Hyatt Gold Passport - Hyatt Regency Kathmandu REVIEW - MASTER THREAD

As not much has been written about the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, I would like to share my impressions following a recent (January 2007) stay at this property.

The HR Kathmandu was built in 2000 and is part of a 37 acre tourist complex which incorporates a hotel and a casino as well as extensive gardens. The complex is about 4 km from the airport, within view of the nearby Boudhnath Stupa (holy Tibetian Buddist shrine)and is of a unique design expressing Nepalese art, architecture and culture.

The Hotel has 290 guest rooms, plus some suites, and features a Regency Club, several restaurants and bars, a health club, tennis courts, an outdoor pool (closed while I was there), an outdoor Jacuzzi and a jogging track. There is also a (very expensive) business center

The entrance to the casino/hotel complex is via a large courtyard complete with cloisters and is impressive. Entry to the hotel is like entering a temple.

The prevailing rate for a standard King or Twin is $110 (or $140 for Club level) plus 13% tax. My corporate rate was $85 and as a Diamond I was upgraded to the Regency Club. I was also provided with complimentary transfers to and from the airport.

The Regency Club is staffed from 0630 to 2200 and offers:
• Breakfast from 0630 to 1000;
• Tea and coffee available all day;
• Evening cocktails and hor d’oeuvers from 1700 to 1900
• A boardroom available for half day

You may invites up to two guests per day to the RC lounge, but any food and beverages consumed by guests will be charged to your account.

The rooms are of a reasonable size but the very poor lighting made it difficult to read/work at night. Also there are very frequent power failures and blackouts. The property is not well maintained and the staffs, while willing, still require considerable training and supervision to get up to “Hyatt standard”.

I was not very impressed by my stay and given the Hyatt’s location (about 5 km from downtown) I would be inclined to stay at the (excellent Yak & Yeti Hotel, the Radisson or the Crown Plaza.

I was not very impressed by my stay and given the Hyatt’s location (about 5 km from downtown) I would be inclined to stay at the (excellent Yak & Yeti Hotel, the Radisson or the Crown Plaza.

The Yak & Yeti is what I generally suggest there -- but I'm also "bought" as I get taken care of there extraordinarily well due to some long-standing personal relationships.

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Hi,

I think if you are on a packaged tour and don't expect to walk around on your own, the the Hyatt Regency is a real good place. It's comparatively one of the newer hotels in Kathmandu, and the outdoors are nice.

They've got some good restaurants, and food is good. The Rox bar is one of the more happenning places in town, specially on Fridays.

But, if you like to explore the town, go shopping, go to Thamel (the touristy hotspot), or want to eat outside in some of the best restaurants in town, then Hyatt is a no. There is simply nothing outside the hotel gates. You need a cab to get anywhere.

Additionally, it's much better now after road widening, but the road that runs between the Hyatt and the city when it hits the ring-road is a major choke point and at rush hour best be avoided.

Many of their senior staffs are very experienced people, but the downturn in the last few years had meant that there was cost-cutting and the better trained junior staff left mostly for the hotels in the Middle East, and the newly hired in-experiences showed, but with the up-turn, hopefully things get better.

I have had my friends stay at the Soaltee (now crown plaza, previoulsy oberoi), RAdisson, Yak and Yeti, Hyatt, Dwarika and the Annapurna (when it was still Taj Annapurna). I have stayed at all except the Anna (though u can imagine that i have a house to stay when in ktm).

My family and I stayed at this property in 2003. We were there shortly after some political unrest and only three rooms taken in the entire hotel including ours. We spent ten nights at this property and were the only ones in the regency club for seven. At the time this property did not have a casino. I have to say this property was absolutely spectacular. The staff treated us like royalty and the buffet they served in the restaurant was sensational. Since the hotel was virtually empty, we became very friendly with some of the staff, in the regency club and the restaurants. To this day we still even trade emails from time to time. When we were in Katmandu we checked out the Yak and Yeti and in my opinion the Hyatt was light years better and didn't even compare.

Just stayed there for two nights this past weekend. I have bit of a mixed feelings.

