A stay at the Dalai-la Boutique Hotel, located right in the middle of the noisy, congested Thamel tourist quarter in Kathmandu, is a treat for the discerning tourist. Actually, the hotel started as a family home which the charming owner developed into a hotel and opened in 2014. Billed as a an eco-friendly heritage Nepali hotel, the 32 room facility does indeed have a distinct Nepali flavor with carved wooden window frames, brick facade, and antique Nepali furnishings throughout. The atmosphere is quiet and elegant. But most important, there is a sense of quiet and ease upon entering the high gates that sequester the facility from the teeming street.
Location, location, location
Location is of primary importance to the visiting tourist and the Dalai-la does not disappoint on this front. It is located in the tourist area called Thamel, which is convenient to many of the “must see” sights in Kathmandu including about a 15 minute walk from Durbar Square and a short cab ride to the Monkey Temple in Swayambhu. Day trips to Bhaktapur and Pattan are easily arranged as well.
Comfortable rooms
The thirty rooms spread out over five floors vary in size, but even the standard room is large and includes a small sitting area, ensuite bathroom with stall shower, electric kettle, and all the fixings for a cup of tea. The bathroom has a stall shower complete with lovely aromatic soap, and other toiletries in eco friendly packaging. The room fixtures are elegant, many of them Newari in origin and include brass water taps and sink, artwork on the walls, and table and chairs. Newari is the local ethnic group that settled the Kathmandu Valley centuries ago. The lamps flanking either side of the comfortable bed are made from Newar musical instruments that have been fashioned into lamps. The bedding is cotton and made locally in fair trade companies, and sinking into the bed after a long day of touring is lovely indeed.
Courtyard dining
On our plan, breakfast was included and served with a smile. There was a large selection ranging from full American or British breakfasts, many a la carte items, including fresh juices and fruits, and special requests were met with a smile. The service was outstanding and the food always good and fresh. The courtyard restaurant, called The Hub, offers day long dining with an emphasis on Continental and Italian cuisine, although Nepali fare is also available.
Additional services
A spa, exercise room, and yoga classes are also available at the Dalai-la. A full range of massages are on offer ranging from Ayurvedic to deep tissue, hot stones, and more. The prices are competitive with prices in other spas in the area, and the facilities are quieter and more luxurious than most. The exercise room has several pieces of exercise equipment if you still have energy after a full day of sightseeing or work, and the yoga studio is open for self-practice with no scheduled yoga classes. However, if you are interested, a special individual yoga class can be arranged for you.
Kathmandu Tour Guide
Dinesh Thapa Magar
Meet Dinesh, your go-to guide for an unforgettable Nepal experience. With years of expertise, he seamlessly blends city charm with mountain thrill. Let Dinesh unveil Nepal's secrets, from vibrant streets to towering peaks, creating memories that linger far beyond the journey.
Kathmandu Tour Guide
Kshitij
Kathmandu Tour Guide
Krishna Gautam
Namaskar (Hello)!Greetings from the land of discovery and adventure! I'm Krishna Gautam, a dedicated tour guide and travel planner for Nepal's breathtaking natural beauty and rich heritage of culture. I come with a Profound educational background and bring an original perspective to the journey. I received a master's degree in Rural Development and am currently pursuing an MPhil in Buddhist Studies and Yog Science at Tribhuvan University. In addition to my guiding experience, my university studies enable me to provide insightful commentary on Nepal's natural beauty and spiritual heart. With 29 years of expertise as a guide, I have been all throughout Nepal and have seen a variety of landscapes, from thrilling treks up to the basecamps of towering mountains to cultural journeys. I tailor every experience to fit your interests and schedule, whether it's taking in the colorful panorama of UNESCO World Heritage sites, going on challenging day treks, or taking all-inclusive round excursions to the most popular tourist attractions in Nepal, With so many attractions, Nepal has something to offer every kind of traveler. I promise that every second of your adventure will be full of excitement and discovery, from the busy streets of Kathmandu to the peaceful lakeside of Pokhara, from the greenery of Chitwan to the treasured birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini.Some of the well-known locations I specialize in are cultural tours of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered in Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Dolpo, Ganesh Himal, Panchpokhari, Rolwaling, Solukhumbhu (the region surrounding Mount Everest), Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. My first priority are your comfort and happiness, and I take great pride in creating customized itineraries that meet your goals and interests. Whether you are looking for peaceful moments of reflection in the middle of nature, I can create a unique experience just for you.Allow me to serve as your guide as you set off on a wonderful adventure to discover the wonders and mysteries of Nepal's breathtaking landscape and deep cultural legacy. Let us together make some memories.I'm excited to plan your journey on this amazing journey just for you!Thank you!
Dalai-la: a wonderful choice for a luxury stay in Kathmandu
The Dalai-la Boutique Hotel is an outstanding boutique hotel, centrally located in Thamel, Kathmandu. The staff is welcoming and most accommodating with all requests. After a few days at the hotel, you feel like family and are warmly welcomed every time you return. The beautiful decor and design add to the luxurious feeling of being well taken care of. On your next visit to Kathmandu, make sure you stop by.
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