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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Around The Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging

  • Hostels:

    Budget-friendly dormitory beds and private rooms. Communal spaces are popular among backpackers and solo travelers. Found near Durbar Square and slightly outside.

  • Guesthouses:

    Small, often family-run establishments. They provide basic to mid-range rooms, a personal touch, and interaction with local hosts. Many are in quieter lanes of Patan's old city.

  • Boutique Hotels:

    These often occupy renovated traditional Newari buildings, providing a stylish and unique experience. They blend historical ambiance with modern comforts and personalized service.

  • Luxury Hotels:

    International hotel chains and high-end local properties offer a full range of amenities including spas and dining. These provide a high level of comfort, typically found in areas like Jhamsikhel.

Unique Local Options

  • Heritage Hotels:

    Properties housed in beautifully restored traditional Newari or Rana-era buildings. They blend historical ambiance with modern comforts, an unique stay reflecting architectural legacy. Smaller charming examples reside within Patan.

  • Homestays:

    Offers an opportunity to stay with local families. This provides deep cultural immersion, allowing experience of daily Nepali life. Many are found in surrounding traditional villages.

  • Vacation Rentals:

    Platforms like Airbnb present a range of vacation rentals and private apartment options in Patan. These are suitable for longer stays, families, or groups, providing more space and privacy.

  • Camping:

    Camping and dedicated outdoor accommodation sites are not available within Patan itself, an urban environment. Camping is mainly associated with trekking routes outside the Kathmandu Valley.

Neighborhood Guide

Patan's neighborhoods each present a distinct character, influencing your stay.

Patan Durbar Square Area

Advantages
  • Directly adjacent to major attractions.
  • Offers an immersive cultural experience.
  • Numerous local eateries and shops.
  • Walkable access to everything.
Considerations
  • Can be noisy, especially during festivals.
  • Limited vehicle access in narrow lanes.
  • Accommodation might be older or less spacious.
  • Crowds and potential petty theft.

Pulchowk

Advantages
  • Central location with excellent access to public transport.
  • Diverse dining options including international cuisine.
  • Generally lively atmosphere.
  • Good for transport links.
Considerations
  • Busy and noisy due to traffic.
  • Less old-world charm compared to Durbar Square.
  • Standard urban safety precautions apply.
  • Limited traditional ambiance.

Jhamsikhel / Sanepa

Advantages
  • Offers a more peaceful environment.
  • Diverse dining scene with many international choices.
  • Accommodation options are often newer and more spacious.
  • Considered very safe.
Considerations
  • Located further from Patan Durbar Square, short commute needed.
  • Less traditional Nepali ambiance.
  • Requires taxi or ride-share for historic core.
  • Not ideal for walking to main sights.

Considerations

Proximity to attractions and transportation hubs:

Patan Durbar Square area: Best for immediate access to heritage sites, museums, and traditional workshops. Pulchowk: Good for transport links. Jhamsikhel/Sanepa: Better if you prioritize quiet stays.

Noise levels and ambiance:

Durbar Square area can be lively and atmospheric. Jhamsikhel/Sanepa areas are generally quieter, offering a more peaceful retreat.

Booking Strategies

Different seasons call for different booking approaches.

Advance Booking by Season

  • High Season (Oct-Nov, Mar-May): Book 1-3 months in advance. High demand, especially for popular hotels or properties with specific amenities.
  • Shoulder Season (Feb, May, Sep): Book 2-4 weeks in advance. Popular places can still fill up.
  • Low Season (Monsoon: Jun-Aug; Winter: Dec-Jan): Good deals and walk-in availability. Booking a few days ahead remains good practice for specific preferences.
  • Some smaller establishments might reduce staff or have shorter operating hours during the quietest times.

Trusted Platforms & Local Systems

  • Booking.com: Widely used and reliable. Agoda for Asian strength. Vrbo for vacation rentals.
  • IHG Hotels for international chains. Hostelworld for budget accommodation.
  • Airbnb: For vacation rentals and apartments.
  • TrustedHousesitters: For house/pet sitting exchanges. Many smaller guesthouses offer better rates if you book directly.

Additional Tips

Negotiation customs for walk-in rates:
  • For smaller, independent guesthouses.
  • Possible during low season or for multiple nights.
  • Approach politely and with a smile.
  • Do not expect significant discounts.
Deposit and cancellation policies:
  • Policies vary by property.
  • Always check carefully before confirming.
  • Many platforms offer free cancellation (24-48 hours prior).
  • Understand terms to avoid unexpected charges.

Important Information

Best Time to Book:

High season needs advance booking. Low season provides more flexibility.

Payment Options:

Credit cards are accepted by larger hotels; smaller places may prefer cash.

Local Assistance:

Local travel agencies can assist with bookings and sometimes have access to exclusive deals.

Accommodation Recommendations

Patan presents a range of recommended accommodations for every budget, from simple guesthouses to luxury stays, including unique heritage options.

Budget Stays

The Old House

Patan Durbar Square, historic, simple.

  • Historic building
  • Basic but clean rooms
  • Rooftop views
  • Very central location
Patan House

Near Golden Temple, local neighborhood vibe.

  • Clean rooms
  • Family-run guesthouse
  • Rooftop terrace
  • Close to attractions

Mid-Range Comfort

Patan Museum Cafe & Hotel

Inside Patan Durbar Square, historic, charming.

  • Located within the palace
  • Unique ambiance
  • Comfortable rooms
  • Cafe on site
Hotel Clarion

Pulchowk, modern, convenient.

  • Modern amenities
  • Comfortable spaces
  • Good transport links
  • Popular for business travelers

Luxury & Heritage

  • Vivanta Kathmandu:

    Jhamsikhel (just outside core Patan), 5-star facilities, modern design, swimming pool, multiple dining options. Price: 15,000+ NPR/night.

  • Temple House by KGH Group:

    Patan Durbar Square (Heritage), beautifully restored traditional Newari house, unique charm, cultural immersion. Price: 10,000-20,000 NPR/night.

  • Accessibility:

    Many heritage properties feature stairs and traditional layouts which might limit accessibility for some.

  • Services:

    Luxury hotels often provide amenities like spas, fitness centers, and diverse dining.

Immersive Experiences

  • Traditional Home Stays (various):

    Patan's Old City Alleys, authentic local life. Stay with local families, experience daily life, learn local customs, cultural exchange. Price: 3,000-7,000 NPR/night.

  • Cultural Exchange:

    These stays provide deep cultural immersion and personal interaction with local hosts.

  • Location:

    Many homestays are found in surrounding traditional villages, offering a glimpse into rural Newari life.

  • Experience:

Specific Accommodations

Family-friendly options

Many mid-range hotels and vacation rentals cater to families, offering larger rooms or apartments.

  • Properties with gardens or quieter locations (like in Jhamsikhel) are suitable.
  • Consider vacation rentals for more space.
  • Inquire about child-friendly services.
  • Location near parks is a plus.
Solo traveler recommendations

Hostels and guesthouses near Patan Durbar Square provide opportunities to meet other travelers.

  • Convenient for exploring on foot.
  • Communal spaces for social interaction.
  • Budget-friendly choices available.
  • Good access to public transport.

Long-Stay & Cultural Significance

Long-stay accommodations

Vacation rentals or apartments found on platforms like Airbnb offer more amenities and space for extended visits.

Cultural significance

Look for heritage hotels or guesthouses within the Patan Durbar Square vicinity.

Immersive Experience

These properties allow you to sleep within historic settings, providing an immersive experience.