Shimla's BEST Kept Secret: The Captain BandB Awaits!
Shimla's BEST Kept Secret: The Captain BandB Awaits!
Shimla's BEST Kept Secret: The Captain BandB Awaits! - A Review That's Honestly Us
Okay, so you're thinking Shimla, right? Picturesque, maybe a little been there, done that? Well, ditch that vibe because I just got back from The Captain BandB, and let me tell you, it's less “postcard perfect” and way more… real. This place isn't perfect, and thank God for that. Perfection is boring. This? This is an experience.
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- Meta Description: Discover a raw and honest review of The Captain BandB in Shimla! Find out if it lives up to the hype, with details on accessibility, dining, amenities, and everything in between. (Spoiler: It's complicated, and that's the point!)
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First things first: Accessibility. This is where the Captain BandB almost got it right. The website boasted "facilities for disabled guests," which is always a tricky phrase. I was travelling with my aunt who uses a wheelchair, and let's just say, the "facilities" were present, but not precisely seamless. The elevator was a lifesaver, thank goodness because some rooms are on higher floors. Navigating the common areas was mostly doable, though the occasional step here and there demanded a little extra elbow grease from yours truly. The real test will be if the Bathroom phone worked (didn’t try). This kind of makes the overall experience very accessible.
Rooms & Comfort - Barely Breaking Even
The rooms, for the most part, were quite pleasant. We had one with a private bathroom and separate shower/bathtub. My room had Blackout curtains, which was a blessing because I did not suffer from a headache at all. The extra long bed was a welcome find, and I appreciated it, even if the satellite/cable channels were playing old Bollywood movies. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver! The bathroom phone was there, but who would call there?? The Internet access – wireless was a little patchy depending on where you were in the room. Thank god for Free Wi-Fi! A desk, and laptop workspace!
And that brings me to the Internet. They bragged about the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and it was… acceptable. Look, I'm not expecting lightning speed in the mountains, but it occasionally felt like dial-up. The Internet [LAN] was also available, might be an old school option
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The Ups and Downs
Okay, the food. This is where the Captain BandB really surprised me. They had a restaurant with Asian breakfast and Western breakfast, plus a Buffet in restaurant, which was pretty decent, and a A la carte in restaurant, and a Coffee/tea in restaurant. I had the Coffee shop and then my friend wanted a soup and a salad so there you go. Don't expect Michelin-star dining, but it’s comforting. The Poolside bar was fun for the evening, with the drinks quite nice, and the Happy hour was something you don't want to miss! I ordered a Bottle of water, and it was there. The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after a long day. They had a Vegetarian restaurant.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Shenanigans!
This is where the “BandB” part comes into play a bit. They had a Spa/sauna. I saw a Swimming pool and a Pool with view, but frankly, I was so exhausted from the day, I barely had time for that. There's a Fitness center but I took a pass. A massage was a must. They also offer Sauna, Steamroom, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath.
Cleanliness and Safety - Trying Their Best
They were clearly trying their best with Cleanliness and safety. The Rooms sanitized between stays, however, I noticed a small cobweb in a corner (gasp! the horror!). They boasted Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas, and they had Hand sanitizer everywhere and Staff trained in safety protocol. The safety was quite up to par.
Services and Conveniences – The "Everything But…" List
They had a Concierge and Daily housekeeping, which was great. Laundry service, and that's about all the help you get. The Car park [free of charge] was a godsend. They offered a Car park [on-site] but it was nearly impossible to find a spot. There were Facilities for disabled guests but I still had to fight for it. They boast Air conditioning in public area. There were Meeting/banquet facilities but that was just the same room.
For the Kids, Couples, and… Well, Life
They are trying to be family friendly. Family/child friendly! Couple's room indeed! They are a Non-smoking hotel with Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed.
