Kathmandu's Hidden Gem: Hotel Lily - Unforgettable Nepal Stay
Kathmandu's Hidden Gem: Hotel Lily - Unforgettable Nepal Stay (My Completely Unfiltered Review - Buckle Up!)
Okay, let's be real. Planning a trip to Kathmandu? Amazing. Scouring hotel reviews? Exhausting. Trying to find a place that’s actually as good as it claims to be? A nightmare. Well, folks, I've just survived a stay at Hotel Lily, and I'm here to give you the brutally honest (and hopefully helpful) lowdown. Get ready, because this is going to be less "polished travel brochure" and more "drunken journal entry" after a particularly tasty Nepali beer.
First Impressions & Accessibility – Now, Let's Get Real About Walking Up to the Front Desk:
Right, so Accessibility. This is crucial for some folks. And honestly? Hotel Lily gets a mixed bag here. Elevator: Check! Facilities for Disabled Guests: Okay, they say they have them. I didn't specifically test them out, but seeing the elevator was already a win. The lobby, though, was a bit of a squeeze when the tour groups were checking in. Think politely maneuvering your way around a herd of excited, backpack-laden pigeons.
Accessibility SCORE: 7/10 (Room for improvement with clear signage and possibly wider pathways in busy periods. But overall, not bad for Kathmandu!)
Pre-emptive Note: I am not an expert on all the accessibility features they may have, please double check on any individual needs and contact the hotel to confirm this!
Let’s Talk Wi-Fi & That Sweet, Sweet Internet Connection:
Internet Access: They shout about free Wi-Fi so loud it's practically a mantra, they need it! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes, it’s a necessity these days. And thankfully, it works pretty damn well. I'm talking streaming Netflix in bed, video calls with the fam, the whole shebang. Internet [LAN] in the rooms too if you need it.
Internet Services: Overall, no complaints. My partner, being a workaholic, used it for serious business stuff and had no issues.
Internet SCORE: 9/10 (Solid and reliable. Seriously, Kathmandu internet can be a crapshoot so this is a big win.)
Cleanliness & Safety – Because Let’s Be Honest, Nepal is a Vibe:
Okay, this is a big one, especially with the whole… gestures vaguely at the world. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol… They're taking it seriously. I watched them meticulously clean rooms between guests (even if I’m not sure they’re 100% following everything). First Aid kit: Present. Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. It felt… reassuring. This isn't sterile, hospital-grade cleaning, but it’s definitely more than what I expected, and what you might get elsewhere.
Room sanitization opt-out available: I didn't opt out.
Cleanliness & Safety SCORE: 8.5/10 (A+ for effort, and the general feeling of "they're trying their best, we're all in this together" kind of vibes.)
Now Let's Talk RELAXATION, Because Adventures are Exhausting:
Okay, you've hiked the Himalayas (or, you know, just braved the Thamel traffic). You deserve it. Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom: All available. I indulged. Oh-ho-ho, did I indulge.
I'm going to tell you about the MASSAGE. It was an experience. I'm not going to lie. The massage room itself was… cosy. A bit… intimate. But the masseuse? Magic hands. She kneaded out all the knots in my back from carrying my own bag for an entire day! The spa itself is a haven. Honestly, the most stressful part was deciding whether to go for the foot bath first or the full body wrap. I did both. No regrets.
Pool with view: The pool isn't HUGE, but it's on the rooftop and offers a seriously stunning view of the city. Swimming pool [outdoor]: And that is precisely what it is; a real pool on top!
Gym/fitness/Fitness center: I saw one! I didn't use it. Let's just say I was more focused on the Nepali food (more on that later).
Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: Yes. Yes. Yes.
Relaxation SCORE: 9/10 (Spa is brilliant, pool is great, and the overall vibe is chilled-out. Just be prepared for the "rustic charm" of the massage setup!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Because Carb-Loading is a Sport:
Alright, food. The most important part, right?
Restaurants: Yeah, plural! Restaurants. A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: They've got range. And they are decent.
Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Breakfast takeaway service, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: Ah, the breakfast. I'm a sucker for a good breakfast buffet. This one had everything. Seriously. I’m talking: omelet station, local fruit, pastries, everything. The coffee… was strong. Very strong. In a "wake you up and slap you around a bit" kind of way.
Poolside bar: This is where Happy Hour became a lifestyle choice.
Bar: Yeah, they have one.
Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Coffee, tea, caffeine overload at any time of the day!
Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: All present and accounted for.
Room service [24-hour]: Useful after a late night out, or if you're just feeling lazy (guilty!).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking SCORE: 8/10 (Delicious food, varied options. Breakfast gets a solid A. And the poolside bar? Pure joy.)
