Hotel Magnolia Pokhara

Get up to the rooftop early, before the clouds build, for mountain views. It’s a small, simple place with a great atmosphere, incredibly friendly staff, really comfortable beds and a delicious breakfast. A great accommodation option in Pokhara.

The staff were the reason for the five stars, so cordial and helpful. Breakfast had superb aaloo paratha. Nepal’s festival meant they were short-staffed, so we had to get dinner from outside. The rooms were simple but tastefully maintained, clean and airy. The roof could have been cleaned as well. The hotel itself is well kept and in a good location. We had a great two-night stay.

The Wi-Fi didn’t work in the rooms, so I had to use the common areas, and the TV had Indian channels. The hotel is out of the way. On the morning I was due to arrive, they emailed to say they couldn’t complete my booking. I ignored the email and showed up anyway, and they had rooms available. They also tried to charge 23% extra in “tax and charges” that weren’t listed on the menu, then overcharged me 600rps at checkout by their exchange rate calculation. I’m surprised this place has so many good reviews. I wouldn’t trust them and wouldn’t stay again.

They followed up my reservation with phone calls, which seemed professional, and the hotel is tucked into one of the lanes near Basundhara Park. But when I lifted the blanket, I found two thick, long black hairs on the bed, and one had a bit of scalp still attached. The bathroom had a clear glass window facing someone’s roof just a few feet away, so I had to turn the lights off every time I went in. Needless to say, I was kind of constipated during my stay. The basin tap was very wobbly, and I was afraid it might come off. I felt too uncomfortable to eat breakfast there. I don’t understand the good reviews I saw online. It’s not even dirt cheap. I’m still trying to make sense of it, and I’m never staying here again.