An updated guide to the best luxury hotels in Kathmandu broken down by neighborhoods to help you plan where to stay in Nepal’s capital.
Kathmandu is Nepal’s vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a captivating blend of modern and historical attractions. It’s a city abundant in ancient temples and bustling bazaars alongside contemporary shopping centers and high-end dining establishments.
So, whether you seek luxury accommodation in Kathmandu to explore the city’s cultural and historic attractions or as a much-needed treat after your Himalayan treks or high-altitude expedition, this guide has you covered.
I’ve visited Kathmandu over five times over the past few years and stayed in over close to a dozen different hotels throughout the city. This accommodation guide is based on personal experiences of staying in various areas within Kathmandu, as well as the latest reviews and the most recent travel deals for luxury resorts and 5-star hotels.
Where Are the Best Luxury Hotels in Kathmandu?
As the main tourist hub, I recommend Thamel as the best place to stay in Kathmandu, especially for luxurious hotels since its central location is close to the best trekking shops, restaurants, and bars.
However, there are other neighborhoods worth considering, including:
- Bhaktapur - Nepal's "City of Devotees," is famous for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, exquisite handicrafts, and well-preserved historical monuments like the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Although there aren't any 5-star hotels this area showcases some authentic and unique hotel choices.
- Lazimpat - an affluent, cosmopolitan neighborhood located in the northern part of Kathmandu not far from Thamel, and known for its upscale residences, high-end hotels, and fine dining restaurants.
I continue to update this post yearly when I fly back to Kathmandu for expeditions. Below are my current top 3 picks for high-end hotels in Thamel.
1. Aloft Kathmandu Top Pick
Overlooking the city from the heart of Thamel, this is "the place" where climbers including myself stay before big expeditions. It's a luxury pick with epic amenities like a gym, rooftop pool, and an EPIC buffet breakfast.
2. Malla Hotel
A more affordable alternative to Aloft with a traditional layout. Features a great breakfast and comfortable rooms with a pool and scenic garden courtyard.
Kathmandu Guesthouse has long been one of the most popular luxury hotels in Thamel for high-altitude mountaineers. It's known for its great restaurant and lively bar with comfortable rooms.
Below I'll break down the top luxury hotels in each Kathmandu neighborhood.
The Best Luxury Hotels in Thamel Neighborhood
1. Aloft - The Top Luxury Stay in Kathmandu
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, I still rank Aloft as the best 5-star hotel in Kathmandu. After staying in over a dozen hotels around the city, this is the place I always come back to when visiting the city before Himalayan treks and expeditions.
As a matter of fact, the majority of leading expedition groups opt to stay at this hotel too. This means that while relishing the buffet breakfast, you might find yourself mingling with legendary Himalayan greats.
The property features an epic rooftop indoor pool, a decent fitness center (by Nepal standards), a large shared lounge with a bar, an amazing restaurant, free private parking, and a 24-hour front desk.
Guest rooms come equipped with fast wi-fi, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a coffee machine, room service, and a private bathroom. It's one of the most comfortable hotels I've ever stayed at. I particularly like the buffet, à la carte, and continental breakfast options (and unlimited espresso).
Additionally, Aloft is situated in the center of Thamel, which is the perfect location for exploring. Popular points of interest near Aloft include Hanuman Dhoka, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Thamel Chowk. Tribhuvan International is the nearest airport, and the hotel offers an airport shuttle service which will get you there in around 30 minutes.
2. Malla Hotel
This is the newest addition to my updated Kathmandu luxury hotel guide. However, the truth is that Malla Hotel, a 5-star option close to Aloft has been around since 1955. So, why has it made the list this year?
To be honest, this one completely flew under my radar since the reviews weren't up to scratch a few years ago. However, on a recent trip after hiking the Manaslu Circuit, I stayed here to review the hotel for my friend who was considering booking all his climbing clients here.
