The hotel is situated in a dirty back street area of Varanasi (but then again what isn't?). The staff are friendly and the food was good. However the whole hotel was rather run down and tatty. It was annoying having to pay cash for every single cup of tea or bottle of water. The beds are rock hard too. Overall it was overpriced and not recommended.

We selected the "palace turned hotel" for its swimming pool and collection of old furniture. The swimming pool was empty "maintenance" came the explanation and the furniture was certainly old - see pictures - they speak louder than words. The fire hose was cracked & had holes in it and the electrics were hanging out of the wall in our room. As I sat down in disappointment on the bed I nearly broke my coccyx it was so hard. The bathroom looked uninviting too. The pond/fountain was also drained and the downstairs toilets smelled like Indian railway tracks - sorry if you've not visited India - the smell is indescribable. The duvet cover was stained and when I asked to make a local call on the phone I was refused (so much for STD). Despite having paid for 2 rooms for 2 nights we left. The porters were helpful in taking our luggage to the car. The management said nothing. Use our experience to save yourself the money and book somewhere else.

It's clean and comfortable, but there are cheaper places in Varanasi, that offer the same standard, and they're closer to Ghats.

Our booking at the India Hotel, got lost!! Varanasi was very busy. We had to transfer to Pavalli, cheaper rooms were basic, a bit musty, we paid more and had a good room. The hotel must have been beautiful as a home, now somewhat in need of a 'refurb', however our stay was good, well cared for. Breakfast adequate, staff helpful.