I had long wanted to visit the Himalayas for its clean air, views and calm, and when Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas opened I planned an extended stay. Although that trip was delayed by a visit to Europe, I finally spent five days at the Westin in July.
The location, the people, the food and the overall experience were so good that I booked a return stay within a month. If you’re wondering what draws me back, here is a concise, end-to-end review of Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas covering everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
- Booking
- Location
- Rain & Landslides
- Check-in
- The Room
- The Property
- The Food
- High Tea
- Executive Lounge
- Gym, Yoga & Recreation
- Wifi & Connectivity
- Cards to Use
- Service
- Bottomline
Booking
- Revenue rate: 37,000 INR + GST (approximate)
- Marriott Bonvoy points: dynamic, typically between 15,000 and 25,000 points
Rates are on the higher side, which helps maintain the property and its services. Prices were higher at opening and may rise again during peak season.
Location
The resort is about 40 km from Dehradun airport — roughly a 45-minute drive. There are two routes; the road via Rishikesh is wider and generally preferred for its better condition and safety.
Shortly after leaving the airport you cross a bridge with views of the lower Himalayan hills. You’ll spot a small hill-town, Narendra Nagar, which is en route to the property.
The stretch from the airport to Rishikesh runs through forested areas and is well maintained. Along the way you’ll notice colourful murals reflecting recent civic improvements. On less busy days you can stop to enjoy views of Rishikesh and the Ganges from the roadside.
Ananda in the Himalayas is visible just before the Westin, and you’ll pass it on the way. I used airport transfers arranged through bank concierge services and found them reliable. If you need a taxi, local operators such as EVcityride in Dehradun are an option.
Rain & Landslides
If you travel during the monsoon (June–August) be aware of landslide risks. Check weather reports for heavy rainfall and call the hotel to confirm road conditions before you depart.
On one visit a week after major rains, roads had been cleared and the journey was smooth. On another visit just after record rains, I observed many landslide sites, though the route had been cleared for vehicle movement. It’s wise to confirm before travelling in wet months.
Check-in
Pre-arrival formalities were handled by email and phone, as is common with premium properties. On arrival I was escorted to the room for an in-room check-in—likely because occupancy was low. When busy, check-in usually takes place in the attractive lobby.
The Room
Rooms are spacious and include a balcony. Rooms on higher levels—such as the ninth floor—offer especially good views. The room provided comfortable bedding, welcome amenities and expansive mountain scenery.
A few interior details could be improved: bathroom fittings were not from premium international brands and the balcony sliding door lacked a proper pull handle. These are minor issues and did not detract from an otherwise comfortable stay.
The Property
The resort offers everything you would expect, with particularly impressive panoramic views from balconies and the pool area.
You get a wide, 180-degree outlook that includes Rishikesh and the Ganges to the left, dense forest ahead, the airport to the right and Dehradun farther right. Sunsets can be spectacular when skies are clear, though clouds and fog sometimes obscure the view.
An interesting note: the fog here is often warm rather than chilly, so don’t always expect the cold typical of high-altitude hill stations. Temperatures are generally close to city levels but feel more pleasant.
The Food
Breakfast at the hotel was excellent. I was impressed by the masala dosa, served with a well-made sambar and chutney — a preparation that can be surprisingly rare even in five-star hotels in India.
High Tea
High tea is offered daily at varying locations across the property. It includes tea or coffee and a wide selection of snacks, accompanied by live music. The event feels like a relaxed lounge experience and is worth attending.
Executive Lounge
Eligible Marriott Bonvoy elite members have access to the executive lounge, which typically offers a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian snacks plus beverages. Cocktails are available and a drink called “Coco Paradise” was a personal favourite during my stay.
Gym, Yoga & Recreation
The resort offers a range of activities to fill a day or two. The gym is open 24/7, well equipped and maintained, with a trainer available during daytime hours. Yoga sessions run three times daily for guests interested in practice.
Other recreational options include trekking, archery, bowling and organised excursions to Rishikesh.
Wifi & Connectivity
Mobile coverage (Airtel voice and 4G) is poor on the route from Dehradun airport to the hotel, but the resort’s Wi-Fi is reliable. During my stay the hotel Wi‑Fi delivered consistent speeds around an average of 15 Mbps, adequate for browsing and video calls even during heavy rain.
Cards to Use
For revenue bookings consider HDFC premium cards for elevated rewards via HDFC SmartBuy. To reduce incidental costs, Marriott Bonvoy vouchers provided with cards such as the Standard Chartered Ultimate were accepted smoothly during my stay.
If redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points, premium American Express cards can provide large point sign-up bonuses. If you prefer longer-term point accumulation, Amex Membership Rewards cards are alternatives. Amex also offers the option to purchase points in limited quantities if needed.
Service
Service across the property is attentive and professional, matching expectations for a resort at this price point. After spending a week at the hotel I could identify staff members who were particularly helpful.
- Front desk: Akum & Maria Hasan
- Restaurant: Sachin, Kamal, Parul & Ankita
Bottomline
- Cardexpert rating: 5/5
Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas is a wonderful place to unwind with great views, food and service. For the best experience, consider visiting on weekdays or during the low season to avoid weekend crowds and frequent wedding events, which pick up from October onwards.
Overall I’m grateful to see properties like this emerging in Indian hill-stations. They add quality options for travellers seeking comfortable, scenic stays in the Himalayas.
Have you been to Westin, Himalayas? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.