This loveable family hotel in Tadong, 3km below Gangtok, has corridors of botanical prints leading to spotless ensuite rooms. There's a lounge adorned with the hostess's needlepoint and unbeatable rooftop views are framed by a priceless collection of bonsai trees, some more than 50 years old. A Tadong shared taxi from town costs ₹20 (get off at SBI).
Back rooms are best for views and to avoid road noise. While the location might seem distant from central Gangtok, using shortcuts it's only around 15 minutes' walk from the Institute of Tibetology. The hosts can arrange shared jeep and taxi pickups, and a branch of Bakers Cafe right next door can provide the morning's caffeine fix. Laundry costs ₹100 per load.