Naldehra?
- Peaceful surroundings
- Mountain and forest views
- Good for couples
- Suitable for nature lovers
- Away from the busy city centre
9. Kufri
Kufri is outside central Shimla and is a popular destination for visitors looking for mountain surroundings.
Staying in Kufri can be a good option if you want to spend more time around the area and enjoy a quieter resort-style holiday.
During winter, it can also be attractive to travellers hoping to experience snow.
Best for
Families, winter trips and travellers looking for a mountain stay
Why stay in Kufri?
- Mountain surroundings
- Popular with families
- Good for a relaxed stay
- Attractive during winter
- Close to Kufri attractions
10. Summer Hill
Summer Hill is located on the western side of Shimla and has a quieter atmosphere compared with the central tourist areas.
It is a good option for travellers who want to experience a more local side of the city rather than staying in the middle of the main tourist zone.
Best for
Longer stays and travellers looking for a quieter area
Why stay in Summer Hill?
- Peaceful surroundings
- Away from busy tourist areas
- Suitable for longer stays
- Local neighbourhood atmosphere
- Connected to other parts of Shimla
You Don’t Have to Stay Directly on Mall Road ( Special Tip )
Many travellers assume that they need to book a hotel directly on Mall Road to enjoy central Shimla. This is not always necessary.
We recommend checking hotels in Sanjauli, Lakkar Bazaar, Old Bus Stand and around Vidhan Sabha as well.
Depending on the exact location of your hotel, you can reach central Shimla and areas around Mall Road and The Ridge by walking or with a short local journey.
Another advantage is that hotel prices in these areas can be comparatively cheaper than some hotels directly around the main tourist areas. Prices still depend on the season, hotel category and demand.
This can be a good option if you want to stay in Shimla while keeping your accommodation budget under control.
Where to Stay in Shimla for Couples?
Couples can choose their location based on the type of holiday they want.
If you want cafes, shopping and easy access to attractions, central Shimla and Lakkar Bazaar can be convenient.
If you prefer peace and nature, Mashobra and Naldehra can provide a more relaxed experience.
Good options for couples:
- Lakkar Bazaar — central location
- Mall Road — cafes and sightseeing
- Chhota Shimla — quieter city stay
- Mashobra — peaceful surroundings
- Naldehra — nature and relaxation
Where to Stay in Shimla for Families?
Families should consider more than just the hotel’s room and price.
Look at road access, parking, stairs, nearby restaurants and how much walking is required.
Chhota Shimla, central Shimla and Kufri can all work depending on your itinerary.
If you are planning a family trip, our Shimla Itinerary for 2 Days can help you decide how to organise your sightseeing.
Good options for couples:
- Chhota Shimla
- Central Shimla
- Kufri
- Sanjauli
Where to Stay in Shimla for a Quiet Holiday?
If peace is more important than being close to the main attractions, look beyond central Shimla.
Mashobra, Naldehra, Summer Hill and Kufri can offer a quieter experience.
The trade-off is that you may need more time and transport to reach central Shimla.
Travellers who prefer quieter destinations can also explore our 24 Offbeat Places Near Shimla guide.
Importance of Pre-Booking Your Stay in Shimla
Pre-booking your accommodation is important, especially during busy travel periods.
Hotels can fill quickly during:
- Summer holidays
- Long weekends
- Christmas and New Year
- Winter snowfall periods
- School holidays
- Major holiday periods
During these periods, waiting until you arrive in Shimla can leave you with fewer choices. Popular hotels may also become more expensive closer to the travel date. Pre-booking gives you time to compare different properties and check important details such as location, reviews, parking, heating and cancellation policies.
💡 Local Expert Tip
If you are travelling during a busy season, book your stay in Shimla in advance, especially if you have a preferred location or hotel category.
Don’t book only because the hotel has good photos. Check the exact location, road access and how you will reach your main sightseeing places.
What to Check Before Booking a Hotel in Shimla
1. Location
Look at the exact location instead of only checking the hotel’s area name.
2. Road Access
Some hotels may require walking from the main road.
3. Parking
If you are travelling by car, confirm parking before booking.
4. Heating
During winter, check what heating facilities are available.
5. Hot Water
Confirm the hotel’s hot water arrangements.
6. Stairs
This is particularly important for elderly travellers and families with young children.
7. Food
Check whether the hotel has a restaurant or food options nearby.
8. Cancellation Policy
Weather and road conditions can affect mountain travel, so understand the cancellation rules.
Is It Better to Stay Near Mall Road?
Not necessarily.
Staying close to Mall Road is convenient, but it can also be more expensive and crowded during peak periods.
Areas such as Sanjauli, Lakkar Bazaar, Old Bus Stand and around Vidhan Sabha are worth comparing before you book.
The right choice depends on your budget and how much walking or local transport you are comfortable with.
For travellers planning their trip around the city’s attractions, you can also check our Best Time to Visit Shimla guide before deciding when to travel.
Where Should You Stay in Shimla?
There is no single answer to where you should stay. Your choice should depend on your travel style.
For first-time visitors: Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar or central Shimla
For comparatively cheaper accommodation: Sanjauli, Old Bus Stand and selected areas around Vidhan Sabha
For easy access to central Shimla: Lakkar Bazaar and suitable central locations
For couples: Central Shimla, Mashobra or Naldehra
For families: Chhota Shimla, Sanjauli, central Shimla or Kufri
For peace and nature: Mashobra and Naldehra
For winter and snow: Kufri and suitable areas around Shimla
Plan Your Shimla Trip
Once you have decided where to stay, you can start planning your sightseeing.
If you are visiting for a short trip, our Shimla Itinerary for 2 Days can help you organise the major attractions.
For a broader overview of the destination, explore our Shimla Travel Guide.
If you are visiting during winter, check our guide to 20 Places to Visit in Shimla in Winter before planning your sightseeing.
And if you prefer a ready-made holiday, explore our Shimla Tour Packages.
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Author Review
Choosing the right place to stay can make your Shimla trip much easier and more comfortable. We have shared different areas so travellers can compare them based on location budget and the type of experience they want. From staying close to central Shimla to choosing a quieter place outside the city we have tried to cover the options that can work for different types of travellers. Our aim is to help you make a better choice and enjoy your time in Shimla without unnecessary travel.
— Piyush Sharma
Founder of Ghumnechlo.com
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Quick FAQs
1. What is the best area to stay in Shimla?
The best area depends on your plans. Lakkar Bazaar and central Shimla are convenient for sightseeing, while Sanjauli can be worth checking for comparatively cheaper accommodation.
2. Where should couples stay in Shimla?
Couples can consider central Shimla and Lakkar Bazaar for sightseeing and cafes or Mashobra and Naldehra for a quieter mountain experience.
3. Where should families stay in Shimla?
Chhota Shimla, Sanjauli, central Shimla and Kufri can be good options for families depending on their itinerary and transport needs.
4. Is it better to stay near Mall Road in Shimla?
Staying near Mall Road is convenient but not essential. Areas such as Lakkar Bazaar, Sanjauli and Old Bus Stand can also be worth considering.
5. Is Kufri a good place to stay?
Kufri is a good option if you want mountain surroundings and a quieter stay. However, it is less convenient if most of your sightseeing is in central Shimla.
6. Which area is best for a peaceful stay in Shimla?
Mashobra, Naldehra and some parts of Summer Hill can be suitable for travellers who want a quieter environment.
7. Should I pre-book my hotel in Shimla?
Yes. Pre-booking is especially recommended during summer holidays, winter snowfall periods, long weekends and other peak travel periods when accommodation can fill quickly.