Fortune Resort Grace, Mussoorie – Member ITC Hotels’ Group

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ll be honest – when I first walked into Fortune Resort Grace, I wasn’t expecting much from the exterior. It’s tucked right into Library Bazaar near Gandhi Chowk, and honestly, the building itself doesn’t scream luxury from the street. But step inside? Completely different story. The lobby hits you with this warm, woody vibe that actually feels mountain-appropriate, not like they just copied some generic hotel template.

What really got me was the location – you’re literally in the heart of everything without the chaos. I mean, Gandhi Chowk can get absolutely mental during peak season (avoid weekends in May if you value your sanity), but being slightly tucked away on Library Bazaar means you get the convenience without tour groups marching past your window at 6 AM. The staff here actually knows the area too, which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how many hotel folks can’t tell you which direction Kempty Falls is. They pointed me toward this little bakery down the lane that I never would’ve found otherwise – proper local coffee, not the instant stuff most places serve.

The rooms are where it gets interesting though. They’ve got this colonial-meets-modern thing going on that could’ve been tacky but somehow works. My room faced the valley (ask for valley-facing when you book – the town-side rooms get street noise), and honestly, waking up to those Doon Valley views made the whole trip worth it. The heating actually works too, which is crucial if you’re visiting during winter months – I’ve stayed at places in Mussoorie where you’re basically camping indoors. The bathroom’s properly done up with hot water that doesn’t cut out mid-shower, though the water pressure’s a bit temperamental on the higher floors. Food’s solid – their restaurant does decent North Indian fare, and the breakfast spread is better than most hill station hotels manage. You know what impressed me most though? The way they handle the power cuts that are pretty common up here. They’ve got backup sorted without making a big deal about it, so your phone stays charged and the WiFi doesn’t completely die every time the lights flicker.

Sure, it’s got that 7.8 rating for a reason – it’s not perfect. The elevators are slower than molasses, and during peak season the service can get stretched thin. But there’s something genuine about this place that you don’t get at the bigger chains. Maybe it’s because they’re part of ITC but still small enough to feel personal, or maybe it’s just that the location forces them to cater to people who actually want to experience Mussoorie rather than just Instagram it. Either way, if you’re looking for a proper base to explore the area without dealing with Mall Road madness, this works really well.