- On Saturday the power went on/off at least 10 times. I was surprised that the hotel doesn't have a generator up and running
- The evening presentation was nice at the club, although there was very little to present. Never went there in the morning. Once when I asked for a glass of red wine I received white, another time my red wine request was met with a glass of whiskey. After while the music that they play at the club became annoying and I just put on my headphones.
- The "highspeed" internet is very slow. Oftentimes my web pages timed out while trying to load them. The internet connection at the entire hotel went down at least once too. At the check out they tried to charge a different rate for the internet than what was listed on the in room hotel book. It was comped at the end, however.
- The air conditioning wasn't working properly in my room - couldn't get the room temperature below 24 or so
- The shower water temperature was changing constantly from hot/cold and I just had to try keep changing them
- When I was asking to see some local sights I was walked to a tour desk. No thanks.
- Diamonds typically get a one class upgrade

Overall the hotel appeared to be very quiet.

Consider to have one or two stays in this property early next month.
Is it safe to use credit card in Nepal? Heard some unpleasant experiences about that on the internet. Just wondering I should take risks using MC to enjoy the promos, or just pay by cash for safety. Any suggestions?

Is it safe to use credit card in Nepal? Heard some unpleasant experiences about that on the internet. Just wondering I should take risks using MC to enjoy the promos, or just pay by cash for safety. Any suggestions?

Oh please.

It is probably more likely that your cc account gets compromised in US than somewhere else.

My advise is always to carry wallet full of cards in a case the card issuer temporarily blocks the card or someone else uses it. You have zero liability of fraudulent use as long as it is a credit not a debit card so why worry?

Oh please.

It is probably more likely that your cc account gets compromised in US than somewhere else.

My advise is always to carry wallet full of cards in a case the card issuer temporarily blocks the card or someone else uses it. You have zero liability of fraudulent use as long as it is a credit not a debit card so why worry?

Thanks, holtju2.

Will try and make it in next month via BKK. I am interested in the plane ride where you can see Everest. Any particular tour companies used? Any updates appreciated. Still safe? Thanks.

Could someone confirm if International Credit Cards specially Master Card from India is accepted there?

Thanks

Will try and make it in next month via BKK. I am interested in the plane ride where you can see Everest. Any particular tour companies used? Any updates appreciated. Still safe? Thanks.

I went there alone last November. Received all the benefits stated on the Hyatt website for Diamond member at this property. Offerred complimentary upgrade to Executive Floor and free breakfast. The staff in the lounge is very helpful. Encounter the power off for one time, just several minutes.(If you stay in Thamel, you will find the power off for several hours is common.)

I took the CA flight from Shanghai to Kathmandu, which could see Everest clearly on the flight about 30 mins prior to arrival at Kathmandu, if you sit in the right side. However, I have to admit it may not be very safe when about two-thirds of the passengers on the flight amassed in the right side of the flight, trying to take pictures of the Everest. (I did concern this on the flight, but the attendants seems not care too much.)

You can find many tourism agency in Thamel providing plane ride to see Everest. Usually charge $100-$120 per person.

As for safety, I spent two weeks alone in Nepal(one week in Kathmandu and Pantan; and one week in Phokara for trekking) and I was safe. If you wanna trek, at least find yourself a guide.

Could someone confirm if International Credit Cards specially Master Card from India is accepted there?

Thanks

I believe they accept Credit cards from everywhere. No problem for Master Card as I used my MC there because of the FFN promo at that time. :)

Thank you for the information. How about timing? It seems like the weather is pretty nice now. Are any particular times of the year bad? Thanks.

Thank you for the information. How about timing? It seems like the weather is pretty nice now. Are any particular times of the year bad? Thanks.

It depends on what you wanna do in Nepal. For trekking, generally spreaking,
the best time would be from October to March as there is little raining during this period. My trekking guide told me late October or early November is the best time for trekking. From June to September is the monsoon period. So, really need to take care during the trekking if raining. If you are not interested in trekking, the weather may not be a very big problem, as long as it doesn't keep raining all days.

Suggest you spend several nights in Thamel. If you stay in Hyatt for your whole stay in Nepal, you will lose much fun and miss the opportunity to experience the real Nepali life. Be sure going to the Helena's rooftop for breakfast when you stay in Thamel. Have a nice trip.:)

Thank you. I feel better about having to delay my trip. Just too many connections as I was trying to work it in with going to Xian, China. Thanks.

Any idea about howz the internet connection there ?? I am a IT Tech and would need high speed connection to provide some remote assistance to my clients on their servers..

Any idea about howz the internet connection there ?? I am a IT Tech and would need high speed connection to provide some remote assistance to my clients on their servers..

Unsure about the internet speed in the room. But I used the PC in the lounge to browse some websites, and it was painfully slow.