Services and Conveniences: The Perks, the Quirks, and the Unexpected:
Air conditioning in public area: Yes. Air conditioning: (in rooms): Naturally. Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events: I didn't go to any events, so I can't comment. Business facilities: They have them. I saw some people tapping away on laptops. Cash withdrawal: Easy peasy. Concierge: Helpful, always. Contactless check-in/out: Very convenient. Convenience store: For those midnight snack cravings. Currency exchange: Handy. Daily housekeeping: My room was sparkling every day. Doorman: Yes. Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: Yup. Elevator: See above. Facilities for disabled guests: (See above, mixed). Food delivery: Available. Gift/souvenir shop: Great for last-minute gifts (or, you know, something for yourself)
Luggage storage: Used it. Worked flawlessly. Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings: saw these going on. On-site event hosting: Didn't attend any. Safety deposit boxes, Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher: They take security and safety very seriously.
Services and Conveniences SCORE: 9/10 (They really thought of everything. Very convenient and well-managed)
For the Kids – Because Family Holidays are a Whole Different League:
I'll level with you. I don't have kids. I'm not the target audience. I did see Kids facilities, though. Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal: They claim to be family-friendly.
For the Kids SCORE: Unclear, but the amenities are there.
Getting Around – Kathmandu Chaos:
Airport transfer: Definitely use it. Kathmandu traffic is… an experience. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking, Bicycle parking, Car power charging station: If you're braving the Kathmandu roads.
Getting Around SCORE: 7.5/10 (Airport transfer is a MUST.)
Available in all rooms… The Essentials (and More!):
Let's rifle through the room features, because that's what really matters!
**Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [
Kyoto's Hidden Gem: Miyako City & Kintetsu Station Revealed!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, color-coded travel brochure. This is the REAL DEAL, a messy love letter (and sometimes hate letter) to my time at Hotel Lily in Kathmandu, Nepal. Hold onto your prayer flags, folks, because it's about to get gloriously chaotic.
My Epic (and Slightly Disastrous) Kathmandu Adventure: A Lily Hotel Saga
Day 1: Arrival - The Altitude, the Anxiety, and the Absolutely Savage Taxi Driver
- Morning (Roughly 7 am): Landed in Kathmandu. Jet lag? Oh, honey, that's an understatement. I felt like I'd been hit by a bus…several times. The air hit me like a thick, spicy blanket. And the traffic?? Forget organized chaos; this was just…chaos.
- Taxi Tirade (and Triumph): Found a lovely, (read: terrifying) taxi driver outside the airport. He quoted me a price that felt like highway robbery – which, in retrospect, it probably was. Negotiating with him felt like trying to wrestle a yak. Eventually, wearing down the language barrier and my patience, I got him to lower the price.
- Hotel Lily Arrival (10 am): Hallelujah! Found the hotel. The lobby, a beautiful chaos of vibrant colours, instantly soothed my travel-fried nerves. A little bit of bliss, there.
- Room Revelation (11 am): My room was…cozy. Let's go with cozy. Okay, it was small, but clean. And the view from the balcony? Stupendous. The sight of the mountains in the distance when the clouds cleared, was a breath of fresh air on my soul.
- Afternoon (1 pm): Lunch at the hotel restaurant. Went for the classic Dal Bhat. Oh. My. God. I got through almost three servings before, in a moment of utter deliciousness, it hit me with a wave of sleepiness.
- Altitude Sickness Kicks In (2 pm - 5 pm): Feeling like I was trying to breathe through a straw. The hotel staff were incredibly patient with my whining. They brought me hot water and a calming tea.
- Evening (6 pm): Forced myself out for a stroll around Thamel. The street vendors…the smells (good and bad!), the energy of the place was overwhelming and magical. I got completely lost (twice), but somehow made it back to the hotel by the light. Dinner was light, and I crashed hard around 9 pm.
Day 2: Boudhanath Stupa - Spiritual Overload and a Tea that Changed Everything
- Morning (8 am): Breakfast. Simple, but adequate. Scrambled eggs, toast, and Nescafe (that tasted suspiciously like tar). But the free breakfast will never disappoint.
- Boudhanath Stupa (9 am - 12 pm): This was the main event today. I'd walked the same circles. The place was gorgeous, the prayer flags flapping in the wind, the chanting… honestly, it was all a bit much at first. (I think I was still clinging to my Western cynicism). I was swept along with the crowd, the energy, the sheer buzz of it all. Then, some very kind Tibetan woman taught me how to spin a prayer wheel (I’d been doing it totally wrong).