The verdict? This hotel stands out as an ideal choice for those looking for high-quality accommodation without the premium price tag of the more modern and opulent hotels in the area. Yes, it's a little older, but it's well-kept. And, the traditional Nepalese setting with beautiful art and intricate features make it a nice option.
Additionally, the hotel features one of the largest scenic garden courtyards with a refreshing pool, delectable breakfast options, and well-appointed rooms.
3. Kathmandu Guest House
If you want to stay in a beautifully decorated accommodation, Kathmandu Guest House is another good option. This one has been around for a while and for a long time was known as the best hotel where all the mountaineers stayed before Aloft opened.
Located right in the heart of the popular district of Thamel, it is closer to the main walking streets than Aloft. This is great if you want to stock up on their Everest region packing list before heading to the mountains.
However, its older interior is a little less fancy than Aloft. That said, this accommodation still has plenty of luxury features including free wifi, a great on-site restaurant, and free premium private parking. The hotel staff are also always happy to provide free airport transfers which is convenient.
The guest rooms are surrounded by lush greenery and are fitted with large windows and each room features a private bathroom. If you're feeling it, you can even treat yourself to a beauty treatment at the salon or purchase unique jewelry at the hotel's gift shop.
I rate Kathmandu Guest House as my second top pick for this year's update of this luxury hotel guide for its location, staff, and value for money. Additionally, you'll find many fantastic dining options within a short walk from the hotel.
4. Arushi Boutique Hotel
If you love boutique hotels, you're in luck in Kathmandu. Arushi Boutique Hotel is an excellent, more intimate alternative to the most "hotel" style stays I've mentioned so far.
This beautifully designed and decorated 4-star hotel features a concierge service, a 24-hour front desk, free wi-fi, and room service. It also has a restaurant and bar to dine at where you and your friends can meet up before a night exploring Thamel.
Additionally, all of the available rooms in the hotel have a private bathroom, and some boast a city view, which, considering its great location I think is pretty amazing– especially during sunset!
Also, each morning, guests can enjoy an American, buffet, or continental breakfast before embarking on their Kathmandu sightseeing itinerary. Something else I found unique was that this hotel offers bike hire to help you get around– just don't get run over by a horse and carriage!
Tip: Tourist attractions to visit near the hotel include Kathmandu Durbar Square and the Monkey Temple.
5. Timber House
Looking for where to stay in Kathmandu for luxury, in a great location, and with fantastic room prices? Timber House is another popular option that I've had the privilege of staying at in the past. No, I haven't ranked this one in the top 3 this year, but it's close.
This 3-star hotel features rooms with city views and guests can enjoy access to a pleasant shared lounge and terrace. This one isn't as luxurious as the other options I've reviewed but it does offer good value for money. You can take advantage of the free shuttle service, 24-hour front desk, and a convenient currency exchange that doesn't rip you off.
All of the air-conditioned rooms come with free WiFi, room service, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box, and a private bathroom. Depending on what room you book, you will either have city or mountain views. If possible, try to ask for the mountain view room.
Guests can start each day with a delicious buffet, continental, or American breakfast. Uniquely, the on-site restaurant also serves Indian, Mexican, and Moroccan cuisine. To be honest, I would skip the restaurant and head out to nearby spots instead.
6. Hotel Mulberry
For a modern stay in the center of Kathmandu, Hotel Mulberry is a popular option thanks to its awesome rooftop terrace with a pool.
In the past, this one didn't live up to my value for price testing. However, during my last visit to Kathmandu, I noticed that many trekking companies are starting to book their clients here and the current reviews on Booking.com seem to indicate that their service is doing really well. Therefore, I've added it back to this list.
This 4-star hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a garden, a restaurant, and a bar. All of the spacious and modern guest rooms come with air conditioning, free wifi, room service, a safety deposit box, and a private bathroom.
