I have seen mixed reviews on the Rashmi Guest House property in Varanasi. We are debating staying here or Ramada. We have heard the Ramada is far away from the Ganges. Is this true? We are only here one nite. What are your opions? Thanks.

The Ramada is far from the Ganges but if you have a driver that won't matter. Ramada btw is just ok...not exactly a luxury resort but then there aren't any in Varanasi.

If you are only there for one night, I would recommend you stay on or near the ghats. One of the best things to do in Varanasi is take a sunrise boat ride on the river. If you have to drive 45 minutes in fro m your hotel, the odds are good you'll miss the sunrise.

I had a poor experience at the Rashmi GH. Would recommend Temple on the Ganges (I've toured this one) or Palace on the Ganges (where We spent a couple of nights). Both are at Assi Ghat, which is a nice area. Quieter, less traffic, some nice shops and dining in the area. From here you can hire a boat to take you up along the ghats.

A boat is about 150Rs for an hour ride. Cycle rickshaws are 20-30 up to Goudualia (sp?) or the Main ghat.

"The Ramada is far from the Ganges but if you have a driver that won't matter." IMHO it does matter - staying on the the river is a remarkable experience not to be missed.

Definately stay at the Rashmi Guest House...The first time i was in Varanasi for 2 nights, we stayed near the Ramada, and then went last September and stayed at Rashmi Guesthouse, and the experience is definately much better staying on the Ganges...u should not miss it..

Rashmi Guesthouse - mediocre BUT doable for 1 night and well worth it for the river front experience - as thursdaysd says not to be missed!

Let me add my voice to those saying to stay at the ghats; fascinating and unique. If you can get the Ganges View Guesthouse, I'd do it! The meals there are very nice, and the decor is charming. (It's also at Asi Ghat.)

Another vote for the river, especially if you are only going to be in Varanasi one night. Traffic and congestion in Varanasi are terrible, and even with a car and driver you'll be spending too much time getting to and from the river, where everything is happening -- the boat ride on the Ganges, early morning bathing, evening Arti ceremony. I stayed at Rashmi Guest House and rooms and bathroom were clean but tiny with flourescent type lighting, and water from the tub shower got all over the bathroom floor, but I didn't mind for one night. The public areas were cheerful and Ramesh the manager couldn't have been more welcoming and accommodating. I liked the location near the main ghat, with a nice view of the River from the rooftop restaurant terrace, and very near to the winding alleys where the bazaar and main temples are located. It was great to be able to just wander around.