Getting Around – Roads, Rocks, and Rambles
Airport transfer was offered, but I chose the taxi. Taxi service was useful. (Emotional Reaction & More Rambles)
Okay, so… should you stay at The Captain BandB? Honestly? It depends. Are you looking for a flawlessly polished experience? Probably not. Are you after an authentic Shimla vibe, with quirks and imperfections, and a staff that genuinely tries? Then YES, absolutely. I left with a smile, a few tales to tell (including the cobweb!), and a feeling that, despite its flaws, this place had character. It had heart. It was… real. And sometimes, that's all you need.
The Captain BandB isn’t perfect. But it’s real, and that’s why it's worth a shot. Just, maybe bring your own Wi-Fi booster… and a good sense of humor. You'll need it!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't gonna be your sanitized, pre-packaged travel brochure. This is my potential Shimla trip, The Captain BandB edition. And honestly? I'm already a nervous wreck AND ridiculously excited.
The Captain BandB Shimla: A Potential Train Wreck (With Spectacular Views, Fingers Crossed)
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Anxiety (Maybe Cry a Little?)
- 7:00 AM: Alarm blares. (I swear, it's the most aggressive alarm in the world. It's like, "WAKE UP, YOU LAZY G**K!"… okay, I swear I will tone it down… but this alarm is annoying as hell).
- 7:30 AM: Fuel up with a strong coffee and probably something sugary. Gotta prep for the epic journey.
- 8:00 AM: Head to Delhi train station. Seriously, I'm terrified of Indian train stations. Crowds, smells, potential pickpockets… I'm already picturing myself sobbing in a corner somewhere, clutching my backpack.
- 9:00 AM-ish: Train departure to Kalka. Praying for a seat, and praying even harder that my stomach can handle the inevitable train food. I've heard the chai is amazing, but I'm scarred from a previous experience (long story, involving a questionable samosa).
- 1:00 PM -ish Reach Kalka, hop on the toy train to Shimla. This is supposed to be the magical part, the scenic railway. I'm prepared to be utterly, completely, and breathtakingly underwhelmed. Or maybe overwhelmed by beauty. Who knows?
- 5:00 PM: Arrive in Shimla! Assuming I haven't already lost my marbles on the train. Finding The Captain BandB - which, from the website, seems charming. I'm hoping it's charming "cozy cabin in the woods" charming and not "haunted house with questionable plumbing" charming. My inner skeptic is screaming.
- 6:00 PM: Check in. Praying the room lives up to the pictures online. The website promised views? Does it deliver? If I get a room with a view, I might actually weep with joy. If it's a view of a brick wall… well, let's just say I'll be writing some strongly worded reviews.
- 7:00 PM: Unpack, take a HUGE breath, and figure out how to work the light switch without electrocuting myself. I usually fail.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner. Hopefully, the B&B has food. Or, you know, a place to get food. Because I'm hangry. (If I can't find food, I probably will be crying). And if the food is spicy, I'm gonna need like, a gallon of water. I am an absolute wuss when it comes to chili.
- 9:00 PM: Crash. Altitude sickness? Jet lag? Sheer terror of the next day? All of the above. Might scribble some initial thoughts in my journal. If I can stay awake.
Day 2: Mall Road Mayhem and Scandalous Shopping
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Assess the situation (and the view). If it’s not a brick wall, I’m probably happy. And maybe I might actually start enjoying myself. Maybe.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the B&B. Eggs? Toast? More chai? This could make or break me.
- 10:00 AM: Venture out to Mall Road. (I'm anticipating a touristy mess). I'll probably get lost. I'll probably get overwhelmed. I'll probably buy something utterly useless and regret it later. But hey, that's part of the experience, right?
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Shopping Gauntlet. The plan? To just look at everything. The reality? I WILL be tempted by shawls, handicrafts, and maybe (god forbid) some tacky souvenirs. I'm weak, I confess.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Finding a good restaurant with decent food is actually my biggest nightmare. I'll stick to cafes, so not to get poisoned.
- 2:00 PM: A leisurely stroll. Probably not. More like a hurried shuffle, dodging other tourists and rickshaws.
