Escape to Hakman's: Your Unforgettable Mussoorie Getaway!
Escape to Hakman's: My Mussoorie Mishap (and Moments of Magic!) – A Review.
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the real lowdown on Escape to Hakman's in Mussoorie. Forget those perfectly crafted, sterile travel blogs. This is me, Sarah, spilling the tea (and maybe a little chai – it IS India, after all) on my recent, shall we say, experience.
First Impressions: The Great Ascent and the Slightly Questionable Entrance
Getting to Hakman's… well, that's an adventure in itself. Accessibility should be at the top of your mind, and I’m gonna be blunt: Mussoorie is NOT built for wheelchairs. The hills are unforgiving, and while the hotel itself says it has facilities for disabled guests, I'd call ahead and get specifics, folks. There’s an elevator, which is a huge plus, but navigating the town itself? Prepare for a workout. Airport transfer is available, which is a lifesaver after a long flight (and that insane Delhi traffic!). Valet parking is a must, and thankfully, they have it. Car park [free of charge] AND Car park [on-site] makes me breathe easier. The entry itself… was a little underwhelming, I'll admit. No grand fountain, just a slightly… rustic welcome. But honestly? That's Mussoorie. You're not here for pristine, you're here for… well, we'll get to that.
Rooms: Cozy Chaos and That Glorious View (and Some Minor Gripes)
My room? Ah, the room. They offer non-smoking rooms, which is excellent, and a whole bunch of different room styles including Couple's rooms. I got one with a view, and it was breathtaking. Seriously. The window that opens, the blackout curtains, the extra long bed, the slippers, ah, bliss. The coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver (because, caffeine!), and the complimentary tea was a nice touch. They even have bathrobes and a scale (yes, I caved and weighed myself. Don't judge!). The air conditioning worked like a charm. I felt right at home in my nice little seating area. The free WiFi was a blessing and a curse (more on that later).
Now, for the imperfections: The bathroom… It looks like someone had the good sense to equip the bathroom with a separate shower/bathtub. I was a bit worried about the mirror's placement. They offer a room safe, which is good, but I question why a bathroom phone is necessary. The additional toilet in the suite. They say the rooms are soundproof, but I heard a kid screaming in the next room at 6 am. Some things feel a bit… dated. But honestly, the view made up for everything. And the daily housekeeping kept things tidy.
Food, Glorious Food (With Some Hiccups!)
Okay, the food! This is where Hakman's REALLY shines, mostly. They have a restaurant offering breakfast [buffet], with all the usual suspects – a solid Asian breakfast, Western breakfast and a mix of both! But the real highlight was the happy hour at the bar. The poolside bar was tempting, though I never actually used it. You can also have breakfast in room! And you can order from the room service [24-hour] menu. I LOVED the desserts in restaurant and ordered a salad in restaurant. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was delightful. I had a fantastic meal at the vegetarian restaurant!
The coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, but I was jonesing for a STRONG espresso. Bottle of water was readily available.
The buffet in restaurant had some hiccups. One day, the scrambled eggs tasted suspiciously… rubbery. The a la carte in restaurant ordering was a bit slow, although the food was good when it arrived. They have a snack bar too. Soup in restaurant was a godsend. Alternative meal arrangement is available as well, useful for picky eaters. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were crucial.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax – Or, How I Lost Myself in Relaxation
This is where Hakman's really tries to pamper you. They've got a swimming pool [outdoor] that looks out onto the mountains - gorgeous. You can also try the spa, and treat yourself to a massage. I took advantage of the sauna and steamroom. Heaven. They boast a fitness center, but I preferred the foot bath and a body scrub in the spa. Forget the gym/fitness: just enjoy the peace.
They also offer some interesting services. There’s a gift/souvenir shop, a shrine, and even proposal spots (ahem, future husbands, take note!). You can book a meeting/banquet facilities and organize seminars. Hakman's is the perfect place to host special events at either an indoor venue for special events or an outdoor venue for special events.
