Was recommended to this place by a friend. Have now stayed there before and after treks twice, once in October 2005 and again in April 2006. The guest house is very new and clean, with combo electric/solar showers, and situated in an excellent area - very close to the lake and main tourist thoroughfare, but slightly off it (5 - 15 min walk depending on which end you want), so you're not disturbed by the late bars etc.

The only complaint I have is that if you've come off a trek and need a lie in, it can be quite noisy in the morning, as you get farmyard animals in the area making a racket from daylight. However, I think this is a standard Nepalese thing, so bring earplugs! The rooms all have mosquito grills, windows and curtains, so no worries on that front. First time I went the doors would swing shut very loudly too, but this has been fixed! From the top of the hotel you can see Macchapucchare (okay I had to Google that to spell it right!), some of the Annapurna range and arguably Manaslu, though the weather definitely has to be right for this!

The thing that really makes the place is the owner, Raju, and his family, Sushmita and daughter Ria. They are extremely friendly, excellent cooks, and very hospitable. Both trips they have helped me to arrange local guides without half the money going to one of the big companies - these are local people who invite you to their house for dinner, and really help you to interract with local life.

Raju sorted me out with a "package" where he met us in Kathmandu (the first visit), sorted hotels there, internal flights, guides and all expenses on trek. The first visit I went to Annapurna Sanctuary and Poon Hill. The second, the Langtang Valley and Gosainkund Lake. Both times it was 9-10 days trek with a few days chilling in Pokhara at the end - swimming in the lake, going paragliding, eating yummy cheap food and just generally relaxing!

If you're sorting out guides with him, the guys I had were Ram and Suresh, both entirely commendable. Other general tip regarding Nepal is that like the Indian culture, they aim to please, so everything is "no problem"! Don't ask yes/no questions, ask how!

Finally, if you're thinking about going, go now! Tourism is down because of the troubles, which are all over now (I went at the height in April and it was okay even then), and with numbers down it's much easier trekking. plenty of space in lodges etc.

Have fun!