This describes itself as the only luxury star hotel in Leh and is the best (and most expensive) place to stay.
It is on the outskirts of Leh on Old Leh Road. It is a large white building with brown window frames with attached conference centre and banquet hall. There is a small garden in front with chairs and canopies.
There is a large reception area with lounge and small shop selling post cards, books and a range of gifts to the right and restaurant and coffee shop down the corridor to the left. There are stairs and lifts to the upper floors. We were dealt with quickly and efficiently when we checked in and our bags were taken to our room.
We were given a room on the third floor with views south over the Stok Range (bare rocky mountain sides with dusting snow on top overlooking flat river valley with trees and fields), golf course and muddle of mud brick housing with prayer flags on the roofs. Rooms on the other side of the corridor had views to Leh Palace.
It was a large room with big comfortable bed, two armchairs, table and desk/working area with flat screen TV above and a hanging area. The bathroom had an effective shower but no bath. There was a supply of toiletries and the towels were good. Both bedroom and bathroom were spotlessly clean. The room was warm.
Internet is available in the room at 200r for 60minutes.
The dining room has considerable style with beautifully painted woodwork. A buffet with a range of vegetarian dishes and one or two meat options was laid out on a long table at one end. There was high staff presence in dining room. Staff were very friendly and helpful and explained the different dishes and how they were cooked. They kept us well supplied with black tea and were very concerned we had enough to eat. (We enjoyed the food so much we ate more than enough). We especially enjoyed soup and naan.
Breakfast was a help yourself buffet in the coffee shop, which got all the morning sun. There was cereal (with hot milk), a selection of Indian dishes, eggs and toast.
We had an all inclusive rate. Bottled water was charged 55r extra, but there was no charge for cooled boiled water or tea.
The electricity supply in Leh can unreliable and would cut out for a few minutes, which made us think twice about using the lift…
We enjoyed our stay here. It was a nice room with a great view. The staff were excellent. We can recommend it as a place to stay in Leh.
The Grand Dragon website www.thegranddragonladakh.com/.
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