Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Baber Mahal Vilas is a quaint, heritage-boutique property, set in the existing architectural haven of Baber Mahal Revisited. Guests feel indulged and cared for with splendid luxury, passionate service, generous hospitality and exquisite cuisine. In an effort to portray the distinct architectural features of Nepal, the property showcases 3 distinct styles of Nepal's architectural heritage. A respite from the busy streets of Kathmandu, an Oasis in the heart of the city.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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Baber Mahal Vilas - The Heritage Hotel garners high marks for its spacious and uniquely decorated rooms, which, along with modern amenities, contribute to the guests' comfort. The hotel's cleanliness is impeccable, earning repeated commendations for spotless facilities. While steeped in rich history, offering a luxurious and comfortable atmosphere, the hotel also provides excellent value, nestled in a prime location near shops and restaurants.
The array of amenities, including diverse dining and shopping options, enhances the serene, historic ambiance. Service at Baber Mahal Vilas stands out as exceptionally friendly and professional, with staff members known for their accommodating nature.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Cost-effective
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Abundant
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My brother and I stayed at this delightful hotel for nine nights over Christmas and felt cosseted at all times. It is an oasis of calm in the hubbub of central Kathmandu. The book on the hotel’s history, on display in the bedrooms, indicates that the buildings were originally the cowsheds and stables serving the palace a little way away. The place has been lovingly and beautifully restored, but it retains a distinctive type of village charm. I have nothing but praise for almost all of the staff we came into contact with during our stay. Our (upgraded) rooms were serviced diligently by housekeeping and the breakfast boys and reception staff looked after us very well. The hotel is about a 20 minute drive from the airport, so is very convenient. You can walk to the Durbar Square in about 25 minutes, but it is not a pleasant walk, constantly buzzed by motorbikes. We did it once, but after that we always asked reception to call a taxi for us. Taxis are inexpensive, so we were able to visit Patan, Bhaktapur, the monkey temple and Kirtipur very easily. Breakfast was delicious and we loved eating on the little terrace. There is a variety of restaurants on site, each with a different character and cuisine. There are also many shops in a little arcade, but we didn’t explore them. We were very sorry to leave - would not hesitate to recommend this lovely little hotel.
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Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Varun Rana, Owner at Baber Mahal Vilas - The Heritage Hotel
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear AngelaHEdinburgh, We thank you for your input, and your kindest words, and support. It gives us immense joy, to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Apart from our architectural heritage, our goal is to provide the guests with an authentic experience of Nepal's hospitality, and we are proud that we could give you a taste of that. We truly hope we have the pleasure of serving you in the near future. Best Wishes
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We booked a traditional suite on booking for three days, at a very interesting price. Upon arrival we were offered an upgrade to the Royal Suite, a spacious mini apartment with a separate entrance. Beyond this appreciated surprise, the stay was very positive in all respects. Comfortable bedroom and bathroom equipped with everything necessary for a luxury stay; breakfast on the terrace of the main restaurant also within the Baber complex (a well-done renovation of an old English structure from the early twentieth century). Even my celiac wife had no problems. One evening we had dinner inside the complex at the Indian restaurant and it was an overall good quality dinner. Logistically it is in the central part of Kathmandu and is convenient for various trips both to/from the airport and to other tourist attractions. Compared to other modern hotels that we had evaluated, it is definitely recommended for the atmosphere and the quality/price ratio.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Si tratta di un complesso isolato, ben protetto anche dai rumori esterni
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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I stayed at Baber Mahal Vilas thrice on my recent trip to Nepal. As I repeatedly came back to it, the place felt like home to come back to.
It is a boutique hotel where the owners have blended Newari, Buddhist, and European styles. I got to stay in three different rooms during my stay at the hotel, all the three rooms were good, spacious and unique in their own way. However, my stay at the Chandra suite was the obvious highlight.
