Lonely Planet Review
The Kathmandu Guest House was the first hotel to open in the area back in 1967 and it's still one of the most popular. It also serves as the central landmark. Everything in Thamel is 'near the Kathmandu Guest House'. In terms of value for money you can get better rooms elsewhere, but most people come for the bustling atmosphere.
It's usually booked out weeks in advance during the high season. From the BBC TV in the lobby and the wi-fi-enabled front courtyard to the very pleasant rear garden, the KGH acts as a real haven from the Thamel mayhem. Facilities include parking, luggage storage, early morning t'ai chi classes, a mini-cinema, travel desk and even a sauna; this is budget travel in the deluxe category! The cheapest rooms have communal bathrooms and are located in part of the original 13-room guesthouse, which was previously a Rana palace. In the newer wing, the best-value rooms are the garden-facing rooms or the new Maya block rooms. At the top of the scale are large, modern rooms with air-con.
Review by author
Bradley Mayhew