Fortune Resort Heevan, Srinagar – Member ITC Hotels’ Group

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what caught me off guard about Fortune Resort Heevan? The moment you walk in, there’s this immediate sense that you’re somewhere special – and I don’t just mean the obvious luxury touches. It’s actually the way they’ve managed to blend that polished ITC Hotels sophistication with something that feels authentically Kashmiri. The lobby has this warm, almost residential feel, like you’re visiting someone’s incredibly well-appointed home rather than checking into a corporate hotel chain.

The location in Gupta Ganga is honestly perfect if you want to feel connected to Srinagar without being right in the thick of the tourist chaos around Dal Lake. You’re close enough to everything that matters – I mean, you can easily get to the floating markets and shikaras – but far enough away that you actually get some peace in the evenings. The staff here really knows their stuff too, which makes a huge difference when you’re trying to navigate Kashmir for the first time. They’ll tell you which houseboats are worth visiting and which ones are tourist traps, stuff like that. I noticed they were particularly good at timing recommendations – like suggesting the best hours to visit Mughal gardens before they get crowded, or when the light is perfect for photos at Nishat Bagh.

What really sets this place apart though is how they handle the details that matter. The rooms are spacious in a way that feels generous rather than showy, and honestly, the beds are some of the most comfortable I’ve encountered in India – which is saying something after staying at dozens of hotels across the country. The heating actually works properly (crucial during Kashmir’s unpredictable weather), and there’s this attention to sound insulation that you don’t always find, even at five-star properties. You get mountain views from most rooms, but it’s not just about the scenery – it’s about waking up to complete quiet except for birds, which feels like a luxury in itself. The restaurant serves solid Kashmiri cuisine alongside the usual suspects, though I’d recommend asking your server about dishes that aren’t on the menu – they often have seasonal specialties that showcase local ingredients. Service throughout the hotel moves at that relaxed pace that works perfectly in Kashmir, where rushing around just doesn’t make sense anyway. Sure, it’s not the cheapest option in Srinagar, but for what you get – that combination of genuine comfort, local knowledge, and the reliability that comes with the ITC backing – it feels like good value, especially if you’re planning to use it as a base for exploring the valley rather than just passing through.