Vivanta Kathmandu

The rooftop pool and bar had fantastic views at sunset, and the bed was really comfortable with an amazing shower. It’s a beautiful hotel in a great spot in KTM, with some lovely cafes and restaurants nearby. Bikey at the evening front desk was another highlight. He was always smiling and gave us great tips and advice for our time in Nepal. Thanks, Bikey!

Breakfast at 7 a.m. was mayhem. A trekking group and what seemed to be their local guides or sherpas were there, and some local guests were stuffing their pockets with sugar packets and other food. The waiters only seemed to listen to them, and nobody came to my table. I’d booked Vivanta by Taj expecting an excellent property, but it felt like a three-star hotel charging five-star prices. My room had an odd shape and a tiny bathroom that was hard to move around in. The wallpaper was peeling, there weren’t enough outlets, and an exposed plug next to the kettle seemed like a fire hazard. The TV hung at an angle, and the moisturizer bottle had no seal and looked reused. The whole stay was extremely underwhelming. I’d avoid it for business or leisure.

The location felt a bit tucked away, though it was very close to TU Ground, where I was working with the Lumbini Lions team, so it worked out well. I had a very good stay, with kind hospitality, good service, good food, and a nice environment.

The bathroom smelled of cigarettes, and when I asked to switch rooms, the staff kept telling me it would take 15 minutes. Then they said some people had gone for lunch and they were preparing the room, and that was the point I left. The dinner server also took 40 minutes to come back for our bill. The rooms are so noisy it feels like sleeping on the sidewalk. Staff tried to be nice, but it didn’t make up for the hotel’s shortcomings. This was easily the worst service I’ve had in Kathmandu.