Cochrane Place

from $47
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1 / 6
Room with a view
“A wildly eccentric hotel in a stunning location in the village of Kurseong, in the West Bengal hills. Amazing views, characterful rooms and an excellent location – just up the road from Makaibari Tea Estate.”

Hotel review

Teetering on a hilltop just outside Kurseong, the restored colonial home of Scottish barrister Percy John Cochrane has breath-taking views of tea plantations, valleys and forested hills. The wood-panelled interiors are dated, but the house is full of intriguing eccentricities. The grand hallway has a collection of bird paintings, antique furniture and quirky sculptures, and outside, a yellow Beetle hangs on a wall and a giant steam train shelters a crumbling garden pathway. The 31 guest rooms are, similarly, tattered yet regal, and the atmosphere is homely, made more so by the presence of Chuggy, the cocker spaniel. The restaurant, Café Chai Country, feels like something out of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: a giant spout protrudes from one window and there are teapot-shaped boards, on which are scrawled quotes by famous writers, such as Sir Arthur Pinero’s witty words, “Where there’s tea, there’s hope”. One wall is made of glass, so you can enjoy Anglo-Indian delights with a magnificent vista. During the day, visit the old planters’ graveyard, go to nearby Makaibari Tea Estate and set out on a scenic walk with naturalist Kalyan Subba. Then unwind with one of the hotel’s signature stick massages in the spa.

Laura Griffith-Jones
Laura Griffith-Jones Review published: 31/10/2018

Recommended for

  • Historic

    • Restored British colonial house with original features

  • Sights nearby

    • Ghoom Monastry, Shiv Mandir, Ambootia Tea Factory

  • Views

    • Amazing views over the surrounding countryside

  • Spa

    • Ayurvedic treatments and Himalayan facials

  • Outstanding location

    • Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas

  • Great walks

    • Including trails along Balason River

  • Learning

    • Traditional music evenings

  • Romantic Break

  • Country House

  • Yoga

  • Trekking

  • Colonial

  • Total relaxation

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Local markets

  • Hideaway

  • Hills & mountains

  • Restaurant

  • Active Holiday

  • Child friendly

  • Rafting

  • Roof terrace

Facilities

  • Rooms

    31 rooms in this hotel

  • Views

    Amazing views over the surrounding countryside

  • Spa

    Ayurvedic treatments and Himalayan facials

  • Garden

    Orchids and fruit trees

  • Massage

  • No pets

  • Library

  • Bicycle hire

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Restaurant

  • Child friendly

  • Sitting Room

  • Hot Tub

  • Sauna/Steam

  • Games room

  • Bath robes

  • Parking

  • Roof terrace

  • Communal Dining

  • Outdoor dining

  • Internet

Activities

  • Sights nearby

    • Ghoom Monastry, Shiv Mandir, Ambootia Tea Factory

  • Great walks

    • Including trails along Balason River

  • Learning

    • Traditional music evenings

  • Yoga

  • Trekking

  • Local markets

  • Rafting

Map & Location

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Check availability on Booking.com