Overview
We've assembled a list of Kathmandu hotels that our local Nepal experts recommend. Most of these hotels are locally owned and have an authentic quality to them. Alternatively, if you're looking to escape the city for an overnight stay, check out our overview of great hotels around Kathmandu Valley.
Are you planning a trip to Nepal?
Whether you are looking to do a trek, or cultural tour, our specialists can help you craft the perfect tour of Nepal. Get in touch now to get started on your trip.
#1 The Inn Patan
The inn in Patan is a boutique heritage hotel transformed from a traditional brick and timber Nepalese home, a 1-minute walk from Patan Durbar Square. If you are looking to make your stay in Kathmandu truly unique we highly recommend the Inn. The hotel only has 10 rooms and sells out often.
Price: around $150 USD per night (hotel prices vary by season and depending on demand)
Key features:
- A nice patio with a tranquil vibe. Great to enjoy meals or a coffee
- Beautifully appointed rooms, in traditional Newari style, but upgraded to meet today's comfort standards.
- Located just a 1-minute walk from historic Patan Durbar square
#2 Shambaling Boutique Hotel
Shambaling Boutique Hotel is a quiet hotel with a spiritual vibe. It is operated by a Sherpa family who originates from the Himalayan foothills near Everest. It is located in the Boudha neighborhood of Kathmandu, and a pleasant 7-minute walk along back alleys and local markets from the famous Boudhanath Stupa.
Key features:
- Very nicely appointed rooms that show that the owners really care about their hotel. Each floor has its own color theme.
- Spacious garden and rooftop that is being used for yoga events.
- A short, pleasant walk from the Boudhanath Stupa, which allows you to experience Buddhist rituals during the early mornings
Price: from $70 USD per night
#3 Dwarika's Hotel
While beyond most travelers' budget, no list of Kathmandu hotels is complete without Dwarika's, Kathmandu's undisputed top luxury hotel. Dwarika's features beautiful architecture, friendly, attentive staff, and fine dining. The hotel is still operated by its founders, the Shresta family.
Key features:
- Beautiful heritage architecture. Large, well-appointed rooms
- Three top of the line restaurants
- A beautiful inner courtyard
Website: http://www.dwarikas.com/home
Price: from $400 USD per night
#4 Hotel Manaslu
Hotel Manaslu appeals to travelers with a taste for classic heritage design. Founded in 1972, the hotel has an authentic character. The interior is decorated with plenty of carved dark wood, similar to the style you find in temples on Durbar Square.
Key features:
- Lobby, covered patio, and garden with a relaxed vibe. The garden features a nicely sized swimming pool.
- Located in quiet neighborhood, but only a 20-minute walk or 10-minute cab ride from bustling Thamel
- Classic heritage design, similar in style to Dwarika's
Website: https://hotelmanaslu.com/
Price: from $70 USD per night
#5 Kathmandu Guest House
Kathmandu Guest House is a classic Kathmandu hotel in the heart of Thamel. Its key feature is its large, relaxing garden, which forms an oasis in the otherwise bustling tourist neighborhood Thamel.
Key features:
- Large, relaxed garden with lounge chairs
- Location in the heart of Thamel
- A great place to meet other travelers
Website: https://ktmgh.com/kathmandu-guest-house/
Price: from $80 USD per night
#6 "Stay with a Sherpa Family" and other Airbnbs
The rise of Airbnb has widened lodging options for travelers. Airbnb lists hundreds of rooms, apartments, and homes, starting at about $10 USD, and on average around $25 USD. Our favorite is "Stay with a Sherpa Family" by our very own local expert Ngima, but of course, there are many other options to choose from on AirBnb.
Key features:
- Homestay with a friendly Sherpa family
- Learn about Ngima's family and their history
- Taste homemade Dahl Bhat made by Ngima's wife Kami Doma, and drink some Tongba or beer
Price: from $10 - $100 USD per night
#7 Radisson Hotel Kathmandu
The Radisson is a bit of an outlier in this list since it isn't a locally owned boutique hotel. The reason we've included it is it's unique rooftop treadmills and pool. Also, it's a good hotel for travelers looking for a comfortable option while getting ready for their trek or climbs.
Key features:
- Rooftop outdoor swimming pool with great views of the city and mountains.
- Rooftop treadmills looking out over the swimming pool and the city
- Solid rooms, and a large lobby
Website: https://www.radisson.com/kathmandu-hotel-np/nepkathm
Price: from $110 USD per night
Are you planning a trip to Nepal?
Now that you've found the perfect place to stay in Kathmandu, ask your kimkim specialist to integrate it into your custom-made trip to Nepal. Get started here