2 Best Hotels in Nepal

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.

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.