The Hosteller Shimla (the mall)

The Hosteller Shimla sits close to Mall Road in the heart of Shimla - a rare spot for a backpacker hostel that doesn't require a long cab ride to reach the action. The three-storey property offers private rooms and dorms, floor-to-ceiling windows with mountain views, a rooftop café, and a lively common area. For pet parents, the headline is simple: book a private room and your dog is welcome.

What pet parents need to know before booking

The pet policy here is clear-cut: private room, yes; dorm, no. If you're travelling with your dog and looking for a budget-friendly stay in Shimla, you'll need to book one of the private rooms - which come with an attached washroom, TV, electric kettle, complimentary toiletries, Wi-Fi, and daily housekeeping. That's a solid set of in-room amenities for a hostel-format property. No pet-specific amenities (bowls, beds, etc.) are listed, so pack what your dog needs. Pet charges are not published - call or message the property on 098168 22201 to confirm any fees before arrival.

Location logistics with a dog

This is the detail that matters most if you're driving to Shimla with a pet: cars are not allowed beyond Mall Road. Paid parking is available at Lift Parking, approximately 700 metres from the property, at ₹370 for 12 hours. From there, reaching the hostel involves a 10–15 minute uphill walk or hike depending on the route you take. There are two routes - a longer 20-minute walk or a shorter but steeper 15-minute hike. With a dog in tow, factor this into your planning and travel light. The hostel has no elevator, so also keep that in mind if you're on an upper floor.

The hostel experience beyond the room

The Hosteller Shimla has a vegetarian café (Myngl Cafe), a cozy library, indoor games, board games, a movie projector, and one of the better common areas among Shimla's budget stays. Heaters and electric blankets are available on a chargeable basis through their Glu app - useful in the colder months. The property is adults-only (18+), which means a quieter, more controlled environment for your dog compared to family-heavy resorts. The hostel is accessible only on foot from Mall Road, so the immediate surroundings are pedestrian and relatively calm - good for dogs that don't do well around heavy traffic.

Getting there: From the new bus stand, take a cab or bus to The Lift. Buy a ₹20 ticket and ride the escalator up to Mall Road. At the front, you'll see Indira Gandhi Sports Complex - take the upward trail to the left towards Indian Bank, walk 10 minutes, and you'll reach The Hosteller. Shimla Railway Station is about 18 km away; Shimla Airport is approximately 23 km (about 55 minutes). Nearest address: The Hosteller, Hotel Mehman, near Daizy Bank Estate, The Mall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001. Phone: 098168 22201. Website: thehosteller.com