Hotel Woodville Palace
Shimla · Himachal Pradesh
Old World Charm in the Heart of the Himalayas
In 1866, this hilltop estate served as the summer residence of successive Commanders-in-Chief of the British Indian Army. In 1930, the Maharaja of Gondal gifted it to his daughter Rani Leila Ba of Jubbal. The present palace was built in 1938 by her husband, Raja Rana Sir Bhagat Chand — a Knight Commander of the Star of India and one of the most enlightened rulers of the Simla Hill States.
Spread across 4 acres of Cedar and Pine forest at 7,000 feet, the palace features Art Deco interiors adorned with century-old Persian carpets, lithographs, and artefacts of the Jubbal royal family. The only palace hotel in Shimla — and filming location for 25+ Bollywood films including 3 Idiots, Black, and Student of the Year.
Read Our Full Story1938
Established
50
Heritage Rooms
2000+
Guest Capacity
Sanctuaries of Stillness
50 well-appointed rooms with serene forest views — each a perfect blend of elegance and comfort.
Heritage Classic
8 Rooms · 2 Guests
Classic heritage charm with vintage decor and old-world elegance.
Explore Room
Heritage Royal
15 Rooms · HVAC
Renovated heritage rooms blending classic character with modern comfort.
Explore Room
Imperial Room
16 Rooms · HVAC
Contemporary luxury with refined elegance and upgraded amenities.
Explore Room
Himalayan Suite
2 Suites · Jacuzzi
Modern luxury with spacious interiors and in-room Jacuzzi.
Explore Suite
Royal Suite
1 Suite · As Seen in 3 Idiots
The palace's crown jewel — opulent spaces designed for true royalty.
Explore Suite
Heritage Classic
Our original 1938 rooms, left as they were built. Vaulted ceilings, deodar panelling, brass wall lamps and hand-carved beds — furniture that has been in the family since the palace was raised. The windows open onto pine, and the only sound at night is the wind through the Deodars. Eight rooms, each slightly different from the next.
Heritage Royal
Beautifully blending heritage charm with modern comfort, these recently renovated rooms retain their classic character and elegant interiors while offering enhanced amenities. Equipped with centralized heating and air conditioning for year-round comfort.
Imperial Room
Newly renovated and designed to offer a blend of modern comfort and refined elegance. The interiors are contemporary, complemented by upgraded amenities to ensure a luxurious stay with centralized heating and air conditioning.
Himalayan Suite
Newly constructed, offering the perfect blend of modern luxury and timeless elegance. The interiors are contemporary and spacious, featuring premium amenities. The luxurious bathroom includes a Jacuzzi for a truly indulgent experience.
Royal Suite
Our highest room category, offering a luxurious heritage experience. Featuring two spacious rooms elegantly designed with classic heritage amenities. This suite holds special significance as scenes from the iconic movie 3 Idiots were filmed here.
Celebrate Your Royal Wedding
Royal Ballroom
Grand covered hall with luxurious interiors for up to 200 guests. 71' × 30' × 15'.
Garden of Princess
Vast open lawn for up to 500 guests with breathtaking sunrise & sunset views. 132' × 50'.
Emperor Garden
Covered lawn venue for up to 500 guests — weather-proof grandeur. 122' × 59'.
King's Garden
Versatile venue: open lawn (102' × 71', 250 pax) plus covered hall (70' × 42', 170 pax).
Wedding Enquiry
A Culinary Heritage
Five distinctive venues — from the trophy-adorned Tiger Lounge to the star-studded Hollywood Bar and our wood-fired Italian restaurant in Shimla, Heritage Cafe 1938. All open to visitors, not only house guests.
The Tiger Lounge
Multi-Cuisine · Fine Dining
The Hollywood Bar
1930s Bar · Craft Cocktails
A Legacy on Screen
Over 25 Bollywood films have been shot at Woodville Palace. The property has hosted Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini, Sanjay Dutt, Sushmita Sen, and many more legends of Indian cinema.
See All FilmsA Glimpse of the Palace
In the Heart of Shimla
On Raj Bhawan Road, just 800 metres from Mall Road — yet secluded within 4 acres of private Cedar and Pine forest. 23 km from Shimla Airport, 4 km from the heritage Kalka-Shimla railway station.
location_on Raj Bhawan Road, Shimla 171002
directions_walk 800m walk from Mall Road
temple_hindu 1.2 km from Jakhu Temple