Shimla's Hidden Gem: Super Collection O Mall Road's Stunning Transformation!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, potentially slightly chaotic, world of Shimla's Hidden Gem: Super Collection O Mall Road's Stunning Transformation! This isn't your sanitized, perfectly polished hotel review. This is the real deal, warts and all, served with a side of my own personal Shimla shenanigans. Let's get messy!
First Impressions & The Accessibility Tango (Accessibility, Wheelchair accessible):
Right, so finding the darn place. Shimla's Mall Road? Legendary. Navigating it? A glorious, uphill battle, especially if you're, shall we say, not super mobile. I went with a friend who uses a wheelchair. The hotel claims to be wheelchair accessible, and let's be real, in a city built on hills, that's a challenge. The entrance itself was fine. Easy peasy. Inside? Stairs. Stairs everywhere. We did manage to get to a room (more on that later), but a lot of the common areas felt distinctly unfriendly to anyone who wasn't a mountain goat. This is where the "Hidden Gem" title gets a little tricky.
Cleanliness and Safety - (Cleanliness and safety, Hygiene certification, Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer):
Okay, praise be! In post-COVID, a place better be hyper-vigilant. And thankfully, Super Collection O nails this. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. I saw staff actively sanitizing surfaces. The rooms? Clean enough to eat off… though I’m not sure I’d actually recommend doing that. They seem to have taken every precaution seriously. Masks were on. Social distancing was, mostly, observed. I felt safe – which, let’s be frank, is paramount these days. A doctor on call? Smart. Gives you that little bit of extra peace of mind.
The Room – My Personal Himalayan Hideaway (Available in all rooms - Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens):
Right, the room. Here's where things got interesting. We checked in, and they were all smiles… until we got to the room. It was… cozy. Let's put it that way. Not exactly palatial. But hey, it had a window that opened, which is a huge win for any hotel room, as far as I'm concerned. The bed was comfy, if a bit squeaky. They had a mini-bar (which, let's face it, I demolished). The bathroom was functional – a slightly cramped, but hey, it had the essentials. Shower temperature was dependable. The TV had a decent selection of channels. My personal favorite? The blackout curtains. Perfect for sleeping in after a long day of frolicking about Shimla.
And the Wi-Fi? Free! And it worked, which is a miracle in some parts of India. (Internet access – LAN, Internet, Internet services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in public areas)
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – Fuel for Adventure (Dining, drinking, and snacking, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant):
Breakfast. That’s where this place truly shines (or at least attempts to). The buffet was amazing, a glorious spread of Indian and Western goodies. They had everything from parathas to pancakes. The coffee? Surprisingly decent. The juice? Not from concentrate! (A rarity, my friends).
The restaurant also offered a la carte options for lunch and dinner. I tried the dal makhani one night. It was… good. Not mind-blowing, but certainly edible. The service? A bit slow at times, but everyone was unfailingly polite and friendly. The bar was a nice touch for an evening unwind. I had a few of their (supposedly) signature cocktails. I won't say they were world-class mixology but they did the trick. Considering the price point, I can’t complain.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Spa Days and Viewful Pools (Things to do, ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]):
Okay, so this is where my excitement deflated a bit. They claim to have a pool with a view. Uh… it was closed. The fitness center? Non-existent. A gym/fitness? Nope. The spa/sauna? Closed. Now, I know these places can have hiccups, but the lack of these amenities was a major letdown, especially since I was hoping to relax and unwind. I was really looking forward to a pool, especially with the beautiful views Shimla has to offer. Massive fail.
Services and Conveniences – The Good, The Bad, and the Elevator? (Services and conveniences, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center):
The hotel offered the usual suspects. Daily housekeeping was efficient and, oddly, made the bed in a way that felt… comforting? The concierge was helpful with directions. The luggage storage was useful. Cash withdrawal (the ATM was conveniently located). Dry cleaning service. And they had an elevator - Hallelujah! Especially with the aforementioned lack of accessibility. Which, let's be clear, is something they seriously need to address.
For the Kids – Family Fun? (For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal):
Meh. This isn't a family-focused hotel. They probably have a babysitting service, sure. But there isn’t a playground. Kids were around, but it wasn’t a kid-centric place. Pass.
Getting Around – Location, Location, Location! (Getting around, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking):
This is where Super Collection O really shines. It's right on Mall Road. Location, location, location! Everything – the shops, the restaurants, the views – is at your doorstep. A few steps away. Getting to the hotel can get messy but taxi’s, car parking, and a valet parking are available. This is a huge win. Sure, parking can be tricky, but they seem prepared for that. It’s the perfect base for exploring Shimla.
