The Shimla Ice Skating Carnival is an exciting festival held at India’s oldest and largest natural ice-skating rink. It takes place in Shimla’s cold, snow-covered environment and attracts thousands of tourists annually. This event runs from December to February, allowing both professional and amateur skaters to participate.

Shimla gets very crowded during this time, so booking a hotel in advance is very important. Staying near the Shimla Ice Skating Rink is convenient as it reduces walking in the cold and makes it easier to visit other attractions in the city.

Some of the best hotels near the rink, suitable for different budgets, include:

• • Hotel Willow Banks
  • The Oberoi Cecil
  • Clarkes Hotel

When booking a hotel, consider location, budget, facilities, and reviews. You can also use online platforms to find discounts.

The Shimla Ice Skating Carnival is a thrilling winter festival in Shimla’s cold, snowy surroundings. It is known as India’s oldest and largest natural ice-skating rink. Every winter, especially from December to February, thousands of tourists visit to take part in the carnival.

Not only professional skaters but also amateur skaters can enjoy the experience. The carnival also features:

• • Skating competitions
  • Live music
  • Food stalls
  • Cultural performances

These activities make the whole event festive and lively.

The Shimla Ice Skating Carnival usually takes place from mid-December to late January, but the exact dates may change depending on the weather. The event is held at the Shimla Ice Skating Rink, located near Lakkar Bazaar.

Since Shimla is one of India’s top winter tourist destinations, the city becomes very crowded during this time.

Why is Choosing a Good Nearby Hotel Important?

During the carnival, Shimla is filled with tourists, so it is essential to book a good hotel in advance. If you want to stay close to the Shimla Ice Skating Rink, finding the best budget, mid-range, or luxury hotel nearby is important.

Staying near the rink provides several benefits:
Easy access to the event
Less walking in the cold mornings
A peaceful stay away from the tourist rush
Convenient sightseeing of local attractions

Personal Experience

When I attended the Shimla Ice Skating Carnival, staying at hotels very close to the rink was the most convenient. The hotel I stayed at was Hotel Willow Banks, located near Ridge Road. From this hotel, the skating rink was very close, and the view of the entire Shimla city could be seen from the hotel’s window. The best part was that the hotel had many modern amenities, like a spa and restaurant, where I could relax and prepare my body for skating the next day. Also, there was a hotel called The Oberoi Cecil, where I had a luxurious stay. This hotel was designed in an ancient style, and during my stay, I felt a sense of elegance. If you like a bit of luxury, this hotel is a great option. However, if you are on a tighter budget, Snow Valley Resorts was a good option. I could enjoy the entire carnival here, and the hotel was quite affordable. Before coming to the Shimla Ice Skating Carnival, it is very important to make reservations at these hotels because there are many tourists during this time, and it might be difficult to find rooms.

When enjoying the Shimla Ice Skating Carnival, the most important thing is to choose a good hotel. Traveling from a distance in the cold and crowds can be troublesome, so choosing a hotel based on location, budget, facilities, and reviews is key. Let’s take a look at the factors you should consider:

Location: How far is the hotel from the carnival?

It is best to choose a hotel as close to the Shimla Ice Skating Rink as possible because:
The event starts in the morning, so you won’t be late.
You won’t have to walk too much in the cold.
If you are close by, it will be easy to explore the area.

Those who want to stay very close can look for hotels around Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, or The Ridge. If you stay a bit further away, budget hotels or resorts may be more affordable.

Price Range: Budget, Mid-Range, and Luxury Options
Hotels in Shimla typically come in three categories:
Budget Hotels (₹1000-₹3000 per night) – These are suitable for those who want to stay at a low cost, but they often have limited basic facilities.
Mid-Range Hotels (₹3000-₹8000 per night) – These are good for people who want comfort and good service.
Luxury Hotels (₹8000-₹20,000+ per night) – These are for people who want to stay in five-star hotels, resorts, or heritage hotels.

Hotel Amenities: What’s important?

Before booking a hotel, check if the following amenities are available:
✔ Free Wi-Fi: For work or entertainment.
✔ Heater: Since Shimla’s cold is intense, a heater in the room is essential.
✔ Free Breakfast: Many hotels offer complimentary breakfast, which helps save money.
✔ Parking: If you have your car, parking is needed.
✔ Room Service and Hot Water: In winter, having hot water is necessary.

It is very important to find a good hotel to enjoy the Shimla Ice Skating Carnival. Some people may want luxury hotels, while others might be looking for good options within a budget. Here, we have listed the best hotels in three categories: luxury, mid-range, and budget, so you can choose according to your preference!

Luxury Hotels

For those who want a luxurious experience, the best 5-star hotels in Shimla are:

• • The Oberoi Cecil – This traditional 5-star hotel is famous for its British-era royal architecture, great views, spa, and fine dining. It is located near Mall Road, so you can easily visit the carnival.
  • Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort – Located in the beautiful natural surroundings of the Himalayas, this resort is another symbol of luxury. It offers hot springs, an infinity pool, a world-class spa, and excellent room service. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy Shimla’s winter!

