Best areas to stay in Nainital
Mallital and Mall Road
Central hotels close to The Flats, Naina Devi Temple, the ropeway, markets and restaurants.
Good
- Walk to everything
- Most choice of hotels
- Lake views from many rooms
Keep in mind
- Crowded and noisy in season
- Parking is scarce
- Prices rise sharply on weekends
Best for: First-timers, families, short stays
Tallital
Hotels at the southern end of the lake near the bus stand and taxi stand.
Good
- Easy arrival and departure
- Good value
- Short walk to Mall Road
Keep in mind
- Busy around the bus stand
- Farther from Mallital sights
Best for: Bus and train travellers, budget stays
Hills above town
Hotels and cottages on the slopes towards Snow View, Ayarpatta and the Kaladhungi road.
Good
- Quieter
- Wide views over the lake
- Some have parking
Keep in mind
- Steep roads
- Need a taxi or a stiff walk to Mall Road
Best for: Couples, views, quieter nights
Bhimtal, Sattal and Pangot
Resorts, lakeside hotels and forest homestays 15-25 km from town.
Good
- Calm and green
- More space and parking
- Often better value
Keep in mind
- Drive to Nainital each day
- On busy days entry to Nainital town can be restricted
Best for: Road trips, longer stays, nature
Tips for booking a stay in Nainital
- Book well ahead for May, June, October, Christmas, New Year and long weekends; on peak weekends hotels sell out completely.
- If you are driving, choose a hotel with confirmed parking and carry the booking, as police check vehicles at the edge of town on busy days.
- In winter, check that rooms have heaters and hot water.
- 'Lake view' rooms vary a lot; ask for photos.
- For quiet, stay midweek or at one of the nearby lakes.
Where to Stay in Nainital: FAQs
Which is the best area to stay in Nainital?
Mallital and Mall Road for convenience, Tallital if you are arriving by bus, the hills above town for quiet and views, and Bhimtal or Sattal if you want space and parking.
Is it better to stay in Nainital or Bhimtal?
Stay in Nainital if you want to walk to the lake, markets and viewpoints. Stay in Bhimtal for a calmer, cheaper base with easier parking, and drive to Nainital for the day.