Was thinking about visiting here and emailed the hotel to ask about costs for airport transfer and an airplane tour of Everest. I got this response, in case anyone is interested:

Further to the mail - The charges for airport transfers by shuttle van would be @ USD 6+24.3% Taxes per person per way and by private car would be @ USD 15+24.3% Taxes per car per way.

We do have the mountain flight to Everest everyday @ 6:30 & 7:30 am and the flight fare for the same is US$ 166 per person. The airport tax would be Nrs 170 which needs to be paid at the airport. The trip is on plane which will be with other 16 fellow traveller. The duration of the trip will be for one hour and no landing in between.

Was thinking about visiting here and emailed the hotel to ask about costs for airport transfer and an airplane tour of Everest. I got this response, in case anyone is interested:

Further to the mail - The charges for airport transfers by shuttle van would be @ USD 6+24.3% Taxes per person per way and by private car would be @ USD 15+24.3% Taxes per car per way.

We do have the mountain flight to Everest everyday @ 6:30 & 7:30 am and the flight fare for the same is US$ 166 per person. The airport tax would be Nrs 170 which needs to be paid at the airport. The trip is on plane which will be with other 16 fellow traveller. The duration of the trip will be for one hour and no landing in between.

Thanks for the great information about Flight to Everest everyday.

A few tips / warnings.

1) The morning flights are very very dependent on weather and cloud cover/fog. Many 630am flights are delayed and often cancelled and pax find themselves re-booked on the next days flight (if there is room).

2) Refunds can be a PITA and so better than you arrange through hotel directly (even for a fee/commission) to avoid having to negotiate refunds for cancelled flights.

Any idea about howz the internet connection there ?? I am a IT Tech and would need high speed connection to provide some remote assistance to my clients on their servers..

The internet seemed fast enough...it did support my t-mobile UMA connection.

The internet seemed fast enough...it did support my t-mobile UMA connection.


Thats good to know.. So all of their rooms have Wifi?

any recent reviews?

Also bumping for any recent reviews?
Thanks!

I stayed 2 nights in May. The wifi internet worked well enough, though the signal was only faint near the pool .

The room I was in, on the 3rd(?) floor (a gold passport floor, if that means anything) had a nice view of the Boudhanath Stupa. The 25" TV was broken and they replaced with a 20" wreck that looked like it was pulled out of the kitchen break room. The bathroom was rather nice. Breakfast buffet was nice. Guests using the pool were mostly expats that paid for club access.


They gave me a complementary lift to the airport, which was nice.

Points stay, 5000, level 1, seemed like a good deal.

I stayed 2 nights in May. The wifi internet worked well enough, though the signal was only faint near the pool .

The room I was in, on the 3rd(?) floor (a gold passport floor, if that means anything) had a nice view of the Boudhanath Stupa. The 25" TV was broken and they replaced with a 20" wreck that looked like it was pulled out of the kitchen break room. The bathroom was rather nice. Breakfast buffet was nice. Guests using the pool were mostly expats that paid for club access.


They gave me a complementary lift to the airport, which was nice.

Points stay, 5000, level 1, seemed like a good deal.
Hey thanks so much for the recent update. I am weighing this Hyatt Kathmandu vs. the Crowne Plaza, with quite decent Trip Advisor reviews but horrible reviews here on FT. And open to staying somewhere in town as well.
Thanks again!

Hey thanks so much for the recent update. I am weighing this Hyatt Kathmandu vs. the Crowne Plaza, with quite decent Trip Advisor reviews but horrible reviews here on FT. And open to staying somewhere in town as well.
Thanks again!

I was quite happy with the Hyatt, regardless of the crap tv

My friends shelled out some $$ and stayed at the Dwarika's http://www.agoda.com/asia/nepal/kathmandu/dwarika_s_hotel.html

It was pretty amazing, 1.5-2 miles away from the Hyatt , about 45 mins walk, 15 min cab

I can go either way also. Hyatt or Crown Plaza. Any and all comments on same please. Thanks.

Also. Would recommend therefore taking the 7:30 AM flight versus first one out? After taking the sight seeing flight will leave that same day on Thai back to BKK. Better to stay at airport versus heading back to Hyatt? Do the scenic flights go out of same airport as intl flights? Does Thai have a Lounge at airport?

Any and all additional comments appreciated. Thanks.

Does Thai have a Lounge at airport?

Yes, TG does have its own lounge there.