The Quirks, The Imperfections, The Truth:
Okay, so here’s the lowdown. Super Collection O offers a solid experience. It's not perfect. It has its quirks, its missteps, and its areas for improvement. The accessibility situation needs a serious revamp. And the lack of some of the advertised amenities was a bummer.
My Honest Verdict:
Look, for the price, and the location? I'd recommend it. It’s clean, safe, the staff is friendly, and the location is phenomenal. It won't blow your mind, but it'll get the job done. It's a solid, reliable choice for a Shimla getaway. Especially if you prioritize convenience, a good breakfast, and a comfortable bed. And hey, maybe, just maybe, the pool will be
Escape to the Alps: Unwind at Hotel Garni Zerza, Hermagor!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to head to Shimla, India, and it's gonna be… well, let's just call it an experience. Specifically, we're crashing at the Super Collection O Mall Road Formerly Hotel Shubham (good luck remembering that mouthful!), and my itinerary is basically a suggestion box – a highly subjective suggestion box. Expect zero glamour and a ton of "did I really just do that?" moments.
Shimla Shenanigans: A Messy, Honest, and Probably Slightly Sunburnt Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Adjustment (aka, Panting Like a Dog)
- Morning (ish): Arrive at Jubbarhatti Airport (if you're brave enough to fly into tiny airports). Pray to the travel gods for no delays. Seriously. Delays in India are like… a national pastime. My flight was a disaster; I barely made my connection due to a delayed bus, it’s going to be a rough start to the trip.
- Anecdote: Okay, so the bus was late. Really late. I’m talking a full hour I was sure I’d missed it. And no one speaks English enough to help you get information. A local eventually made me understand that the bus was on a "relaxed schedule." Relaxed. Right. Anyway, I’m sweating buckets, and my luggage is currently trying to escape the baggage claim carousel. Welcome to India!
- Afternoon: Transfer to the hotel. Taxi ride is an adventure in itself. Buckle up for some hairpin turns and possibly a near-death experience (kidding… mostly). Check into Super Collection O Mall Road Formerly Hotel Shubham. Pray for a decent room.
- Observation: The view from the hotel is supposed to be amazing. Right now, all I see are the backs of other buildings and a whole lot of sky. Still, mountains… right? I’ll take it.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: First stroll on the Mall Road. This is THE place. Expect crowds, hawkers trying to sell you things you don't need, and the constant honking of scooters. Breathe. Try to enjoy the atmosphere.
- Emotional Reaction: The altitude! Seriously, I’m winded just walking a few steps. I feel like a wheezing grandma. This is not what I expected. But… the air smells different here. Clean and crisp, like pine needles and… something else. I am already starting to fall in love.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try something you've never eaten before. I'm going for a vegetable curry - but let's be honest, I am terrified of stomach problems.
- Imperfection: I'm already hungry! My stomach is currently threatening to eat my elbow. Found place that seemed promising - but they have limited English and I have limited Hindi so I think I accidentally ordered a whole basket of bread.
Day 2: Exploring the Heights (and Possibly Getting Lost)
- Morning: Visit the Jakhoo Temple. This means a hike. Up. Really up. Good luck with the altitude, my friend. Warning: Monkeys. They will steal your stuff. Carry as little as you can.
- Quirky Observation: The monkeys are like… little furry bandits. They’re everywhere! They eye you with such cunning… they know when you’re scared. I actually saw one steal a lady's entire ice cream cone this morning, then eat the thing in front of her.
- Afternoon: Explore the Ridge and Christ Church. The views from here are supposed to be amazing. I’m hoping for some photo-worthy moments.
- Anecdote: So, I met a local woman who was selling some souvenirs. She told me (in broken English) that Shimla is most beautiful in the sunshine. Today isn't exactly sunny. But the air is clear, and even the clouds seem to have a certain majesty. She gave me a bit of history about the church. It’s kind of cool.
- Late Afternoon: Get a cup of tea at a cafe in the mall road. The tea culture is great. People are having all sorts of drinks and snacks, which makes the afternoon lively and delicious.
- Opinionated Language: The afternoon tea here is a must! So many sweet treats, and the drinks are unique. I have had such a great and relaxing time here, and would recommend to anyone coming to Shimla!
- Evening: Attempt to find a decent restaurant for dinner. This might involve a lot of walking around and asking for directions. Let's hope I don't get lost.
