Hotel Alka

The views from the room and the location are the best parts. It’s right on Meer Ghat and a two-minute walk from Mandir gate no. 2. The rooms are comfortable and have all the proper amenities, but service was only average because the hotel doesn’t have enough staff. The food was also pretty average and extremely expensive. If the view is what you’re after, it’s an ideal place to stay.

The staff were polite and helpful, and they quickly arranged wheelchair service for our parents. The hotel also has great food. It’s by the Ghats, only about 100 metres from the Ganga Dwar of Kashi Vishwanath Mandir. Since the heart of Varanasi is around the Ghat, this is a stay worth considering if the city is on your list.

From the room, balcony, and open terrace dining area, you can see the Ganga flowing right in front of you. We could even watch Ganga Aarti from the room window, which was special. Dashashwamedh Ghat is a three to four-minute walk, and Kashi Vishwanath Corridor is about five minutes away. The hotel doesn’t have car parking, and you enter through one of Kashi’s narrow, famous galis. Once inside, though, it’s peaceful and clean, and the river views make up for the tricky approach. The staff were helpful throughout, carrying our luggage and arranging an auto to the station at checkout. I had a memorable, very comfortable stay, and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to experience Varanasi close to the ghats.

It’s right at the Ghat, so you have to walk there through narrow, crowded lanes. Vehicles can’t reach the hotel directly, except two-wheelers, but the hotel offers luggage pick-up and drop-off to the main road, which helps. Some rooms have balconies overlooking the Ganges, and the river view is a highlight. It’s a convenient option near Kashi Vishwanath, Annapurna, and Vishalakshi Temple. Only vegetarian food is served, and its quality is average. The staff are courteous and helpful.