- 3:00 PM: Maybe a visit to a historical site? Or more likely, I'll be so exhausted from the shopping and the crowds.
- 4:00 PM: Coffee! Because, survival. Find a nice cafe, sit back, and watch the chaos unfold. People watching is my favorite.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the B&B to freshen up, because, let’s face it, I’ll be a sweaty mess.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Maybe try a local delicacy? Or chicken and fries, because… comfort zone.
- 8:00 PM: Staring at the stars, or maybe just my phone. I'll be mentally preparing for the return train journey.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep. Praying that my feet will survive all the walking.
Day 3: The Heights of… What, Exactly? And Departure
- 8:00 AM: Okay, gotta get up, the end is getting closer.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast, praying it goes down better this time.
- 10:00 AM: A trip to a viewpoint. Maybe Jakhoo Temple? I'm not a fan of crowds. And monkeys. I have a somewhat irrational fear of monkeys. I’m imagining having my sunglasses stolen. I’ll probably just stay super vigilant.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Something quick and easy, because I'm already starting to feel the departure blues.
- 2:00 PM: Shopping – the last desperate attempt.
- 3:00 PM: Pack up and check out. Time to say goodbye to Shimla. Hopefully, I haven't left anything vital behind.
- 4:00 PM: The Toy Train. (This time I’ll try to enjoy it.)
- 5:00 PM: The journey back to Kalka.
- 10:00 PM: Arrive at Delhi station.
Post-Trip Reflections:
- Did I cry? Probably. More than once. Hopefully, the tears were of joy, not despair.
- Did I love it? Who knows? I'm bracing myself for the unknown.
- Did I get a room with a view? This could determine my entire emotional state.
- Will I write a glowing review? It depends…
- Would I do it again? Definitely.
- What would be the highlight? The food. The view. The people. The adventure.
- What would I do differently? Maybe I would actually pack light.
This is it. This is my potential Shimla adventure. It's chaotic. It's messy. It's probably going to be a rollercoaster. And I wouldn't miss it for the world. Wish me luck! I'll need it. And a whole lot of hand sanitizer.
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Okay, where IS this "Captain's" place anyway? And is it NEAR anything interesting? (Because I hate long hikes after a long flight...)
Alright, you NEED to know this. The Captain's place... well, it's *supposed* to be a secret, remember? Like a really good, smoky single malt you don't want everyone to discover. But here's the deal: it's in Shimla, duh. But more specifically? It's tucked away. Think... winding, slightly scary-at-night-if-you're-alone-but-totally-worth-it kind of roads. My GPS – bless its digital little heart – nearly had a meltdown trying to find it. I'm pretty sure it went into a full existential crisis questioning its purpose in life before finally pointing me (more or less) in the right direction.
And proximity to stuff? Well, it's Shimla. Everything is "near" in theory, but in reality, you're negotiating hairpin turns and uphill battles (literally) to get anywhere. The Mall Road? Yeah, it's accessible... eventually. Laxmi Narayan Temple? Prepare your calves, darling. Christ Church? Breathe. Just breathe. I made the mistake of trying to "walk" *everywhere* the first day. Big mistake. Huge. I’m pretty sure I aged a solid decade in 24 hours. Consider hiring a car or at least a very enthusiastic rickshaw guy. You – and your legs – will thank me.
But, and this is a BIG BUT, because this place is so secluded... it's also incredibly PEACEFUL. That's its secret power. So, pick your poison: convenience or zen. Or, like me, a bit of both and a whole lot of complaining.
Who IS this Captain everyone raves about? And will he judge my breakfast choices? (I'm judging them. I LOVE my breakfast.)
The Captain? Oh, the Captain is a… well, he’s a character. He’s got this twinkle in his eye, a mischievous grin, and probably knows WAY more about Shimla than you do. He's got a killer smile, a lovely way of making you feel instantly welcome. He seemed to have a story for *everything*. Honestly, he could probably tell you the history of a single dust mote floating in the air. That’s what I loved, this charming way of making everyone feel heard.
