Lonely Planet Review

A surprisingly refined option in this part of Lakeside, Hotel Barahi has a large, lovely pool and smart air-con rooms with small balconies. The stone-clad buildings make it look a bit like a Swiss ski chalet and the restaurant has a touristy but popular evening show of Nepali song and dance.

Obviously the big attraction here is the pool. Phewa Tal may be huge and inviting but it's pretty chilly and the pool at the Barahi hovers at an inviting 26 degrees. This is arguably the best of the mid-range lodges at Lakeside, attracting older and wealthier travellers who want a taste of luxury before hitting the mountain trails. Rooms are contained in several chalet-style buildings in a garden full of jungle shrubs and bamboo, and facilities are excellent. Every room has a big TV and steaming hot power shower and the deluxe rooms have small balconies overlooking the pool. Other facilities include a poolside bar, a posh souvenir shop and an above-average restaurant. If you like that sort of thing, the hotel stages a nightly cultural show for guests with a huge dinner buffet.