Cleanliness and Safety – My (Mostly) Reassuring Experience
Okay, let's be real. In the current world, safety freaks everyone out. Hakman's seemed to take it seriously. They have hand sanitizer everywhere, a doctor/nurse on call, and first aid kits. They use anti-viral cleaning products and do daily disinfection in common areas. A room sanitization opt-out available makes me feel good. All the staff trained in safety protocol, which is awesome. They have CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, fire extinguisher, and safety/security feature. I felt relatively safe, although, let's be honest, nothing feels 100% safe right now.
The Internet: A Love-Hate Relationship
Here’s where things got interesting. They promise free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and internet access – wireless which is amazing, and I NEEDED IT. However, the internet sometimes crapped out. Okay, it often crapped out. Picture me, desperately trying to upload photos of the stunning landscape, only to be met with the spinning wheel of doom. Internet access – LAN is an option too, but I never tried it. The audio-visual equipment for special events probably runs seamlessly, but the regular internet? Ehhh. Thankfully, Hakman's has Wi-Fi for special events, but I didn't have any.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Besides the essentials, Hakman's has a whole host of "nice-to-haves," including a concierge (super helpful!), dry cleaning (essential for my travel-sized wardrobe!), and a convenience store. They offer cash withdrawal, and currency exchange. Although I didn't need it, It's good to know that there is a luggage storage. Hakman's also provides daily housekeeping, and laundry service, which is very convenient. They provide essential condiments which is very helpful and useful. Hakman's has facilities for disabled guests, but I haven't tested it.
They have meeting stationery, and Xerox/fax in business center for all your photocopying needs.
For the Kids – (I Didn't Have Them With Me, but…)
They have a babysitting service and are family/child friendly, which is great. They even have kids facilities and kids meal options. Sounds like a great place for a family getaway!
My Verdict: Go – But Manage Your Expectations
Escape to Hakman's? Go. Absolutely. Mussoorie itself is worth the trip alone. Hakman's is a solid base, offering stunning views, reasonably priced food, and a decent attempt at pampering. Just go in with a realistic mindset. The internet will let you down. Maybe the food will be a little inconsistent. But the views? Unforgettable. The tranquility? Worth every penny.
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this Hakman's Hotel itinerary isn't going to be your sanitized brochure version. This is my Mussoorie, and it's going to be a glorious, slightly chaotic mess.
Hakman's Hotel, Mussoorie - The Unfiltered Adventure (Maybe with a Sprinkle of Actually Useful Information, Who Knows?)
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Hangover - Oh, Gods, My Brain…
- 10:00 AM: Arrive in Dehradun. Honestly, the drive up to Mussoorie… let's just say I’m glad I didn’t eat that giant samosa I was eyeing at the airport. winding road. The driver, bless his cotton socks, kept pointing out "beautiful vistas." I was too busy trying not to hurl.
- 1:00 PM: Check into Hakman's. This place… it's got history, man. Feels like stepping into a Wes Anderson movie, if Wes Anderson had a penchant for slightly faded grandeur and the faint scent of old wood. The room? Charming in a slightly neglected way. The view? Stunning. Like, jaw-droppingly, breathe-stealingly stunning. Did I mention the altitude? My head feels like a drum kit is doing a solo concert inside.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. Okay, the food. It's… fine. Butter chicken is the safe bet, I suppose. Though, the chai? Chef's kiss. This is where the real magic happens, it must be said!
- 2:30 PM: Collapse onto the bed. Altitude. Seriously, I'm pretty sure my brain cells are currently on strike. Trying to remember if I packed those Diamox. Ugh.
- 4:00 PM: Awaken from a horrifying nap. I dreamt I was being chased by a giant, sentient momo. Very disturbing.
- 5:00 PM: Attempt a stroll around the Mall Road. Okay, this place is packed. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder, dodging roaming dogs, and trying to avoid overpaying for a pair of gloves I’m pretty sure I saw at the local market back when I was in my home. It's exhilarating and slightly terrifying, all at once.
