Darjeeling

Full of charming touches such as coloured diamond-pane windows, a traditional bukhari (wood-fired oven) in the cosy and sociable lounge-library, wood panelling and sloping-attic ceilings. — Lonely Planet

Run by the good people at Dekeling Hotel, this is a quiet, exclusive place, 1km outside of Darjeeling en route to the Japanese Pagoda. — Lonely Planet

Originally a maharaja’s summer palace but renovated within an inch of its life, this plush choice sits among manicured gardens and a bizarre collection of kitschy sculptures. — Lonely Planet

This very good-value place is sparkling clean, with 24-hour hot water, a comfy lobby lounge, views from the rooftop and upper floors, and 16 small but neat white rooms with good mattresses. — Lonely Planet

Clean, bright and modern rooms make this a solid, central option, with profits going to the attached Manjushree Centre of Tibetan Culture. There are great views from the rooftop. — Lonely Planet

This atmospheric but somewhat faded old-school building has a variety of renovated wood-panelled rooms, most of which come with grass-mat floors and a bukhari. — Lonely Planet

— Afar Magazine

Offers comfortable but somewhat pricey overnight accommodation in Rimbik at the trailhead of the Singalila Ridge Trek. — Lonely Planet

This quaint, rambling relic of the Raj on Observatory Hill offers one of Darjeeling’s most atmospheric digs. — Lonely Planet

Offers cheap overnight accommodation in Rimbik at the trailhead of the Singalila Ridge Trek. — Lonely Planet

A budget travellers’ favourite, with a good top-floor restaurant (and cold beer), lending library, helpful owners and wood-lined rooms. — Lonely Planet

This friendly Tibetan-run place on the edge of the bazaar has pleasant wood-skirted rooms with clean toilets. — Lonely Planet

This Beatles-themed hotel is a must for fans. — Lonely Planet

The Snowlion provides a friendly Tibetan welcome and cosy, clean, pine-panelled rooms with soft beds and Tibetan rugs and cushions. — Lonely Planet

A surprising number of Darjeeling's best-run hotels are Tibertan-owned and this is one of them, with a tasteful Tibetan theme throughout in the rugs, photos, prints cushions and even the bedroom cups. — Lonely Planet

A two-hour drive from Rimbik near Bijanbari, this cheerful place is managed by Andrew Pulger-Frame, whose Sikkimese grandparents once ran an estate from the main house here. — Lonely Planet

A simple budget option, with small but neat rooms and hot-water buckets in the cheaper rooms. — Lonely Planet