Lonely Planet Review

Subtlety is the watchword at this smart modern hotel in Lakeside East. Everything is tasteful and understated and rooms are housed in octagonal stone blocks in a well-tended garden. Many guests are workers for international NGOs - a good marker of quality.

In an area full of identical cinderblock hotels, the Trek-o-Tel scores highly for style and originality. Rooms and communal spaces are spread out over a series of octagonal stone villas, inspired by Gurung village houses. It's all very tastefully done and the wooden furniture and unusual angles make the rooms feel cosier than most in this price range. The hotel is spotlessly clean and immaculately tidy, yet it still manages to feel relaxing and informal - the friendly staff must have something to do with it. Many guests are workers for charities and NGOs, so the conversations over breakfast are often surprisingly insightful. Various meal plans are available and the Pokhara Thakali Kitchen restaurant serves unusual dishes from the plains of high Mustang.