Does he judge breakfast choices? Nope! The breakfast spread is... well, let's just say it's a major highlight. There was this scrambled egg dish... fluffy, seasoned perfectly, and accompanied by the best sourdough toast I've ever had. Seriously, I dream about that toast. I'm fairly confident I ate three times my normal intake. And the coffee! Real, proper coffee. Unlike some of the instant sludge you get served elsewhere. Now, as a coffee snob, I admit to initially being skeptical. But the Captain, I have to give it to him. He knows his business.
He's more likely to *encourage* your choices. I overheard him once saying to someone, “Life is too short for bland food, my friend.” I mentally high-fived him. I did, however, see him gently nudge a guest towards the fresh fruit instead of the third helping of pancakes. So, maybe there’s a *little* bit of judgement, but it's more like a parental "eat your vegetables" kind of thing, which totally works after that third helping of pancakes.
What are the rooms like? And what's the general *vibe* of the place? (Tell me the truth!)
Alright, the rooms. Think cozy. Think a little bit rustic-chic, with that charming Indian touch. The kind of place where you immediately feel like you can just... relax. They weren't like, super-modern, minimalist pods; they felt more like a warm hug that the Captain designed in his spare time.
I’m not gonna lie, my first thought upon walking in was, "Oh, this is actually nice." The beds were comfortable, the linens clean, and the views... oh, the views! Breathtaking. I remember one particular sunset, the colours painted across the sky, it was like Mother Nature pulled out all the stops. I could have sat there for hours, just staring. And I nearly did. (I'm a sucker for a good sunset, okay?)
The vibe? Chill. Really, truly chill. This isn’t a party place. It's a place to unwind, to read a book, to sip tea on the balcony, and watch the world (or at least, Shimla) go by. There's a sense of community there, too. Kind of like the Captain's welcoming embrace extends to every guest. There was this lovely family, all of us laughing over dinner, sharing stories. That’s the kind of vibe I am talking about. It was all very lovely.
Is there more to eat than just breakfast? (Because I'm a bottomless pit.)
Yes! Hallelujah, *yes*! The Captain's place also provided *dinner*, and it was phenomenal. Not just good. Phenomenal. I’m not even sure how to describe it, other than the most delicious thing I've ever tasted. Now, full disclosure: I'm not someone who normally raves about food. I eat. I survive. But the food at the Captain's? It was legit. One night I had some sort of lamb dish... tender, flavourful, and falling off the bone. I swear, I closed my eyes with every bite, savouring every spice, every texture. I'm pretty sure I moaned audibly. I may have accidentally licked the plate. I made a complete fool of myself and I am not sorry.
Dinner is a communal affair, too. You eat with other guests, sharing stories and laughter. It’s a chance to meet people from all over the world. The conversations were often just as satisfying as the food. I'm still connected with some of the guests I met that night. We exchange recipes and travel updates. It’s a lovely, wholesome experience. And seriously, the food is worth it alone.
Okay, okay, it sounds perfect. What's the catch? What are the downsides? Don't LIE to me!
Alright, let's get real. Nothing is perfect, right? Here's the deal with the Captain's place. Firstly, the location. As I said before, the accessibility can be a pain. Especially if (like me) you are directionally challenged. Packing light is also a must because you’ll be hauling your luggage up a hill. My tip? Hire a porter. Your arms (and back) will thank you.
Secondly, it's not a luxury hotel experience. Don't expect a spa, or a gym, or twenty-four-hour room service. This is a more authentic, down-to-earth experience. The amenities are simple, comfortable, and thoughtfully provided.
Thirdly, and this is more of a personal thing: I’m usually pretty shy. The communal dinner can be a bit awkward if you're not usedEscape to Paradise: Lagoona Beach Resort, Kovalam's Hidden Gem
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