I chose King's Cliff based on the reviews here and the editor's recommendations on Outlook Traveller. And I'm glad I made that choice. I love anything colonial, and King's Cliff is the perfect piece of ancient art that I could dwell in albeit for just the three days.
Location :
King's cliff is perched on Havelock Hill, an imposing rock overlooking the valley of Ooty. It is secluded from the hustle bustle of holiday noise yet offers delightful views of the mountains on the horizon and the town below. About 2km, from the city center, it is easy to locate once you reach the Collectorate junction. Take the road adjoining St. Stephens and follow the signposts for The Monarch to begin with and the Willow Hill a little later. Beautiful narrow lanes take you to the mansion that reminds one of Vidhu Vinod Chopra's '1942 A Love Story'.
Accommodation :
This is where I made the best decision. Most of the bad reviews on King's Cliff here are because people chose the Executive Room, the lowest of the three options. I chose Standard and you also have the option of Deluxe. Standard is just one room 'Prospero' with a nice fireplace, spacious beds and a little room to walk around. Please refer to King's Cliff's website for more details. Point to note is that the prices on weekends vary from weekdays.
Ambiance :
I love this part. You are transformed into pre Independence times and feel you are living among the British. Rich wooden flooring and furnishings all around, fireplaces to keep off the cold, a lazy library with super comfortable chairs you can doze off in, lovely lovely karaoke in the evenings, the English courtyard, the glasshouse ah, the glasshouse, the vintage car, the old photographs and the divine chirping of the birds will make you feel in a different magical world.
Food :
Tourists from all over Ooty visit the restaurant 'Earl's Secret' at King's Cliff. That stands for the quality of food you get. I tried only the Indian cuisine but you have options in Chinese and Continental as well. The garlic nan melts in your mouth and the spicy kadai chicken (a chef's special not in the menu) is an absolute delight. The mutton roganghost was awesome too.
Breakfast buffet is served in the beautiful beautiful greenhouse. Food is average, choice limited.
Facilities :
If you are here for the facilities, you are at a wrong place. Satellite TV didn't work throughout our stay because of too much cloud but you aren't at Ooty to watch TV. There is no swimming pool or gym (the same reasons as TV apply here). Fireplace is beautiful but is more a fun thing than a respite from cold. You are provided with a room heater on request. Hot water is supposed to be available from 6am-10am and from 6pm-10pm. Reality is 7am-10am. In the evenings, water is lukewarm, just bearable. Room Diary says wifi is available but it isn't. Beds are super comfortable, room spacious enough, bathroom surprisingly good.
Service :
People are very cordial and helpful. Some of the waiters are knowledgeable and very attentive. In short, they make you feel at home and a little more. You actually feel like a little royal.
Overall :
My Ooty experience was amazing and King's Cliff played a major part in it. I haven't stayed at other places in Ooty so I can't compare, but, I will definitely vouch for King's Cliff to make your stay comfortable and beautiful.