Thank you.

Hello. I would assume on TG that coming in from BKK the right side of the plane would be best for Everest and out the left side. Please confirm.

If I can save myself from the scenic tourist plane and see Everest I will be one happy guy!

I stayed 7 nights at the Hyatt. 5 nights in standard room, 2 nights with club access. I would recommend it over the CP due to location, leisure facilities, and F&B--- though when I was looking, I saw rates at CP about half the price of the Hyatt. So if you are very price-sensitive, I'm sure the CP would be acceptable.
Breakfast is decent, service is good, though not as polished at, say, a big-city Hyatt. Rooms are dated but quite fine; get a room with Stupa view if possible. Really beautiful.
It's walking distance to the stupa and the restaurants that surround it, about a 10-minute walk, and it's signposted pretty well.
The highlight is that it has the best gym, best pool, and the largest/most beautiful grounds of any hotel in KTM (that's not saying too much, I realize!).
As for your flights--I read in more than one place that you shouldn't ever plan on having domestic flights on the same day as your international connection, because quite often domestic airports simply close due to weather. If it's a round-trip sightseeing flight to and from KTM I guess it'd be safer.

Thank you. Will I am probably at the CP anyways. The Hyatt is not available and declared by hotel blackout. Heres hoping.

...
As for your flights--I read in more than one place that you shouldn't ever plan on having domestic flights on the same day as your international connection, because quite often domestic airports simply close due to weather. If it's a round-trip sightseeing flight to and from KTM I guess it'd be safer.

Is this also valid for flights from/to Bangkok with TG?

This is probably the only chain hotel I would stay at in KTM. My rate includes room, transfers from KTM and breakfast. I booked everything with the Hotel. That has been good and bad. Frustration reins supreme here.

I did not get a visa prior to arrival. Getting one on arrival is quick but the process is frustrating and you wonder if you are doing things right. They try to multi task and that makes things confusing. One person to take your money, another to issue your receipt, then you move onto visa entry onto your passport and then someone else to sign the sticker.

Upon exiting a sign board was present with the Hyatt logo. I was met then taken to a dated how about very dated car for transfer to the Hyatt. Check-in was fairly smooth after the agent realized I should be checked in on 6. After going to 6 tried to work with agent to confirm my tours, mountain flight and spa appointments. Here is where the frustration starts. The Hotel had me booked for four hours of spa treatments with a male attendent. Got that changed properly to two hours with a attendent that I had requested. With regret missed out on one of the treatments I was hoping for. The oil "eye" head massage. Knowing this I headed down to the travel desk on 3 to see what else might be messed up. Sure enough the desk stated they needed up to 45 minutes to arrange everything. I told them I would be down in 20 and they were prepared. My daylight was disappearing. The tour which is supposed to be $50 USD was a great value and saw the interesting sites.

My mountain flight is scheduled for tomorrow. I get it that there are numerous times they are delayed. I can stand probably 90 minutes of delay but have a flight back to BKK. The travel desk was pretty cool about this. I will leave at 6:45 AM for the aiport. The driver will wait for me. If delayed too much I will have them cancel the tickets and return them to the travel desk having not paid a cent. So I did not have to prepay which really is a comfort versus arguing out before leaving. The car will be ready for me to return to the airport again after getting a bite to eat.

I did have some stuff in the Lounge this evening. The presentations are very very limited and nothing like I just left at the Conrad BKK. No hot items. The Hotel was very nice to have given me a full plate of fruits, three glass jars containing cookies and a full bottle of wine.

HSIA is both wired and wireless with good speed. I did have to contact the business center to obtain a user name and password for access. The tv has a great number of channels nearing 100. That is darn good. The hvac is kinda weird and I have it on heat request to cool down the room. I noticed noise outside and find my windows above the home to lots of birds.

I used the last of my Diamond suite upgrade certs. Before arriving I knew had been put into a junior suite which would be a suite anywhere. Did make the request for Stupa view which I received. I started on a bad point but everything is now coming together. Please visit the Stupa near the Hotel. It really is something to behold. If they are nearly 2000 years old it must have been the birth of commercial shopping areas. Both the Stupa seen today were very commercial around. Regards from KTM.

The Hotel aka travel desk booked me on Buddha Air. The ticket was $160 USD all in. The flight leaves from the domestic terminal so do not be alarmed with the procedures. If you do not like a pat down then you will miss this flight. Three times got the pat down.

