Oops! Hit the button too soon! Have reservations Hyatt Kathmandu for March for our family. Seems comfortable, price is ok, but do they find lots of extra charges. I asked about transportation from airport. It is $5 person in van ($45 for us). Should we take taxi? Silly to worry about such small stuff on such big trip, but sometimes the littles things are a pain. Better to know in advance.

We stayed at the Hyatt in Kathmandu and really enjoyed it. It is walking distance to Boudnath and Pasupatinath.

I don't remember paying for the van to the hotel. Maybe it was included because we were in the Regency Club. But for 5 of you, it would take two taxis... it's probably easier to take the van even though the price seems high. Also, while there are lots of taxi touts at the airport, telling them you are being picked up by the hyatt will mean they won't bother you and will even show you the way to the Hyatt van.

If you haven't read mu trip report, you might find it helpful http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...mandu-2008.cfm

i also will be staying at hyatt... there is always tax and service added, but this is standard... i think $5 ea is cheap... if you have extra beds in your room there is a charge for this.... anything over 2 persons in a room, except young children, costs extra..

Kathie, I not only read your report but printed it out for the whole family to read. We are going to Kath before and after a week in Bhutan. I think it might be good to have a guide with us in Nepal for one or two days. What do you think? Getting a van big enough for the 5 of us plus driver/guide possible? Should we do this thru Hyatt? Since we will have two nights Nepal before we will do some sightseeing then (plus recover from the flights). But will have 4 full days after Bhutan. I don't think we will get beyond Kath valley, but should be able to see all the major sights. Any ideas very welcome.
rhkkmk..when will you be at Hyatt? Van is $9 a person, more typos from me. Will take cabs. We have reserved 3 rooms with breakfast but not club.

I'm sure the Hyatt can make arrangements for a van and driver for you. I'd contact the concierge in advance. In general, I'd use the official guides at the sites you visit (e.g., the Durbar Squares and such).

I loved the Hyatt, the location was great - within easy walking distance of Boudha, my favorite part of Kathmandu.

They arranged a very good driver for me. Maybe I could've found someone cheaper, but it was easy and convenient. And like Kathie, I'm pretty sure they picked me up at the airport for no charge.

Also, the food in the restaurant at the Hyatt was surprisingly good - and affordable too.

Have a great trip!

I second what's been said about the Hyatt. Very nice rooms and the restaurants, especially the Italian one, are very good. There is a short cut to walk to Bodnath, out the back gate. Ask the hotel people where it is. There are many taxis lined up outside the gate to take you where you may want to go, but if you would need more than one, it might be cheaper to hire a large van for your day trips.

Nice upscale hotel walk to all the sights

but sort of an insular experience

when I was there a few years ago.

Cabs always cheaper than hotel pickup.

lots of extra charges if not Regency Gold member

like $10/hr for internet and beware the cold buffet...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...ency_Kathmandu

Happy Joureny,

we will be there from 11/6 to 11/11

We are going middle March 2011 so we can give updated report.