- Messier Structure: Okay, I’m already a bit disoriented. I got turned around after that church (Christ Church) and ended up on a side street. It was a little… sketchy. Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place. The food was good, but I'm praying I won't feel it later, not that stomach again .
Day 3: Shopping, Souvenirs, and a Possible Breakdown (Maybe?)
- Morning: Shopping on the Mall Road. Brace yourself for pushy vendors. Bargain! Be ruthless! You might accidentally end up buying a hideous sweater. That's okay, it's part of the experience.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: I HATE shopping! But I need to get some souvenirs. All the shop owners are so, so pushy. One guy kept following me for like ten whole minutes! I think I screamed when he got a little too close.
- Afternoon: Relax at the hotel. Maybe read a book. Or just stare at the ceiling. You earned it. Maybe plan for a spa day?
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: I spent the afternoon in my room, just staring at the ceiling. Not relaxing at all. The noise from the street was unbearable. I’m seriously considering asking for a room change, if I can ever find someone who speaks English.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Dinner and a final stroll on Mall Road. Say goodbye to Shimla. (Or maybe just say "see you later" because you’re bound to need another vacation to recover from this one).
- Anecdote: I actually saw a couple on the Ridge, holding hands and watching the sunset. It was… sweet. Then, a monkey stole one of their snacks. Back to reality. The sunset was really gorgeous though.
- Final Opinion: Shimla is definitely… an adventure. It's chaotic, beautiful, exhausting, and completely overwhelming. Would I go back? Probably. But next time, I'm bringing earplugs, a phrase book, and a REALLY strong anti-diarrheal.
This is just a template, of course. Feel free to wander off course, get lost, eat something weird, and embrace the glorious mess of it all. And most importantly, don’t forget to breathe. Enjoy the ride!
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Shimla's Mall Road: The Transformation (And My Sanity!) - FAQs
Okay, Okay, Fine. What *Exactly* Has Changed On Mall Road? Like, REALLY?
The paving's new, the benches are prettier (though let's be honest, some are still just as cold as the old ones!). They've supposedly improved the drainage (fingers crossed! Shimla rain is no joke), and the entire vibe is… gentrified, I guess? There are more fancy shops, manicured flowerbeds (a bit excessive, if you ask me!), and a general "look, we're fancy now" attitude. I miss the scruffy charm, but hey, progress, right?
Is it Actually More Pleasant to Walk Around Now? Or Is It Just...Prettier?
BUT... and there's a big BUT... it's more crowded in a different way. Now, the crowds are all... strolling. They’re not necessarily *faster*, they're just… *more* of them. And everyone's posing for photos. My personal theory is that everyone's trying to capture the 'perfect' Mall Road shot before it gets ruined (again!).
About Those Shops & Restaurants, Are They Any Good? And Are They CRAZY Expensive Now?
The restaurants are a mixed bag. Some are still the same, beloved, slightly grubby places serving amazing momos (thank GOD!). But there’s definitely been an influx of fancy, overpriced eateries. I went to one… a "fusion" place with Himalayan-inspired tacos. Himalayan tacos! I paid WAY too much, and they were… alright. Not life-changing. Stick to the classics. Find the local recommendations. They're safer and sometimes... even better (and cheaper!).
My best advice? Venture off Mall Road. The real gems are still hidden in the side streets and alleys, where the prices are more realistic, and the food actually tastes like it belongs to the region.
Seriously Though, What's The Best Thing About The New Mall Road? The *One* Thing?
I like that they've tried to maintain the old charm, even if they've done it in a slightly… sanitized… way. There's still something magical about the atmosphere, even with the new veneer. It's just… different. And okay, maybe a little bit better.
Did They Mess Up Any Of The Old Charm? Like, Really Mess It Up? Give Me The Grim Reality.
Some beloved local vendors have been pushed out by the newer, fancier shops. It’s harder to find the real authentic experiences. The heart of the old Mall Road, the place where genuine memories were made (and deals were haggled), feels a little… lost. It's not *terrible*, but it's definitely a change.
And for heaven's sake, they should have left the public toilets alone! Still a scary adventure...
Okay, So, It's Changed. Should I Still Go? Is It Worth It?
Don't get hung up on the prices and the overly polished veneer. Go with an open mind, a comfortable pair of shoes, and a healthy dose of nostalgia. And maybe a slightly cynical sense of humor. You'll have a good time, I promise. Just don't expect it to be exactly the *same* Mall Road you remember. Because it isn't.
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