Sounds like yesterdays flight was cxld so we all counted ourselves lucky. The flight left ontime and the fa was very professional. We were able to rotate and see out the cockpit for pictures. Watch your seating as the engine and wing block your views. Rows 4 and 5 are NOT preferred. We were all good about handing of cameras for the best pics. The stupa near the Hyatt and this flight made the whole trip worth it. After landing we all received a flight cert which reminded me of the ones off the Concorde. If I had to do the flight again I would book it on my first day and keep trying if cxld. No one said so but I had the feeling some may have been off the cxld flight.

BTW. The driver I had from the Hyatt stayed at the airport. If my flight went on delay I wanted to make sure could return quickly to hotel. If cxld also wanted to get back soon.

I flew back to BKK on TG in C (no F). Remember view of Everest in right side. View of Everest out left side. Had a great view of the mountains leaving. Also. If you really want to know which mountain cap is Everest do your research ahead of time. Looking at the entire range it will be to your extreme right set back. That makes actually seeing Everest a ?.

I really did not understand what the heck Lonely Planet was talking about. I will make it simple. When checking in for your flight make sure and get a couple of those paper passenger name tags which go on luggage. Attach them to every and I mean every piece of luggage you intend to carry onboard. Upon clearing screening just before walking to the departure doors make sure and get every piece stamped. Every. Because about ten feet later a officer will check your boarding pass which also needs to be stamp by that same screening person and every piece you are going to carry onboard. If they are not stamped you will be directed to a table to the right to get the stamp affixed to these said items. From there you walk to the departure gates. Now nothing about this process is efficient. But you will make it onto your plane.

Also. Lonely Plant noted a departure tax upon leaving KTM. I asked twice at the Hyatt and said it was collected already when your tickets are issued. I did not have to pay another fee at KTM flying out. There is a domestic airport fee paid separate of ticket for mountain flight.

So this all raised another question. When you arrive after customs you will have three pieces. Your passport, visa receipt for paid on arrival and a departure slip. Keep that slip. It does not need another stamp on it. Somewhere in my research I was led to believe it should have. But the process on arrival at KTM is so should I say busy body that I even had to take a moment before heading towards customs to make sure I had all my stuff. And I am pretty good at keep track of stuff.

That will be my last post on KTM. Everyone enjoy your trip and go without hesitation. Keep an eye out for the politics of things. The people of Nepal were all happy and knowing life is not easy were very hospitable. They are certainly not a taking people. I found after my initial frustration things are pretty smooth but your must plan ahead.

Pro's:
-The facilities (especially the fitness room, spa area, and pool) are great for Kathmandu
-The grounds are very nice
-The view is nice

Con's:
-The staff is not at all competent and follow you around. They drill you as if you're an impostor everywhere you go (checking at the pool and fitness room to confirm your name with room number before you can enter). Even the gate guard grilled us.
-The location is not the best. If you want to eat outside the hotel it's at 10 min walk
-The rooms are only okay.
-Occasionally there will be loud parties held at the Hyatt or the surrounding areas booming really loud music
-I had difficulties with the internet. Spent 2 hours dealing with the operator waiting for the password before she told me that the system was down. The internet overall is not the fastest but okay for Kathmandu.

Summary
I recommend this hotel as a very comfortable place to stay in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a much more interesting city than I anticipated, with a lot of sightseeing also in surrounding cities. Still, the city itself is very unattractive, traffic is thick and roads are bad. It was a welcome respite to return to the spacious grounds of the Hyatt each night. Service is not polished,but is well meaning and is much better in the Regency Lounge. We were well content with our stay, and would definitely stay here again should we return to Kathmandu.

Airport Arrival
Much has already been said about arrival at the airport. We paid attention and thus did not have any difficulty. Either download a visa form from online or get one onboard on your flight in. Bring one passport photo. Have the form filled out; an agent will staple the picture to the form at the visa desk.

All planes are met by a bus. Sit on the far side of the bus so that you can get off quickly at immigration. Look up for the signs, and head straight to the one for visa on arrival. They accept many currencies. Should you be using USD, it costs $25 per person. You are given a 14 day entry visa.

Follow signs and go to the lower floor to pick up luggage. Then head for the outside. If you did not book a car thru the hotel, no worries. There is a prepaid taxi stand inside. It's chaotic outside, with many people trying to see you taxi services.

