The Pema by Realm

For me, the standout was the Indian food, the best I’ve ever had. The service was top class, and my room had splendid views. A five-star experience at an outstanding hotel, and the place to stay in Timphu.

The massage with the singing bowls was a real highlight, unique and deeply relaxing, and the masseuse was both kind and skilled. Meals at the ground floor bistro were generous, with local and international options on the ala carte menu for dinner and breakfast. I was recovering from jet lag after a work trip and got proper rest over my two nights. I’d heard comments about street dogs barking all night, but for me the barking was limited and sounded far away, so it wasn’t an issue. The room was a good size, with a very comfortable bed and luxurious bathroom fittings. I also appreciated the thoughtful room gifts and toiletries sourced from meaningful, sustainable small businesses in Bhutan and Thailand. The welcome was warm, and all the staff were friendly, helpful and well trained. The Pema felt like a great choice for service, comfort and privacy, whether travelling for work or holiday. I’d gladly stay again when I’m in Thimphu.

Hem, the manager, helped make our trip run smoothly from the moment we booked, arranging taxis and a local guide and helping us plan our itinerary. Everyone on the staff was welcoming and helpful, always greeting us with a smile and answering questions kindly. I stayed three nights at The Pema Hotel with my parents. Our room was beautiful, with mountain views we could gaze at for hours. The food was delicious, and we also had wonderfully relaxing, professional massages at the hotel spa. Pema is a boutique hotel that punches above its weight. We’ve stayed at many five-star hotels, and this experience was better than a lot of them. Highly recommend it to anyone visiting Thimphu, Bhutan.

We spent two great nights here. The staff were welcoming, cordial and ready to help with anything we needed. The restaurants served great food, and the rooftop bar and restaurant were a lovely place to relax in the late afternoon or at night. Our room was cozy and comfortable, with a breathtaking view. The gym and spa were fantastic additions. A big thank you to the whole hotel team for making the trip memorable. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Bhutan at any time of year. 🙏🏼🍻