Just read the post about your hotel, that sounds like a really fulfilling experience. I'm a tech and automobile journalist myself, and just did my first trip to the Himalayas as part of RE's Himalayan Odyssey, and man it was an experience. Unfortunately, didn't pass through Manali.
Hoping to do a few more trips to the mountains with friends on a more relaxed schedule sometime in future. Nice to know that a fellow member of the community with similar interests has a hotel there.
All the best for your endeavour!