Ilbert Manor

Sir Courtenay Ilbert served as the Law Member of Viceroy Lord Ripon’s Council from 1882 to 1886. He is best remembered for drafting the Ilbert Bill of 1883, which proposed allowing senior Indian judges to try European British defendants in criminal cases. Until then, even highly qualified Indian judges were barred from trying white people. The proposal caused an extraordinary racist backlash from the European community in India and was eventually passed only in a heavily diluted form. But what a visionary, right!Given that history, I came to Ilbert Manor expecting to find some trace of the man and the controversy attached to his name—perhaps his library, his snooker table, personal belongings, or at least a detailed account of his life. Unfortunately, very little of that history seems to remain.As a hotel, it is a pleasant and surprisingly affordable property with lovely views. Take a room on the first floor if possible. If you're coming with a car, you'll have to call the property—the access is though a corridor sized lane. But their expert driver will seamlessly drive. However, the property badly needs maintenance. The carpets felt dirty and damp, and there were visible patches of dampness on the walls. The breakfast options are very limited. And the waiters are not very obliging.Overall, it felt less like staying in a carefully preserved heritage property and more like visiting the old house of an elderly relative who has not renovated in a long time. Charming in parts, but a missed opportunity considering the remarkable history attached to the place.Also mildly heartbreaking, because clearly no one who works there gets why old photos, and random photos of while people bought on wholesale are and should be treated differently.

Group • India • Jul 2026

All the furniture cushions, including sofas and chairs, were stained and unclean. The price seems high considering the level of cleanliness maintained. Overall, the property is quite beautiful but not well maintained. It has a vintage and manor-like atmosphere. The location is very near to Library Chowk. They offer shuttle service all day to help with transportation. The place offers a sunrise view in the morning.

It was good although the location is very downhill but they provide with complimentary services from top till the hotel and vice versa

Group • India • Jul 2026

Reviews for this property are misleading and inaccurate. Access by car is difficult, requiring considerable effort and skill to navigate the narrow lane. The hotel is about 300 meters from Mall Road, and while they offer car pick-up and drop-off until 8pm, if you want to dine or enjoy the evening weather at Mall Road, walking is the only option. The property is old and rundown, so don't be misled by the fancy name or heritage label. Cleanliness is lacking throughout; furniture, carpets, and flooring all need repair and cleaning. Breakfast is mediocre, with basic items like coffee and eggs not done well. The only positives are the weather and nearby hills, but the room balconies have limited hill views due to trees blocking the sight. It's not suitable for senior citizens, and there are no activity areas for kids or adults. Overall, you may feel stuck once you arrive here, so it's best to avoid it.

It is a beautiful hertitage property with scenic views and vintage artefacts decorating their hallways and rooms. Because it is old, you might find issues with things like leaking bathrooms or torn carpets and their rooms get very cold but they have a heater. The staff is amazing. The food is good too!

Couple • India • Jul 2026