Where to Stay in Varanasi. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation

Accommodation Types

From spiritual retreats to luxury stays, Varanasi has a place for all travelers.

Common Lodging

Hostels:
Budget-friendly with dormitory beds and common areas. Good for meeting others. Find hostels on Hostelworld.
Guesthouses:
A lot of local options, some with Ganges views. A personal, local feel.
Mid-range Hotels:
Comfortable stays with modern amenities, including AC and Wi-Fi. Explore options on Booking.com.
Luxury Hotels:
Premium services, fine dining, and serene environments like Taj Ganges. Discover IHG Hotels.

Unique Local Stays

Haveli Stays:
Traditional mansions converted to boutique properties, blending history and comfort.
Ashram Stays:
Basic accommodations for spiritual immersion, participation in everyday schedules expected.
Vacation Rentals:
Apartments or homes for rent, offering a local living experience. Search Vrbo. TrustedHousesitters offers alternatives.
Camping:
Not exists within the urban landscape of Varanasi.

Neighborhood Guide

Varanasi's neighborhoods each have a distinct character, shaping your visit.

Ghats Area

Spiritual and cultural hub. Daily rituals and continuous activity on the waterwaybanks.

Advantages

Authentic, immersive experience.
Close to Ganges and Ganga Aarti.
Lively, spiritual atmosphere.
Many river-view guesthouses.

Considerations

Can get extremely busy and noisy.
Small laneways, limited vehicle access.
Luxury restricted options.
Alleys disorienting at night.

Lanka / Bhelupur Area

Quieter, more residential, near Banaras Hindu University. Relaxed atmosphere.

Advantages

Generally cleaner, less congested.
Modern facilities, cafes, shops.
Relatively easy transport access.
Very safe neighborhood.

Considerations

Further from main ghats, transport needed.
Lacks ancient charm of old city.
Less immediate spiritual immersion.
Limited traditional street food.

Cantonment Area

Modern, organized, plus premium part of Varanasi. Many luxury hotels.

Advantages

Clean, spacious, well-maintained.
Comfort and modern amenities.
Easy taxi or app-cab access.
Very safe and well-patrolled.

Considerations

No traditional charm or spiritual atmosphere.
Distant from Ganges and main ghats.
Requires transportation to old city.
Few local street market experience.

Safety and Connectivity

Safety Notes:

Ghats area: Generally safe due to constant activity, watch for pickpockets in crowds. Alleys disorienting at night. Lanka: Very safe. Cantonment: Very safe and patrolled.

Connectivity:

Ghats area: Walking distance. Lanka: Good transport links to ghats. Cantonment: Close to Varanasi Junction railway station and airport.

Booking Strategies

Thoughtful booking secures suitable accommodation, especially during high demand.

Advance Booking for Seasons

Peak Season (Oct-Mar): Book 3-6 months ahead, especially for festivals like Diwali and Dev Deepawali.
Shoulder Season (Sep, Apr): Booking 1-2 months in advance typically sufficient.
Low Season (May-Aug): Good deals and availability, even a few weeks before.
Early booking brings peace of mind and wider selection.

Booking Channels

International Platforms: Use Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, or direct hotel websites.
Direct Booking: Contact properties for potentially better rates or promotions.
Secure Payment: Utilize platforms with secure payment options.
Review Options: Online platforms display ratings and photos.

Policies and Pricing

Deposit & Cancellation:

Always check deposit rules and cancellation terms.
Understand deadlines for free cancellation to avoid penalties.
Confirmation of your booking information includes policy terms.
Review policies carefully before confirming.

Price Trends:

Higher prices during high season and major festivals.
Reduced rates during hot summer months and monsoon season.
Tourist numbers influence pricing.
Plan accordingly for budget optimization.

Negotiation Insights

Walk-in Rates:

For smaller guesthouses, some flexibility for negotiation, especially off-season or long stays.

Large Hotels:

Less common for negotiation at larger hotels or during peak times.

Flexibility:

Negotiation mostly applies to independent properties, not hotel chains.

Accommodation Picks

Compare top picks across various categories for your travel style.

Budget Options

Pros:

Hostels like Zostel Varanasi and Wander Thirst Hostels, and basic guesthouses like Ganpati Guest House.

Very cheap.
Good for meeting other travelers.
Often central for some activities.
Lively vibe.

Cons:

Considerations for budget stays.

Basic amenities and shared facilities.
Can be noisy.
Less privacy.
May not suit all comfort preferences.

Mid-Range Comfort

Pros:

Hotel Alka, Madan Mohan Lal & Sons, Hotel Ideal Tower.

Good value.
Comfortable with better amenities.
Often features Ganga views.
Reliable services.

Cons:

Potential drawbacks.

Ghat area properties may still be noisy.
Not full luxury.
May lack some high-end services.
Charm varies by property.

Luxury Experiences

Pros:
Excellent service, luxury amenities, serene environment. Historical charm (Brijrama Palace).
Cons:
Higher cost. Brijrama requires boat/walk access. Cantonment lodgings are distant from ghats.
Properties:
Brijrama Palace, Taj Ganges Varanasi, The Gateway Hotel Ganges.
Location:
On Dashashwamedh Ghat (Brijrama); Cantonment (Taj, Gateway).