History
The Cecil had quite modest beginnings in 1883 as a one storied house, the Tendril Cottage with its famed inhabitant- Rudyard Kipling. It is claimed that Rudyard Kipling frequented the house where he wrote his novels, including “Plain tales from the Hills”, inspired by Shimla.
Mohan Singh Oberoi arrived in Shimla in 1922, when after numerous owners the Cecil was bring run by John Faletti. Thus began an enduring legacy. Mohan Singh Oberoi quickly rose up the ranks and formed a strong relationship with the new manager Mr. Ernest Clarke.
Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi acquired the Cecil as a part of the acquisition of the Associated Hotels of India in 1944. Soon, The Cecil became the address that every one wanted to be seen at. The famous Balls and Floor shows and Lola, the dancer added to the charm of the hotel.
The hotel was closed in 1984 for extensive renovation and refurbishment and was reopened in 1997, restored to a style befitting its past glory, worthy of the Oberoi’s present.
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—William James (1842–1910)
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—Conor Cruise O’Brien (b. 1917)