Hotel
This is a large hotel on beautiful grounds with many services. A lot of attention was taken to use local motifs in the public areas of the hotel. Some of the Pritzkers are Buddhist. Although I can no longer find the article where I read it, I understand that a senior member of the family routinely visits Nepal and Tibet, and was committed to this project. The hotel opened in 2001. It has 280 rooms and suites.

We used points to book a suite. This hotel is a bargain at 5K points/night, so a suite is just 8K (for 3 day minimum stay). We had been in touch in advance and requested a stupa view suite. We had a spacious two room suite with the bathroom off the bedroom. It had a small dressing room, a separate toilet room, and a large shower separate from the tub. The dressing room and toilet room had very narrow doors, perhaps 60% of standard.

The suite had appealing decor, in light fresh colors. TVs were CRTs. We were given the following as diamonds:
- bottle of wine
- 3 containers of cookies
- box of chocolates in a nice handmade paper box stamped Kathmandu Hyatt

The lounge is large and attractive with both tables and comfortable seating areas. We had breakfast in the lounge the first morning. We then learned we could eat in the regular restaurant, so switched to it in order to get a full hot breakfast. It had some Indian/Nepalese choices which I enjoyed. I was able to get masala chai in both the lounge and the restaurant.

Evening offerings in the lounge were quite good. There were 3 or 4 choices in addition to cheeses, desserts, and raw vegetables. Service was very attentive. (Service was well meant in the restaurant, but far from polished.)

It is off season in Nepal, and the hotel was quite empty. Indians visit Nepal during the monsoon season. Western tourism picks up in August and then on thru the winter months. While it rained each day, we were fortunate and it had little impact on us.

Sightseeing
There is a travel desk in the lobby who can arrange sightseeing trips to suit you. 3 hours costs $70 and 7 hours costs $140. This includes a driver and guide in an air conditioned car. We found the places we saw absolutely fascinating,including an adjacent city that is a Unesco World Heritage site. It has a remarkable inner core, best seen by walking, with exraordinary carved wooden doors, windows and partial facades. Bhaktapur is extraordinary. And of course there is the Everest flight, already covered by rtwstaralliance and others.

This visit was much more than we anticipated, both thanks to the pleasant hotel and thanks to Kathmandu having so much more of significant interest to see than we expected.

Glad to hear you enjoyed this. Another adventure in the books.

Thanks for such a great review. I completely agree with you--while the Hyatt isn't polished or ready for "prime time" in terms of really being a 5* hotel, it's also one of the most peaceful, friendly hotels I've been at--well-kept grounds, decent gym, friendly workers. Food was quite decent--much more geared toward the Indian crowd than Western, which is understandable (I was there around this time last year) given the more Indian customer base.
How about those pigeons? you don't mention their evening serenades. I can't imagine they've been moved out. That was the only thing that really bothered me about the place! I just turned up the A/C and usually couldn't hear them.....

I am thinking of taking my grandma for the first time to KTM and stay at the Hyatt. Would folks who have already done this kindly comment on how friendly (or not) are the flights and stay at Hyatt to elderly/folks with limited mobility. My grandma uses a walker to get herself around but we usually get a wheelchair when we travel. Specifically, I'd like to know if the flights involve a tarmac arrival with many steps to descend or is there a jetbridge? Are there elevators at Hyatt? How friendly are streets for her to move about in her walker/wheelchair?

Thanks in advance for your input! :)

I don't remember any jetbridges at Kathmandu. Once in the terminal, there is an elevator between the first and second floors. (You clear immigration on the 2nd and pick up luggage on the 1st.)

The hotel has an elevator. The hotel is quite new and built to western standards. I perceive the hotel as handicapped friendly.

I'm considering a short stay here in Jan 12. I just want to confirm that when it is mentioned the location is not the best...is it safe for solo female to be wandering around??

I'm considering a short stay here in Jan 12. I just want to confirm that when it is mentioned the location is not the best...is it safe for solo female to be wandering around??

When people talk about the location not being the best, I think that they mean it is not in the heart of town. You need to take a car to go most places other than the large temple that is visible from the hotel. The neighborhood is pleasant, the hotel grounds are extensive, and there is no issue of walking in the vicinity of the hotel.

I'm considering a short stay here in Jan 12. I just want to confirm that when it is mentioned the location is not the best...is it safe for solo female to be wandering around??