- The Tea Revelation (10 am): There, in a little unassuming tea stall on the edge of the stupa, I experienced a tea so good it brought tears to my eyes. It was a honey-ginger-lemon concoction that felt like a hug from the inside out. I swear, for that glorious, steaming cup, I would have run through burning coals. This tea was, I will never forget it, the most important moment of my trip.
- Afternoon (1 pm): Lunch, because I got hungry again. Seriously, food is my undoing. I devoured some momos – steamed dumplings – and then, feeling full and happy, I sat and people-watched for an hour.
- Afternoon (2 pm - 5 pm): A stroll around the Pashupatinath Temple and a quick tour of the monkey temple. Beautiful and chaotic! I did, however, get chased by a monkey. It stole my water bottle and I had to make a run for it. So be careful.
- Evening (6 pm): Dinner at a rooftop restaurant, where I watched the sunset. It was truly spectacular, but the food? Mediocre. Ah well.
- Evening (8 pm): Back to the hotel, exhausted but happy.
Day 3: Kathmandu Valley - A Day of Temples, Tantrums, and Tasty Treats
- Morning (8 am): Another breakfast. At this point, it was starting to feel like I was mainly there to eat. Which, let's be honest, might have been mostly true.
- Transportation Chaos (9 am): Planned on a day trip to Bhaktapur, but the taxi situation had other ideas. After some haggling (and a near-meltdown on my part), I managed to get a ride.
- Bhaktapur (10 am - 1 pm): This ancient city was breathtaking. It was a quiet escape from the chaos of Kathmandu. I wandered through the narrow streets, admiring the wood carvings and the architecture.
- The Tourist Trap (1 pm): Got completely ripped-off for lunch in Bhaktapur, because of course. I was so hangry, I paid way too much. Lesson learned: always check the menu prices before you order.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster (2 pm): Okay, so this is where things get…real. I'd been going great all day, or so i thought. I took a turn down a dark alleyway where i saw a poverty so raw, so desperate, that it hit me like a punch to the gut. I broke down there, on my hands, and knees. I just wanted to disappear.
- Recovery and Reflection (3 pm - 6 pm): I walked back to my hotel. I was in shock. I felt the need to get back to the stupa again. I needed the serenity of the spinning prayer wheels and the gentle chanting. I decided to take my thoughts and write them in my journal.
- Evening (7 pm - 9 pm): I ate dinner. I sat at my small balcony, drinking some tea. I looked up at the sky and realized how lucky I was. I realized the struggles are everywhere, and that's what makes this world our home.
Day 4: Departure - A bittersweet goodbye
- Morning (8 am): Woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed. Breakfast was okay, nothing special.
- Last Stroll in Thamel (9 am): Wanted to pick up a few souvenirs. Got completely overwhelmed, and ended up buying more prayer flags. Because, why not?
- Hotel Lily Farewell (11 am): Checked out of the hotel. I felt a pang of sadness. I'd gotten used to the Lily's quirks, the staff's kindness, even the unreliable hot water.
- Taxi to the Airport (12 pm): This time I got a better price. I felt like a local pro!
- Departure (3 pm): Said goodbye to Kathmandu. I was sad to be leaving, but also filled with a strange sense of peace.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. I got lost, I got scammed, I cried, I laughed. But in all its messy, imperfect glory, it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Hotel Lily? It was a part of it. It wasn't luxurious, but it was safe, and it felt like home. And that tea in Boudhanath? I'm still dreaming about it. If you go to Kathmandu, be prepared to be challenged, to be surprised, and to fall madly, deeply in love. And hey, maybe I'll see you there. I'm already planning my return…just gotta save up for more momos!
Escape to Paradise: Luxury Hongcheon Braentano Poolvilla Awaits!
Hotel Lily: Kathmandu's Hidden Gem (But Seriously, Is It?) - FAQs from a Slightly Crazy Traveler
Okay, okay, the buzz says "Hidden Gem"... but *is* Hotel Lily actually good? And what's the *deal* with these "unforgettable Nepal stays"?
Alright, buckle up, because the "hidden gem" thing? It's true, *kinda*. Hotel Lily isn't a glitzy, polished diamond. Think more… a slightly tarnished, but incredibly charming, silver locket you find at a flea market. It's genuinely good, but the "unforgettable" part relies heavily on your definition of "unforgettable." For me? Yep. Last time I stayed there, I spent an hour just watching a squirrel try to steal a mango from a tree outside my window. Try finding *that* at the Hilton. (And yes, I got emotionally invested in the squirrel's success. He got it. Good squirrel.)
