Baber Mahal Vilas - The Heritage Hotel

Reviews don’t do justice to the impressions of this place. My son called this hotel nothing less than a palace, and he wasn’t far from the truth. Perhaps it is one of the most unusual hotels I have ever stayed in. First, consider the architecture and details. Wooden doors, hanging locks instead of plastic cards, and decor that makes you feel as though you’re in 18th-century Europe – from the furniture and wallpaper to the wooden panels, lamps, and overall decoration. The library on the second floor, the paintings, and the decor are simply incredible. It feels as if you’re not in a hotel, but truly in a palace. Everything is imbued with character and crafted with a rare, refined sense of taste – it’s very unusual and really cool. The hotel has everything you might need: on the premises there are small shops, four excellent restaurants (Nepalese restaurant and its personnel – my love), and even an ATM. Everything you could possibly need is right there, making it very convenient. I must also mention the staff. Anis, the hotel administrator, became our guide to the world of Nepal and helped us with everything. I am very grateful to him; such heartfelt treatment is also rare to come by. I feel that we have become friends, and I hope to keep in touch. Kathmandu itself is like a fairy tale and another world. And Baber Mahal Vilas is the perfect gateway into that world. Next time, we will stay here exclusively.

We stayed here at the beginning and end of our trip to Nepal and are so glad that we did. On arrival we had booked a car from the airport through the hotel (cheaper than arranging ourselves) and our driver was there waiting for us. Anish on reception made us very welcome, showing us around and even came to check that I had been able to withdraw money ok from the on site ATM (the ones at the airport had declined). Other members of staff on reception and house keeping were very friendly and helpful (eg one of the house keeping staff insisted on carrying our cases downstairs). Anish had also arranged a car and driver to take us to Bandipur (again price much better than alternatives I found on the web) and although the road was atrocious in places, as a consequence of the recent landslides, some of the other drivers on the road ambitious in their passing etc our driver Ramesh got us there safely; at all times we felt very confident in his professionalism. We were delighted to see him waiting for us from our flight back from Pokhara and that he took us to Bhaktapur and on to the airport on our final day. (Again this was arranged via Anish and was better value for money than alternatives on the web - you can contact the hotel via the booking.com messaging system and they will arrange the car/driver for you). We again chose to eat in the hotel's Baikhal restaurant - the staff welcomed us back like lost friends. We enjoyed the Nepali cuisine and the cultural show; the dancing was very high quality and beautiful to watch. The hotel is indeed a heritage hotel (not a marketing over statement) and it is interesting to read the history that is provided in the room. We enjoyed staying here so much that we are already talking about when we can return.

The 3 young ladies at the front desk Sudikshya, Abhipsa and Sweety were always available with smiling faces. They also were able to get us an upgrade at a reasonable price. Breakfast was excellent as was the general decor of the property. The ladies also assisted us in getting local cabs for touring! Thank you Sukikshya, Abhipsa and Sweety.

This is my third stay at this glamorous, historic and lovely hotel. The room was super clean, with elegant furniture and super comfortable bed (though I had a slightly smaller room than usual I was comfortable). The staff as always made us feel right at home; everyone who works here is charming and efficient. The hotel is like a haven away from the daily grind of Kathmandu and a stones throw from good restaurants, shops and the bustle of the city outside the walls of Baber Mahal.

This enchanting hotel became my haven during my month-long escapade in Nepal, marking my third delightful stay. Returning to this exquisite establishment after each adventure felt like coming home, and it's a testament to the unparalleled hospitality that defines Baber Mahal Vilas From the moment I arrived, the hotel manager extended warmth and generosity that exceeded all expectations. The constant surprises of room upgrades and thoughtful gifts created an atmosphere where I truly felt special and embraced. The genuine care for my comfort and well-being was evident in every interaction. The staff's kindness extended beyond gestures, as they proved to be an invaluable resource for my explorations. Their unwavering assistance in booking events, hiring cars, and arranging tour guides streamlined my entire experience. The level of attentiveness displayed by the hotel team was nothing short of extraordinary. As my time in Nepal drew to a close, the hotel team orchestrated a grand finale – a breathtaking mountain flight over the Himalayas. Witnessing the majestic Mt Everest was the perfect crescendo to my journey, and it was made possible by the hotel's thoughtful planning. This unexpected and unforgettable gesture encapsulated the essence of their commitment to creating seamless and beautiful memories for their guests. In summary, Baber Mahal Vilas is not just a place to stay; it's a retreat where you're treated like royalty. The combination of exquisite service, genuine kindness, and a commitment to making every moment extraordinary sets this hotel apart. Without a doubt, I will return to relish in the regal experience offered by Baber Mahal Vilas and I wholeheartedly recommend it to fellow travellers seeking a touch of luxury in the heart of Nepal.