Just as SanDiego1K said... the grounds are peaceful + delightful, & Kathmandu in general is a most glorious strange and beautiful place. Just chaotic. Go in expecting chaotic (Indian city level chaotic, the v. highest) outside the hotel. (The old town, for instance, around Durbar Square, is enchanting to wander, especially first thing in the morning, butter-lamps and drifting incense, one of the most special places in the world. But: it's made up of narrow medieval streets with motorcycles coming both ways, donkey-carts coming both ways, cars, pedestrians, wedding processions... there's a fair bit of leaping aside involved, always. There's no such thing as a truly peaceful walk. That's the only safety issue, really, in Kathmandu - apart from the obvious things like not buying drugs from the clearly-on-the-police-payroll guys in Thamel. The Maoists have faded, lately.) Keep an eye on the festival calendar for Nepal - some are just stunning, and worth planning your trip around. The Hyatt's a lovely sanctuary. Nepal's glorious. Give yourself time to adjust, and enjoy. I've never known anyone regret going.

Yeah, it's safe ... if you're willing to take some time, there are a few destinations that can be walked to ... it's a good points redemption value at Cat 1 (5000 points/night)

A nice pool that the local expats pay to use, large grounds with a high wall which allows a noticeable decrease in the air pollution of the city

Thanks everyone for your input. I will arrive here on the 3rd of January...give me a day or two to recuperate from the flight (and hope that I make the connection from AA to Jet in Delhi!! Happy holidays to all.



RD

Does anyone have any tips to get a reasonable rate here? Looking at over $200 a night with taxes. Seems a lot for a standard room IMO. Pity there is no Hilton!

Does anyone have any tips to get a reasonable rate here? Looking at over $200 a night with taxes. Seems a lot for a standard room IMO.

Do you have any Hyatt points? It is just 5K points/night.

Do you have any Hyatt points? It is just 5K points/night.
SanDiego1K is absolutely right.
Even buying Hyatt points (or moving them from Amex or something) seems like a better deal than paying $200/night for that place. While I had a nice stay and was treated well, it's definitely not a top-end Hyatt. That said, it's got a nice location and decent food in the restaurants.

SanDiego1K is absolutely right.
Even buying Hyatt points (or moving them from Amex or something) seems like a better deal than paying $200/night for that place. While I had a nice stay and was treated well, it's definitely not a top-end Hyatt. That said, it's got a nice location and decent food in the restaurants.

And it MIGHT be worth for playing for club using points if you don't have Diamond status.

Hi,

I'm new to Hyatt so unfortunately no points. I can arrange a status match to Diamond though.

Apart from buying the points, and Amex and other way to get some?

It's definitely a better deal to buy the points at the moment than to book a room.

SanDiego1K is absolutely right.
Even buying Hyatt points (or moving them from Amex or something) seems like a better deal than paying $200/night for that place. While I had a nice stay and was treated well, it's definitely not a top-end Hyatt. That said, it's got a nice location and decent food in the restaurants.

The property is indeed conveniently located: near the airport, near the city center and walking distance from the Boudhanath shrine. People in the hotel are quite professional and very professional in the club. The swimming pool is quite relaxing and the hotel also has its own garden where the Chef grows vegetables. A nice oasis from the city. Restaurants have nice terraces for evening dinner. The Travel desk can organize day trip to see Mt Everest and sightseeing tour in the city.

Hi,

I am considering this property, most probably by point redemption based on the feedback I see from the last few posts. My stay will be for 2 nights.
However I also have the option to choose the Radisson also with points.

I am just wondering besides the location and the food at the restaurant, would this be a better choice (especially from point usage) compared to the Radisson.

Cheers!

ps: am not elite in both hotel programs, just those odd points dumped into. For Hyatt, I would need to buy points for my 2nd night.
pss: am looking for some luxury place after my first few days roughing it out in teahouses :)

Hi everyone,

I will need to make a trip to Kathmandu early February and was considering this HR.

The reviews sound good enough and I don't mind staying a bit away from the center. I'm sure taxi are quite affordable?

Anyway, I will be purchasing points for 2 nights at US$240 (whereas 1 night paid costs US$205 incl. taxes).
Which makes me think, do we need to pay the taxes if we pay the stay with points?

And if it's paid with points, can I use my Suite Awards on them? or is it just on paid stays?

My alternative would be the CP I guess... but being only Gold with ICHG....

Thanks all in advance!

Hi everyone,

I will need to make a trip to Kathmandu early February and was considering this HR.