- 6:30 PM: Find a quiet corner at a café for a view of the sunset and a surprisingly good masala tea. This view! It's the reason I braved the winding roads and the altitude sickness. The colours! Gods, the colours… I think I might actually love this place.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner, back at the hotel. The soup is… interesting. But the view from the dining room is spectacular. This hotel really knows how to flaunt its location.
Day 2: The Big Climb & The Lost Socks
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, feeling… better! Victory over the altitude.
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast. The omelet is passable, but the view? Still magnificent.
- 9:30 AM: Plan, or rather, attempt the trek to the top of one of the surrounding hills. This is where my grand plans usually fall apart.
- 10:00 AM: Head out on the trek. Okay, it starts all optimistic. Beautiful views, fresh air. The smell of pine needles. And then… the climb. It's steeper than it looks. My legs are already screaming.
- 11:30 AM: Reached the top! Or, at least, the spot where I could no longer physically climb. I'll take it. The view is… wow. Again!
- 12:00 PM: Descend. My knees are now singing a sad song.
- 1:00 PM: Back at the hotel, time for lunch. This time, I'm sticking with the safe option: dal. And the chai, obviously.
- 2:00 PM: Laundry. Because apparently, I packed like I was going to a weekend getaway, not a proper trip. I still can't find my socks. One pair is missing!
- 3:00 PM: Walk on the Mall Road again. This time feels better, now that the crowd has disappeared and I can breath.
- 4:00 PM: A serendipitous find. A cute little bookstore. Spend way too long browsing, which is no problem. Buy so many books, which is definitely a problem.
- 5:00 PM: Back at the hotel.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I don't remember what I had. But the conversation with the waiter was interesting.
Day 3: Saying Goodbye (Maybe)
- 8:00 AM: Last breakfast at Hakman's. The view is still stunning. I think I'll miss it.
- 9:00 AM: A final walk along the Mall Road. Saying goodbye to the street vendors, the friendly stray pups, and the memories I made.
- 10:00 AM: Pack. Ugh, back to the real world.
- 11:00 AM: Check out of Hakman's. A quick look at the restaurant, for one last time. I think I'll be back. I really do.
- 12:00 PM: Depart from Mussoorie. The drive back is less vomit-inducing, and I find myself actually appreciating the curves. And I found one sock!
- And beyond: The lasting impact? A lingering sense of awe, a slight limp from the climb, and a deep longing for that masala tea. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Hakman's, you beautiful, slightly ramshackle, view-filled, memory-making marvel. I’ll be back. (And next time, I'm bringing extra socks.)
Okay, spill! What *is* Escape to Hakman's, and why should I care? (And is it as glorious as the Instagram photos?)
Alright, picture this: you, stressed, city fumes clogging your lungs, craving a break. Escape to Hakman's? Think of it as Mussoorie but *better*. It's this little gem of a property, all cozy rooms with fireplaces (yes!), jaw-dropping views... and a vibe that's just... different. The Instagram? Mostly legit, though the clouds sometimes roll in and hide the Himalayas. But the *feeling*? That's the real magic. It's the sort of place where you actually *unplug*, where the only sound is the wind whispering through the deodars and maybe the distant bark of a dog. I went there, and coming from someone who's seen their fair share of hyped-up vacations... it actually *delivered*. (Though, fair warning, getting there involves some serious hairpin turns. Pack Dramamine, trust me.)
The rooms: Are they truly as dreamy as they seem? And what about the bathrooms? (Crucial detail!)
Okay, the rooms. Let's be honest. Dreamy? Yeah, mostly. They've got this rustic-chic vibe, and mine had a fireplace that actually *worked*. The bed was seriously comfortable. (I'm a sucker for a good bed.) Now, the bathrooms… well, they're not exactly modern spas. Some are a bit on the smaller side, but hey, that’s part of the charm, right? The water pressure was… fine. Not the firehose experience, but you got the job done. Clean, functional, and hey, you're in the mountains, not a five-star hotel! (Although, I *did* spend an embarrassing amount of time just admiring the views from the window while “taking care of business”. Guilty.)