Luxury Accommodation in Bhaktapur, the Historic City of Kathmandu
The below hotels in Bhaktapur aren't as luxurious as the hotels in the Thamel neighborhood. However, you will find some very nice boutique hotels here.
7. Hotel Layaku Durbar
While there aren't any amazing 5-star luxury resorts in Bhaktapur, there are some decent boutique options with a high-end flair. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle and be closer to the historic Bhaktapur Durbar Square, then my top pick currently is Hotel Layuka Durbar.
This 3-star hotel features a 24-hour front desk and free Wi-Fi, nice, airy rooms, and great views of the narrow streets below. Additionally, you'll get quite comfortable rooms at this hotel for the price, each featuring a patio, a seating area, a private bathroom, and some basic kitchen facilities– which you probably won't use.
8. Tulaja Boutique Hotel
Yes, we're slipping further away from the luxury hotel theme with this pick. However, Tulaja deserves to be on this list if we're including the best boutique hotels near Kathmandu. In my opinion, this hotel is one of the best locations to stay if you're not basing yourself in Thamel.
Located only 150 m from Bhaktapur Durbar Square, this hotel features free wi-fi access, a garden, a tour desk, an airport shuttle, and a 24-hour front desk. Yes, you won't get a sauna or rooftop pool at this one, but the cozy rooms come with a private bathroom, free toiletries, and very friendly staff who are happy to help you with anything.
This is one of the cheapest options I've included in this hotel roundup. If you're after an affordable, clean, and well-located boutique hotel that just scrapes in on the luxury category (keep in mind, this is Kathmandu), then this is a good pick.
9. Peacock Guesthouse
Looking for where to stay in Bhaktapur that is traditional, comfortable, clean, and affordable? Peacock Guesthouse is a great option. While this hotel has a more traditional decor, it has recently been renovated with a modern flare.
Located 100 m from the city center, this hotel features free wi-fi in the public areas of the property and has an on-site restaurant that serves great Indian and local cuisine. Recent reviews on popular booking sites are phenomenal, which is why I've added this hotel again this year.
Inside the room, you'll get some traditional, ancient architecture combined with a modern flare. Each room is uniquely designed and comes equipped with comfortable bedding, a desk, and a private bathroom.
Tip: Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Dattatreya Temple, and Bhimsen Temple.
Top Luxury Hotels in Lazimpat Neighborhood
10. Radisson Hotel Kathmandu
Honestly, I prefer to stay in Thamel than in Lazimpat. However, there are some excellent high-end luxury hotels in this neighborhood of Kathmandu. One such example with world-class service is the Radisson Hotel Kathmandu, a well-designed hotel backed by a huge luxury hotel brand.
This stunning property features an amazing rooftop pool and terrace, a business center, a health club, a tour desk, and a 24-hour front desk. In my experience, this one attracts more Indian business tourists than travelers or mountaineers.
However, if you're just seeking comfort and to escape the hustle and bustle of Thamel, you can do so at the Terrace Garden. Here, the staff serves snacks, light meals, and drinks of Continental or Indian variety that are rated well by guests. The Lobby Bar also serves drinks and cocktails and the room service options are great.
The rooms: luxurious, modern rooms feature air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. Basically, everything you'd expect from a luxury business hotel.
11. Hotel Ambassador
Another great hotel option in Kathmandu's contemporary Lazimpat area is Hotel Ambassador. If you browse booking sites this year, you'll notice it is one of the most sought-after hotels. This accommodation features an on-site bar, free Wi-Fi, and private parking.
Each room at this property is soundproofed, air-conditioned, and has a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The rooms also feature a private bathroom with slippers and free toiletries.
Most of the hotels in this roundup have a decent rooftop area. In my opinion, the views from the Ambassador's rooftop are one of the best and there is a comfortable, airconditioned seating area here too.
