5 Best Hotels in Nepal

Located in the heart of Thamel—the northern district that has been the core of Kathmandu's tourist industry since the hippy days of the 1960s—this place is down a small side alley and offers a haven of peace away from the dust, noise and general chaotic disorder of the surrounding streets. Stepping into the small but perfectly formed lobby is an immediate return to calm and orderliness. For extra quiet, ask for a room at the back. One of the oldest hotels in Thamel, it dates from 1972. The lobby has a colonial feel and there's a small but pretty garden at the back where breakfast is served. Space here is a premium and the rooms are on the small side, but are perfectly comfortable. The central location, effusively helpful staff, and high standards of cleanliness make this a good value and a convenient base from which to explore the downtown area.

An oasis of calm amid this often frantic city, Dwarika's is a little out of the center, but close to important sights, such as Pashupathinath temple and the Buddhist stupa at Bodnath. This lovely building, filled with intricate wooden carvings, is the perfect blend of tradition and luxury. At the center is a garden courtyard, complete with swimming pool and a poolside bar. Rooms are large and well appointed, and the service impeccable. The three restaurants serve both Japanese and Nepalese food, which is tasty, if not exactly cheap. And if just being there isn't pampering enough for you, the hotel's spa and daily yoga classes will complete the job. This may be expensive (by Nepalese standards), but is worth the extra for those that can afford it.

Located in the heart of the bustling—some say maddeningly frantic—Thamel district, this inn offers a rock-bottom option in a great location. If you're looking for 5-star comforts you will have to dig deeper into your pocket, but the Silver Home can offer a friendly welcome and basic facilities at knock-down prices. Rooms may be sparsely furnished, but are very clean and still have en suite facilities and Wi-Fi. The airport pick-up is free. And the mountain views from the rooftop terrace come at no extra cost.

One of Kathmandu's newer kids on the block, this luxurious design hotel is a few miles (an easy taxi ride) northeast of the center, but very close to Bodnath Stupa. The décor is modern, but far from sterile—the wooden carvings and fabric designs ensure a generous nod to ancient Nepalese traditions while providing all the creature comforts you would expect from a 5-star resort. Rooms are sumptuously comfortable and clean, and the hotel's restaurant and spa facilities are both excellent. But the clincher for many is the rooftop breakfast terrace, which offers an unbeatable view across to the nearby stupa.

Close to the city center, this large white mansion dating from 1894 was once a royal palace—several former Nepalese queens were born here before it was bought and converted into a hotel in the 1960s. With such a pedigree, you would expect a certain degree of elegance and historic charm, and you won't be disappointed. The interior public areas are verging on the spectacular, and many of the guest rooms are barley less impressive. Some are huge and all are luxurious, with wooden floors and stylish period décor. The building is set in extensive gardens that also contain a large outdoor pool. The most surprising aspect of all however, is that if you book well in advance, all this opulence can be yours for remarkably few of your hard-earned dollars.