The Grand Hotel Cecil, constructed in 1851, was previously owned by Mr. Rivett Carnac and was situated on the extensive 13-acre Mount Oswald estate. It changed ownership multiple times until 1916 when John Faletti from Italy purchased it. Under Mr. Faletti's ownership, Cecil became one of the most sought-after locations in Murree.
In 1920, Mr. Faletti founded Associated Hotels of India, which included hotels such as Flashman's in Rawalpindi, Faletti's in Lahore, Dean's in Peshawar, Longwood in Simla, Cecil in Simla, and Cecil in Murree. Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi arrived in Simla in 1922 and sought employment. He was hired as a staff member in the boiler room at The Cecil, where he worked his way up the ranks. In 1944, Oberoi was able to acquire The Cecil as part of the Associated Hotels of India acquisition. His experience at the hotel, where he worked every job possible, helped him learn the hospitality trade and understand what motivates different types of hotel guests. Under Oberoi's ownership, The Cecil became the most desirable address and established its own legacy of luxury. Mr. Oberoi moved to India in 1947 but continued to manage the company's hotels in both India and Pakistan until PTDC took over The Cecil after the 1965 war.
In the 1990s, Imperial Builders purchased Cecil and the surrounding areas and constructed Cecil Apartments. Today, Cecil Heritage by Pearl-Continental is situated in the hills of Murree and has been restored to its original splendor. The hotel boasts beautiful floors, period furniture, and crackling fires, maintaining its exclusivity and colonial charm and elegance. As soon as you step through the front door, the inviting warm ambiance takes you back in time. Cecil Heritage is not just a hotel, but an experience in and of itself, located on Mountain View Road and accessible from both GPO and The Mall.
