Srinagar Houseboats' neighbourhoods can be cramped and overcrowded..... Forget about these drawbacks at Butt's Clermont... It's a haven of calm and quality on the north-western bank of Dal Lake.
No need of a costly shikara to get there, it's located within walking distance from Hazratbal Mosq.
The garden offers hundred year old maple trees, apeasing space, a beautiful lawn with delightful flowers... It overlooks historical houseboats made of cedarwood and featuring beautiful walnutwood furniture. The place is so peaceful, it would be good enough a reason to stay there... But it's even better when you mention service and food : each boat has their butler (Sultan was absolutely perfect!) and the kitchen pays attention to special needs or wishes. Indian cuisine is delicious, beverages creative!...
The family of owners is exceptionnally helpful, friendly and security minded. On top of all, these houseboats have a history of famous people staying there and among them, outstanding reporters and correspondents who covered the local uprising over several decades.

Definitely the place to stay in Srinagar. We stayed for 2 nights and occupied almost the whoie place (8 bedrooms for 16 people). Mr. Butt and his staff are awesome hosts, and take care of every need. From the welcoming kahva (Kashmiri green) tea, to the breakfasts out in the garden, the beautiful interiors (carved wood paneling and furniture, carpets, chandeliers, Kashmiri upholstery and linens) of the houseboats with running hot water, lights and electricity and a very expansive dining, sitting area it was perfect for our group to have this get-away from the somewhat tense security situation in Srinagar. Was great to hang out on the boat or in the garden, and Mr. Butt arranged for us to ride very early AM to visit the floating vegetable market in Dal Lake in shikaras (Kashmiri gondolas)- definitely a 'National Geographic' experience. Great to come back to from a busy day sightseeing and just relax and partake of the fresh fruit and bottled water on the dining table that was always set out for us in our houseboat- and have a good dinner served in the houseboat by attentive staff who helped us select the menu beforehand.

The only downside is that the call to prayers 5 times a day that is blared out by loudspeakers of the Hazratbal mosque nearby disturb the peace & quiet- chock one to the cultural experience of visiting a traditional Islamic area. Fortunately they do subside after a while- but avoid Friday stays if you can (Friday is the Muslim holy day).

Am sad about the plight of the Kashmiri people and how they have been so negatively affected economically (as in crash in tourism) since 1990- things seemed to be improving and all I can say is that it will not improve if tourists don't come and spend time and money in Kashmir which in turn will help improve the economy which has just been devastated- this certainly does nothing to help the slide towards extremism.

The media seems to blow a few incidents out of proportion (makes news that is reported worldwide) which evidently is what was happening while we were there and then the government and security troops almost have to react given the publicity- a vicious cycle. Only later after returning to the US from Kashmir did we find out that it was supposedly highly unsafe- but we (mostly white Americanos) went to visit a mosque, and old town markets and a neighborhood without event.

Taking reasonable precautions (such as hiring a local guide for arranging travel and tours), Kashmir is not to be missed. Our entire group drove in 4 Toyota Innovas from Srinagar to Leh, Ladakh with a night halt in Kargil- just an awesome experience that got a great start at Butt's Houseboats in Srinagar. It is simply the best houseboat experience there and there is no way you should stay at the other houseboats on Dal Lake that are crammed side-to-side in a fairly public setting.

We went to Kashmir in the peak season of May-June and the airport was so flushed with travelers that there was no room to walk without pushing. But as soon as we entered the car sent by Mr.Butt (the owner of the house boat), we knew we were heading for a lovely holiday. The location of this houseboat is amazing, as it is secluded from the hustle bustle of the city. Mr.Butt takes special care of each and every guest that arrives. Mr.Sultan, was our personal caretaker. Each and every person in the houseboat was so warm, that I fell in love with the place. We felt as if we were at home. MR.Butt had made all arrangements for us, like helping us with the vehicle, the shikara ride, hotel at various other places that we were going to visit, and the shopping places.
I would suggest everyone who is going with a family and with the view to relax in Kashmir, should stay at Butts houseboat. For those who are want to enjoy being in the city-side then you could re-think.

I REVISITED AFTER 25 YEARS, things had changed, but the hospitality, the people, the experience remains intact... just too good to be true. feel like going back every month...need to write a really long review... which is long over due....Mr. Butt, the owner is a gem of a person and a very fine gentleman. he would go to any length to make your stay a truely memorable one. a more extensive review on the way !!