12. Nomad Hotel
For modern and clean accommodation, Nomad Hotel is a great place to stay in Kathmandu and one that's been on my hotel recommendation list for a while now. Featuring a bar, a restaurant, and a terrace, this 3-star hotel has everything you need for a great stay at decent rates. No, it's not the most luxurious option you'll find but it sure feels like it when you step into the rooms.
All of the rooms at this hotel blend clean, modern architecture with traditional Nepalese features. They also come with air conditioning, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a desk to work on if you need to.
Each morning, guests can enjoy a buffet, à la carte, or continental breakfast. The restaurant at the hotel also serves Italian, Nepalese, and international cuisine which I've heard is very good.
Bonus 5-star Luxury Hotel in Kathmandu
13. The Dwarika's Hotel
Finally, one of the best 5-star hotels in Kathmandu worth adding to your bucket list is The Dwarika's Hotel. No, this one isn't in my recommended areas but it is very unique as it is the most traditional hotel with reviews that are outstanding.
So, if you're more concerned about the room and hotel than location, then this is a strong contender for Kathmandu's best luxury hotel.
This hotel has been around for a while and won the Pacific Asia Travel Association Heritage Award in the 1980s. They've managed to preserve and keep this hotel to a high standard with this heritage hotel inspired by Kathmandu Valley's rich cultural heritage.
Featuring an extensive collection of artifacts from the 13th century, this grand hotel is modeled after the palaces of Newar Kings. Additionally, the hotel features an outdoor pool in a traditional courtyard reminiscent of the famous traditional-style hotels in Egypt.
Still, all of the air-conditioned rooms come with a satellite TV, a seating area, and a private bathroom with a bathtub which perfectly mixes the ancient-inspired architecture with comfortable, modern amenities.
Popular points of interest near the hotel include Pashupatinath Temple, the Buddhist site of Boudhanath, and Durbar Marg Street.
My Hotel Selection Process
- Accommodation Criteria: I look for amenities, location, current traveler reviews, city reputation, and vibe.
- My Experience: I visit Kathmandu at least once a year for trekking & expeditions and have stayed in close to a dozen hotels in the city. I've scanned, reviewed, and compared hundreds of hotels online and in person to give you the most accurate & honest hotel roundup.
- Top Reviews: I look for and compare recent reviews from real travelers across hotel booking sites including Hotels.com, Booking.com, & Agoda. All hotels maintain a good score but more importantly, the recent trend suggests high quality.
- Local Insights: I've worked closely with many tour partners and hotel chains in Kathmandu on tourism marketing & photography jobs. I gather local insights and recommendations to make the most informed suggestions.
Read more about how I review & select hotels & accommodations.
I'm Olly, a full-time traveler for the past 5 years. Each accommodation option in this guide is handpicked by me. Read my travel review ethics statement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Staying in Kathmandu
How long should I stay in Kathmandu?
Three days is a great amount of time to explore and discover the best of what Kathmandu has to offer.
When is the best time to visit Kathmandu?
The best time of year to visit Kathmandu is between September and November. During these months, you'll experience dry weather and clear skies.
Is Kathmandu an expensive city to visit?
Although Kathmandu may be a popular city to visit for tourists, it's one of the least expensive cities in the world!
I hope that this short guide to finding luxury hotels in Kathmandu has inspired you to book a memorable stay in the heart of Nepal!
While you're here, don't miss some of my other travel guides & adventures in Nepal below.
- Best Places to Visit in Kathmandu - discover 21+ unmissable highlights in Nepal's capital.
- Kathmandu Itinerary - how to spend 3 days in Nepal's capital.
- Everest Three Passes Trek - my guide to the ultimate Everest trekking experience!
- Manaslu Circuit Trek - get off the beaten path and discover the Himalayan region of Manaslu.
- Climbing Island Peak - guide to my favorite 6,000 m+ trekking peak in Nepal.
- Climbing Mera Peak - my experience climbing Mera Peak (6,476 m).
- Hotels in Kathmandu - read my helpful guide to where to stay in Kathmandu city.
