Shimla has a new address on Prospect Hill, and it arrives with a much bigger plan behind it. Kerten Hospitality announced the launch of Cloud 7 Hotel The Forest Shimla on 26 October 2026, bringing its Cloud 7 lifestyle hospitality concept to one of northern India’s best loved hill destinations. The opening is the first visible step in the group’s plan to develop 1,000 keys across India in this phase of its expansion.
The property sits amid the forests and hills of Shimla, in Himachal Pradesh, and it has been positioned as a premium lifestyle destination resort for the Himalayan region rather than a conventional hill hotel. It opens with thoughtfully designed suites and rooms that offer panoramic views of the Himalayas. More is planned in phases, including dedicated wellbeing suites, a destination spa, a swimming pool and a gym, along with two private cottages and nine additional luxury suites.
A 1,000-key ambition for India
The Shimla launch matters because of what comes next. Kerten Hospitality says its initial target is 1,000 keys across three brands in India: Cloud 7, hosme and The House Hotel. The aim is a portfolio of locally rooted, experience-led lifestyle destinations in key markets across the country, built with owners and partners who share the group’s approach.
Marloes Knippenberg, the chief executive of Kerten Hospitality, described Shimla as an important step in that journey. She said the country offers significant potential for experience-led, lifestyle hospitality, and that the group is committed to building a meaningful long-term presence in India by working closely with owners and partners who share its vision.
What the hotel offers on Prospect Hill
The design and the daily programme both lean heavily on place. Kerten Hospitality says the property celebrates the culture, traditions and natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh through curated guest experiences, locally inspired design and engagement with local communities.
The facilities announced so far include:
- Suites and rooms with panoramic Himalayan views, opening first
- Wellbeing suites, a destination spa, a swimming pool and a gym, in a phased expansion
- Two private cottages and nine additional luxury suites
- Outdoor terraces with panoramic mountain views, plus event and meeting facilities
- Wellness experiences, lifestyle programming and seasonal events
- Locally inspired art and cultural experiences, developed with artists and craftspeople from Shimla and across Himachal Pradesh
The property will also work closely with regional farmers, Himalayan ingredient suppliers, cultural organisations and tourism partners, and it plans to engage with seasonal festivals and community events.
The Observatory Bar, and a sunset ritual
At the heart of the hotel is The Observatory Bar, a signature rooftop destination inspired by the line, “Where Mountains Meet the Stars.” It is designed as an intimate mountain lounge where guests can slow down and take in the Himalayan landscape from a new perspective.
The space uses low lounge seating, handcrafted walnut furniture and warm copper detailing. At its centre stands a nautical telescope, inviting guests to frame distant Himalayan peaks by day and to look at the moon and constellations above Shimla after sunset. Its drinks programme draws on Himalayan botanicals and locally sourced ingredients.
Each evening, the venue will host the Cloudfall Sessions, a daily sunset ritual built around a curated sunset soundtrack, a signature cocktail, a featured whisky and premium canapes, with a distinctive sunset service sequence. Guests and local residents are invited to gather, slow down and watch the light change over the mountains.
Food shaped by the mountains
The food and beverage programme celebrates the flavours and character of the Himalayas. It has been curated by Kerten Hospitality’s Michelin Star Chef Jaume Puigdengolas and developed around regional produce sourced from local farmers and producers.
The offering features elevated sharing plates and seasonal menus that evolve through the year, presenting contemporary interpretations of mountain cuisine.
Why Shimla, and why now
Shimla remains one of India’s most established mountain tourism destinations, and that is precisely the point. Kerten Hospitality is placing an experience-led hotel in a place travellers already know, then asking them to see it differently: through its forests, its food, its makers and its evening light.
Frequently asked questions
When did Cloud 7 Hotel The Forest Shimla open?
Kerten Hospitality announced the launch of the hotel on 26 October 2026, on Prospect Hill in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
What is Kerten Hospitality’s India expansion plan?
The group aims to develop 1,000 keys across its Cloud 7, hosme and The House Hotel brands in India in this phase of its expansion.
What facilities will the Shimla hotel have?
It opens with suites and rooms with panoramic Himalayan views, followed in phases by wellbeing suites, a destination spa, a swimming pool, a gym, two private cottages and nine additional luxury suites.
What is The Observatory Bar?
It is the hotel’s signature rooftop lounge, inspired by “Where Mountains Meet the Stars”, with a nautical telescope, Himalayan botanical drinks and the daily Cloudfall Sessions sunset ritual.
Who curates the hotel’s food programme?
The culinary programme has been curated by Michelin Star Chef Jaume Puigdengolas, using regional produce from local farmers and producers, with elevated sharing plates and seasonal menus.
Cloud 7 Hotel The Forest Shimla is a new lifestyle resort on Prospect Hill, Shimla. Travellers should check the hotel’s official channels for current availability, facilities and seasonal programmes before planning a stay.
