Reviews of The Panda

Everything fantastic,the view from the terrace really awesome.

I was in Dharamshala for the test match, and accomodation was a bit at a premium. I needed to pay for this booking by bank transfer, which is nerve wracking for a British visitor as it offers no protection. I paid by Remitily. I need not have been concerned - these are lovely owners who were honest and fair, and very friendly. The bed and breakfast is as advertised, basic but comfy rooms. I worked out how to us the AC as a heater as it was very cold the first few days. The sitting area was lovely, warmed by a coal fire on the cold nights. Breakfast and dinner was very good. This is a hilly place but soon got used to the walk to the cable car and to the local shops restaurants and museum. Access to the cricket ground was by taxi arranged by the accomodation, a 10-15 minute ride

Nothing - this was a great place to stay

Good location Nice size room Comfy bed Good restaurant

A very pleasant stay, in a large, comfortable, clean room with a pretty impressive view. Hotel owners/staff all very friendly and very helpful. Hotel has a nice big terrace, again with a super view, where you can have breakfast and evening meal, and can socialise/discuss the day's cricket over a drink with other guests. Food was pretty good, although we didn't vary our choices much, and very reasonably priced too. Hotel arranged airport pickup/drop off as well as taxis to cricket ground when we left it too late to walk (from memory you need about 45 mins to walk to ground, about an hour to walk back up the hill). Abhishek also provided me with very useful, and first-hand, advice about doing the Triund walk and arranged for a taxi to take me to the start point and pick me up on my return. The Skyway cable car lower station, for trip up to MacLeod-Ganj is only about 10-15 mins walk away.

Heating in the room didn't work, and it certainly got cold overnight there in early March, but the owners/staff quickly provided an alternative, plug in electric heater. Similarly, whilst food orders occasionally got a bit mixed up, they were quickly put right as soon as you pointed it out. On two nights there was quite a lot of noise from some function in the neighbourhood, though nothing Hotel Panda could do about it and it would have affected almost every hotel/property in the area as well. Serving breakfast half an hour earlier, say from 0730, would be useful when there's a cricket match on (first ball at 0930).

The hosts, Abhishek and Pooja, were truly amazing and made our stay at the Panda unforgettable. They were welcoming, easy to talk to and very happy to help with any requests we had (such as taxi bookings, local recommendations, food & drink etc). The view from the terrace is wonderful, overlooking a valley. The food and drink was of great quality and very reasonably priced. The terrace had a little area for a small game of cricket which was excellent fun (even though Abhishek bowled me out!).

The wifi was slightly poor when trying to use in one of the corner rooms, however was great elsewhere (and for other rooms in our booking). On arrival one of the showers needed to be fixed, but this was done on the day of arrival.

The owner, Abhishek, provides a friendly, informative and flexible welcome and the price of our stay was very attractive. But I suppose you get what you pay for.

As first time travellers to India - although not to other parts of Asia - we were a little surprised by the basic nature of the accommodation and of Dharamsala as a town. Food and drink options are limited and you really need to travel to the next town up the hillside (McLeodGanj) via cable car or taxi (35 minutes) to have any sort of choice.

The Panda is a very nice hotel, in a great position away from the main road, so it's quiet at night. The room we had was comfortable with a big bathroom. The staff are very welcoming and helpful with any requests. There is a large veranda where you can eat or drink, but be aware that it is open sided so chilly in the evening in March. We had two meals from their varied menu which were nice. Overall we had a great stay and send our thanks!

There was nothing we didn't like! I would say that for anyone who wants bars and restaurants in the evening, this is not the place to stay, go up to Mcleod Ganj which is much livelier, day and night!

I stay in many hotels and guest houses all over the world and the panda was a great place to stay. The staff were attentive, kind and considerate. Also they were always willing to help give advice and recommendations. I especially liked the location which was just off the main road enough (5 min walk) to make it a perfect place to unwind and relax. I should also mention the amazing views and veranda!

The hosts are great and they make you feel welcomed in their home. Bed was comfortable and we had hot water available in the washroom. Location was very convenient for us, especially as we arrived with the bus (its walkable distance from the main bus stop and we did not need to deal with getting a cab immediately upon arrival). All in all a great experience.

Wifi network did not really work well in the room we had. We were visiting in December and it would be good to have a rug or 2 available on the floor, as it was very cold and some type of heating agent that we could turn on and off. In any case neither was a big issue for us.

Wonderful location and outlook. Tucked away from traffic and noise with great views over the valley. A lovely, relaxing terrace area. Great breakfast and helpful staff.

Well priced and very nice peaceful hotel just off the main strip. Can highly recommend, very courteous and helpful owner. Great views from the terrace or room balcony.

Beautiful views, lovely terrace for the evenings. Hosts were an incredibly welcoming and friendly family who gave us lots of advice and were good company in the evenings.

Unfortunately the room was abit dirty and abit damp. The other rooms looked incredible though so maybe just ours.

What a great little place. It's down a long lane in Dharamshala, but looking out on beautiful scenery - it's like you're not really in the town at all. The rooms were large and clean - and the rooftop cafe/restaurant is a really great space. Very handy for the bus station.

I arrived a little late in the day - and was a bit scared going down the long dark alley, but in the morning realised it's absolutely fine! 😆

This is a great place to stay. It is peaceful, clean and comfortable. It is close to shops and services in Dharamsala, just a ten minute walk away but it is far enough to be quiet and calm. (The cable car is 15 minutes walk away if you want to go to McLeodganj.) The hotel has a beautiful terrace with lots of plants and a great view down the valley. There is a range of meals available and the food is superb. The staff are very helpful and the host is friendly and has lots of information about things to do in the local area. He makes time for all his guests. I will definitely go back one day.

Nothing

The Hospitality and the Homely atmosphere

Location and the View