Mid-Range Hotels

For those looking for good-quality hotels but on a budget, here are some great options:

• Clarkes Hotel – Known for its colonial design from the British era, central location, and comfortable environment, Clarkes Hotel is popular. It is very close to the Shimla Ice Skating Rink, so it’s convenient to travel.
• Hotel Willow Banks – Located near Mall Road, this hotel is known for its modern amenities, beautiful rooms, and good reviews. It offers free Wi-Fi, room heaters, and a well-maintained restaurant, making your stay in Shimla more enjoyable.

Budget Hotels

For those looking for good hotels at affordable prices, here are some of the best budget options:

• Hotel Silverine – This affordable hotel is very close to the Shimla Ice Skating Carnival. It’s a great option for families and group travelers as it offers spacious rooms and good service.
• Treebo Trend Maharaja – If you’re looking for good service within a budget, Treebo Trend Maharaja is a great choice. Clean rooms, free breakfast, and a nice location are some of its attractions.

If you want to attend the Shimla Ice Skating Carnival, it’s best to book a hotel soon, as the demand for hotels increases during this time. Choose any hotel from this list based on your budget and needs, and enjoy your winter experience in Shimla!

Planning to see the Shimla Ice Skating Carnival? Then it’s important to know the right time to travel, how to book hotels with discounts, and ways for a comfortable journey! Poor planning can lead to overspending or trouble finding a good hotel. So, here are some smart travel tips!

When to Book Hotels?

The Shimla Ice Skating Carnival usually happens from December to January, which is Shimla’s peak season. During this time, there is a rush of tourists, so it can be difficult to get a good hotel if you book last minute, and prices are usually higher!
Best time: It’s best to book a hotel in November or earlier.
Booking early: You can find good hotels at lower prices.
Booking during the season: Prices may be higher, so plan!

How to Get Discounts or Offers?

 Here are some tricks to get good discounts on hotel bookings:
🔹 Check online travel websites: Booking.com, Agoda, and MakeMyTrip often have discounts.
🔹 Use Coupons and Offers: Many websites offer discounts if you book for the first time or through festive deals.
🔹 Book in the off-season: If you go at the end of December or late January, hotel prices may be lower.
🔹 Call directly: Sometimes, calling the hotel directly can get you a better discount than booking through their website.

Since Shimla is beautiful throughout the year, you can have different experiences in different seasons:

• • Winter (November – February): If you want to enjoy snowfall and the Ice Skating Carnival, December and January are the best months. However, due to the extreme cold, you will need to bring warm clothes!
  • Spring and Summer (March – June): The snow melts, the weather is comfortable, and it’s the perfect time for those who want to see the beauty of the Himalayas.
  • Monsoon (July – September): Shimla is usually wet and misty during this time, which is not ideal for travel. However, due to fewer crowds, it could be good for budget travelers.

Bonus Tips!
✔ If you want to reach Shimla, you can take a train or bus to Kalka Station, from where you can enjoy great views by taking the toy train!
✔ Bring warm clothes because the temperature can drop to -2°C at night.
✔ Try the local food, especially chana madra, dum aloo, and tandoori chai!

Many people have questions about the Shimla Ice Skating Carnival—where it takes place, which are the best nearby hotels, and which options are good for families. So, here are easy answers to the most common questions!

Where is the Shimla Ice Skating Carnival held?

The carnival is held at the Shimla Ice Skating Rink, the oldest and largest natural ice skating rink in India. It is located near Lakkar Bazaar and can easily be reached from Mall Road. The rink forms naturally in the winter, which is rare in India!

Which hotel is closest to the carnival?

For those who want to stay very close to the event venue, here are some good options:
✔ The Oberoi Cecil: A 5-star luxury hotel with a spa, fine dining, and world-class rooms.
✔ Clarke’s Hotel: Suitable for those looking for a good hotel on a mid-range budget. It is very close to Mall Road.
✔ Hotel Willow Banks: A great option for those wanting good quality at an affordable price. It is easy to reach the skating rink from here.

Which hotels are family-friendly?

Shimla has many hotels that are great for families. Here are a few good options:

• • Hotel Silverine: A budget-friendly hotel with large rooms and a comfortable environment for families.
  • Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort: If you want a luxury hotel, this one is perfect for families as it offers a swimming pool, spa, and amazing mountain views.
  • Treebo Trend Maharaja: This hotel is great for families on a budget.

Personal Recommendations

When enjoying the Shimla Ice Skating Carnival, it’s important to follow some precautions and guidelines. Firstly, Shimla’s winter is very cold, especially between December and January, so tourists should wear warm clothes. Be sure to bring woolen sweaters, gloves, hats, and good quality shoes. When skating, be extra careful, as there is a risk of slipping or injury. It is important to wear safety gear such as helmets and knee or elbow protectors. Cold-related problems like colds, coughs, and sore throats can occur, so drinking hot beverages and staying warm is important. In crowded places, there may be a risk of theft or getting lost, so keep valuables in a safe place and stay alert. Since there are many tourists during this time, it is recommended to book a hotel in advance to avoid problems with availability. The roads in Shimla are covered with snow in winter, so choose a safe route and avoid rushing to prevent accidents. Lastly, check the weather forecast before planning your trip, as snowfall may cause some issues. If you follow these precautions, you can enjoy the Shimla Ice Skating Carnival safely and comfortably.