The "unforgettable" part? It's not just about the hotel. It's the whole chaotic, beautiful, breathtaking mess that is Nepal. Hotel Lily is your home base while you dive *headfirst* into that mess. So, think less "luxury resort" and more "authentic Nepali adventure." It's comfy. It's friendly. It's got character. And, frankly, after a day wrestling with the Kathmandu traffic, you'll *need* that character.
The rooms... what are they like? I'm picturing something out of a horror movie. Or, you know, a *really* basic hostel.
Okay, okay, I get it. Nepal and "rooms" can be a bit of a lottery. Hotel Lily’s rooms? They're perfectly… comfortable. Don't expect marble floors and a walk-in closet. Do expect clean sheets, a decent bed, and, most importantly, a working shower (which, trust me, in Kathmandu, is a *luxury*). They vary a bit in size, so depending on your budget you might get a room with a balcony (GET ONE! People-watching is a national sport, and you'll need to be in prime position) or a slightly smaller one.
The decor? Let's just say "eclectic." Think cozy, with a touch of "Grandma's spare bedroom, but in Kathmandu." It's charming, in its own slightly eccentric way. And I can vouch for the fact that they're immaculately cleaned. Every single time I have been there, it has been spotless.
One time, I got a room with a particularly *persuasive* mosquito. I named him "Baz." He and I had a battle of wills for about an hour before I finally won. (With a strategically placed mosquito coil, naturally.) The point is, it's REAL. It's not some sterile, fake paradise. It's life, in all its slightly-imperfect glory. And that, for me, is gold.
What's the food like? Because, let's be honest, bad hotel food can ruin an entire trip.
Oh. My. God. The food! Okay, deep breath. It’s excellent. Truly. Hotel Lily's restaurant is *not* an afterthought. It's a destination in itself. They do a fantastic breakfast - think fresh fruit, fluffy pancakes, and strong coffee (you'll need it, trust me). But don't just stick to breakfast. The Nepali dishes are where it gets *really* interesting.
I once ate a plate of momos there, and honestly? I'm pretty sure I saw God. They were plump, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The chili sauce? Prepare for some serious heat. (And I *love* spicy food, so don't say I didn't warn you.) Seriously, the cooks clearly pour their heart into every dish. And the prices? Ridiculously good. You almost feel guilty. *Almost.* Just… eat there. Often.
How's the location? Is it in the middle of all the noise and craziness? Because I also like sleep.
The location's a solid win. Hotel Lily is in Thamel, the heart of Kathmandu, but tucked away *just* enough to escape the full-on sensory overload. You're steps from everything: the shops, the restaurants, the temples, the chaos (and oh, the chaos!). But it's also on a quieter side street, so you can actually sleep! I'm a light sleeper, and I managed to get a good night's rest every time (although, the occasional motorbike roaring past at 3 AM is part of the experience. Embrace it!). It is not far from a busy street, but you are not right on top of it. You can easily go and experience it, and then go back and have a good night's sleep.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful? Or are they just going through the motions?
The staff… this is where Hotel Lily really shines. They're not just "helpful"; they're genuinely lovely people. They're warm, welcoming, and go above and beyond. They remember your name. They offer advice on everything from trekking routes to the best places to buy yak wool socks (essential). They even helped me wrestle my enormous backpack up three flights of stairs after a particularly grueling trek. (And I felt ridiculously grateful. My glutes are still not fully recovered)
I've seen them handle cranky guests, demanding tourists, and everything in between, with a smile and unfailing patience. They are what makes the hotel a home. They did everything to make me and everyone else there have a good time.
One time, my phone charger died. Panic ensued. They not only lent me a charger, but the receptionist even *phoned around the city* to find the specific type of charger I needed. That's above and beyond. That's the kind of staff that makes you want to hug them (and I almost did! Restraint, people, restraint.).
Okay, you've painted a pretty picture. What's the *catch*? What's the one thing that might drive me crazy?
Alright, alright, you deserve the unvarnished truth. There ARE a few things. First, the Wi-Fi. It's Nepal. Internet speeds are… variable. Sometimes lightning fast, sometimes slower than a sloth on Valium. Don't expect to download entire movies. Embrace the disconnect. Enjoy the slower pace. (You can always find a cafe with better Wi-Fi if you *absolutely* need it.)
Second, the stairs. There's no elevator. Be prepared for a climb, especially if you're on a higher floor. (But hey, it builds character… and your glutes!). And finally, and this is key: Embrace the organized chaos! Be patient. Smile. Roll with the punches. Things don't always run on schedule in Nepal. That's part of the charm. If you're expecting perfect efficiency and clinical precision, you'll be miserable. If you're up for an adventure, you'll have a blast. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find yourself getting emotionally invested in a squirrel's food quest, too.