Let's talk food. Because let's be real, bad food can kill a vacation faster than a delayed flight. What's the Hakman's grub situation like?
This is where Hakman's really shines. Forget generic hotel buffet fare. The food? Delicious. Homemade. Think hearty breakfasts with fresh bread and eggs cooked to perfection. I had these pancakes one morning and, honestly, I think I *dreamed* about them that night. Dinner was a multi-course affair, with local specialties and whatever seasonal produce was available. And get this: they even cater to dietary restrictions. I overheard one guy complaining about not having gluten-free options, but listen people, you're in the Himalayas, not Manhattan! But seriously, the staff went above and beyond. The chef even tweaked a dish for me because I’m a picky eater. (Yes, I'm that person.) My advice? Ask for the mutton curry. Just… ask. You won't regret it. Just *don't* expect Michelin-star presentation. But the taste? Divine. And the coffee? I went through so much I could swear I saw colors I’d never seen before. It’s… good. Really good. (And that's coming from a coffee snob, folks.)
Activities! Beyond just, you know, breathing in the crisp mountain air, what can I *do* at Hakman's and around Mussoorie?
Okay, activities. They've got a whole bunch of things listed, hikes, treks, visits to the mall road (which frankly, I found a bit underwhelming, but hey, some people love it). But honestly? The *best* activity is just… being. Sitting on your balcony, reading, watching the clouds roll in, chatting with the staff (they’re lovely and full of local insights). The staff were great, so helpful in suggesting local experiences. One recommendation was actually to just go to the local market - I was a bit skeptical but now have been forever changed. They’re really pushing the relaxation angle, and they get it right. But if you *must* do something, there are hikes! I attempted one, got a *little* lost (it’s okay, I blame the map), but the views were worth it.
The Staff: Are they actually *nice*, or just putting on a show for the guests? And what’s the service like in general?
The staff? Seriously, they’re amazing. Not just "hotel nice", but genuinely friendly and helpful. They remembered my name, they were always available to give advice or assist with anything you could possibly need… they made the entire experience feel more personal. Okay, they do make some mistakes. I had to ask for more towels a couple of times. (I tend to go through a lot of towels, don't judge). But they were always apologetic and quick to fix things. And their smiles? Infectious. You felt like you were staying with friends, not just at a hotel. I even tried to tip the bellboy a hefty amount but he refused, saying that they're just happy to help. It was a truly genuine experience. That’s what really sets Hakman's apart.
Okay, the elephant in the room: Is it expensive? (And does “value for money” even apply here?)
It's… not cheap, let's be honest. Hakman's is definitely a bit of an investment. But value for money? *Absolutely*. You're paying for the experience, the views, the service, the feeling of being utterly removed from the daily grind. Yes, you *could* find cheaper accommodation in Mussoorie. But it wouldn't be *Hakman's*. Think about it. What's the value of a genuinely relaxing, rejuvenating vacation? Priceless. Okay, maybe not *literally* priceless, but you get the idea. I’d save up, put off that new gadget, and go. It was worth every single penny. Seriously.
Any specific things to pack? (Because I *always* forget something crucial!)
Layers! Layers are your friend in Mussoorie. The weather can change on a dime. Good walking shoes are a must. The hills *will* test your footwear choices. A good book (or three). And an open mind. And a camera. You will want to document those views. Oh, and a flashlight. Power outages are a thing. And maybe some earplugs. Just in case the wind decides to have a party outside your window (which, let's be real, is probably going to happen at some point). Oh! And most importantly: a sense of humor. Things don't always go perfectly (a little bit of that lost-in-the-hills experience I mentioned earlier). Embrace the imperfections. That’s part of the charm.
Okay, I'm sold (almost). But what's the absolute *best* thing about Escape to Hakman's, and what's the one thing that could be improved? (Give it to me straight!)
Best thing? The feeling. The utter sense of peace and tranquility. The way the staff makes you feel like family. The views, the food. It's a whole package. It’s a place that genuinely helps you *Scenic Stays
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