Rooms with a view: Boutique hotel ‘Dar-Es-Salam’ is a feast of Kashmiri art decor
Built as a family home at the banks of Nigeen Lake in the early 1940s by a resident of Srinagar, ‘Dar-Es-Salam’ is an aesthetic retreat exuding the unmistakable charm of fine workmanship by Kashmiri artists.
Perched amidst the majestic grove of chinar tree with the placid lake to surfeit one’s eye, the boutique hotel Dar-Es-Salam’ stands in the glory of heavenly beauty of the valley. The Art decor facade with heritage interiors of Lobbies and rooms are decorated with Kashmiri artefacts and antiques. Most of the rooms are overlooking the lake and the lotus pond nearby. Lone Cedar tree adorns the garden overlooking the lake.
The establishment carries a legacy of resident Maqsud Ali who wanted to build a fishing house near Nigeen Lake. Archtecuture of old houses in Kashmir has had Persian, Mughal and British influences. It was the desire of the grandfather of the current owner of hotel to imbue the interiors with Kashmiri arts and crafts.
The interiors manifest an umimpeachable Kashmiri workmanship with Khatamband ceilings carved in deodar—a technique of geometric wood blocks, fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle. Persian rugs, ornate walnut-wood bars and consoles, carved detailing on furniture, brass, copper and silverware, and papier mâché assortments which cast a magnetic effect to the patrons. The antique mahogany cupboard displays pieces from the family’s collection of Chinese porcelain vases and tiles of European origin.
