Ooty, the capital of the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu, India, is a picture-perfect hill station and a popular tourist destination. One of its finest hotels, the Savoy, provides the sort of welcoming atmosphere and excellent staff that you'd expect from a Taj hotel. Traditionally appointed in keeping with its 180-year old history, it makes for a charming place to stay.

The facilities

The restaurant provides regional fare, with an excellent selection for vegetarians. Room service runs around the clock; there's a laid-back bar for evening cocktails. The six acres of garden are truly lovely, and there's a choice of recreational activities, from Ayurvedic treatments to badminton.

The rooms

Each of the Savoy Hotel's 40 rooms are located in colonial-style cottages dotted around the landscaped gardens. All have private sitting areas, flat screen televisions and nightly turn down as standard.