The reviews sound good enough and I don't mind staying a bit away from the center. I'm sure taxi are quite affordable?

Anyway, I will be purchasing points for 2 nights at US$240 (whereas 1 night paid costs US$205 incl. taxes).
Which makes me think, do we need to pay the taxes if we pay the stay with points?

And if it's paid with points, can I use my Suite Awards on them? or is it just on paid stays?

My alternative would be the CP I guess... but being only Gold with ICHG....

Thanks all in advance!


Hotel is quite close to the airport and you can walk to Boudhanath Stuppa through the garden of the hotel. There is a guard at the back door.
Taxis are fairly inexpensive in Kathmandu.
Enjoy, it is a nice property with excellent service, especially in the club and in the restaurants.

Just returned from my stay there. I had a lovely stay at this HR. The building is quite impressive, especially viewed from the plane when landing. The view of the HR and the Buddha Stupa is just quite impressive.

Taxis out of the airport are at a flat rate of RPs 650... Don't expect a Benz or even a Toyota, they are all these tiny Suzuki. After a good 15-20 minutes ride through the unfinished and bumpy roads of Kathmandu, you finally arrive at the HR.

Staff is super friendly and available. They even greeted me by name on the first evening when I walked to the concierge desk ^.

As a Diamond, I got upgraded to the Club level with a nice room. Strange thing is that they did not ask me whether I wanted the amenities or the bonus points. They just came to my room with 3 big cookie and chocolate jars, fresh fruits and a bottle of Shiraz. :D

Room is nice and big. No LCD TV but a regular old school CRT one :) Bathroom is big as well, separate shower with good water pressure and hot water. Bath tub available. The tiles on the floor start to look a bit worn out.

A major problem in Nepal are the power outages. It's quite regular. Sure the hotel has its own generator but somehow, the TV was not working anymore after each time the generator kicks in. They provide each room with a torch anyway, just in case.

Heating was working well.

Breakfast at the Club lounge was good but limited. Nice view on the stupa. Friendly and efficient service.

You can walk to the stupa through the gardens, through the back door gate. It's about 15min walk and there are signage. To come back, just knock at the gate or try to call the guard through the openings. Otherwise you need to walk around the property and it's huge!

They have a scheduled free shuttle service that drops you off at several points in town. No pick up though.

Anyway, had a very good stay there and would definitely stay there again if I had to come to Kathmandu.

Here are a few pictures:

http://x4d.xanga.com/f3bf8226c5030284650491/m227132116.jpg

http://x52.xanga.com/370e112357233284650508/m227132079.jpg

http://xe4.xanga.com/a2ef9225d1731284650510/m227132078.jpg

http://x07.xanga.com/765e055ad6435284650489/m227132076.jpg

http://x5d.xanga.com/f84e135a39433284650518/m227132075.jpg

http://xce.xanga.com/cbaf9b5a29730284650513/m227132069.jpg

http://xdc.xanga.com/4f0f965a02331284650504/m227132126.jpg

http://x3e.xanga.com/ff6f805ac2330284650506/m227132128.jpg

http://xd2.xanga.com/5d5e1b5a12632284650498/m227132123.jpg

http://x79.xanga.com/27fe165a12433284650487/m227132114.jpg

http://x5e.xanga.com/375f9025d1131284650511/m227132077.jpg

http://xeb.xanga.com/199f6723c6731284650512/m227132130.jpg

Great pictures, thanks! Do club rooms get free Internet? How much is a taxi from the airport or is that offered for club rooms as well? Can you make dinner out of the club lounge spread or is the restaurant pretty affordable? What about the spa services? Are massages cheap?

As a Diamond, I got upgraded to the Club level with a nice room. Strange thing is that they did not ask me whether I wanted the amenities or the bonus points. They just came to my room with 3 big cookie and chocolate jars, fresh fruits and a bottle of Shiraz. :D

You don't get a choice of points at international properties. now you do!

Great pictures, thanks! Do club rooms get free Internet? How much is a taxi from the airport or is that offered for club rooms as well? Can you make dinner out of the club lounge spread or is the restaurant pretty affordable? What about the spa services? Are massages cheap?

I paid 650 NPR for the airport taxi. I did not use the hotel's services as they are more expensive. But they have better and more comfy cars, that's for sure.

I wouldn't count on the Club floor lounge for dinner. It's quite limited but if you're ok with some cookies and canapes and fruits, why not?

I did not try their restaurants or spa, sorry...