First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Anish Lakhey at the front desk. Anish is thoughtful, kind, and professional. Not only did he handle all the check-in formalities seamlessly, but he also went above and beyond to accommodate every request, including organizing airport transfers, sightseeing trips, meals, answering questions, and more. His exceptional service truly made my experience memorable. I'd like to especially thank him for also organizing a surprise birthday celebration for me.
Baber Mahal Vilas is located away from the crowds of Thamel in a quieter and more peaceful locality. It is a short drive away from the airport, Thamel, as well as other tourist attractions. I organised all my airport transfers and a sightseeing trip via the hotel. The driver was very nice and thanks to him I could also do the darshan of Pashupatinath temple (I wouldn't have managed to do that on my own).
Apart from the hotel, the complex is also home to 'Baber Mahal Revisited', which hosts several restaurants as well as shops. I tried 4 restaurants there - Baithak (Nepali cuisine), Bawarchi (indian cuisine), Chez caroline (French cuisine), and Mulchowk (Continental cuisine). I was satisfied with the food as well as service at both these restaurants. I would definitely recommend going to Baithak restaurant for dinner, as they also organise live Nepali dance performance there in the evening. Do try the Royal Rana Thali whilst you are there!
All the rooms I stayed in were clean, well maintained, and equipped with all essential amenities. All of them were unique in their own way. There are small, beautiful details to notice everywhere. For example, the first room I stayed in had a beautiful tap in the bathroom, the last room had a bookshelf! The Chandra suite was exquisite.
Overall, I'd highly recommend Baber Mahal Vilas. Their entire team is very nice and very responsive. I look forward to staying in Baber Mahal again!
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Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Varun Rana, Owner at Baber Mahal Vilas - The Heritage Hotel
Responded 3 weeks ago
Dear Mr.Mehra, Primarily, I would like to Thank you so much, for your immense and continued support. It was a true delight to have you with us at Baber Mahal. It gives us immense joy, to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Apart from our architectural heritage, our goal is to provide the guests with an authentic experience of Nepal's hospitality, and we are proud that we could give you a taste of that. We truly hope we have the pleasure of serving you in the near future. Best Wishes
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We stayed here for three nights after our Everest Base Camp trek - we upgraded to a suite but all of the rooms looked very good and unique. The building is absolutely amazing, no symmetry, its almost a maze, which was half the fun finding our way round. A dedicated shopping centre in it with the best of Kathmandu shopping, sadly mostly closed due to the festival, but the restaurant was open and we ate there on our anniversary. We sat by the pool, all alone one morning. Just as well there was only one sunlounger.
There were four restaurants - only one open - we had to push to get a bottle of wine from another restaurant as ours only had one option - one waiter said it couldnt be done just as another brought it for us - though everyone was friendly enough, I think maybe they all wanted to be at the festival. A shame it was half closed, but it was nice and quiet. Breakfast good with omelette station.
Overall though, a great place to unwind and get yourself truly lost in
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Date of stay: October 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Varun Rana, Owner at Baber Mahal Vilas - The Heritage Hotel
Responded 17 Oct 2024
Dear Shaunsothern, We apologize your visit fell during the Dashain festival, we understand the problem. We tjhanky ou for your input, and your kindest words, and support. It gives us immense joy, to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Apart from our architectural heritage, our goal is to provide the guests with an authentic experience of Nepal's hospitality, and we are proud that we could give you a taste of that. We truly hope we have the pleasure of serving you in the near future. Best Wishes
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This hotel is truly a hidden gem! My trip got unexpectedly extended by 2 days to accommodate better weather for a helicopter tour of Everest Base Camp. The hotel staff went above and beyond to ensure I had everything I needed and would have the same room throughout to not have to move anything. If it’s your first time in Kathmandu, do yourself a favor and book this hotel. You will immediately feel at home and have the help of the nicest people should you need anything at all. Special shout out to Sudikshya! She was absolutely phenomenal and greeted me every single morning with a smile and made sure I was taken care of. This was an unforgettable stay all around, and I will be coming back for sure!
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Varun Rana, Owner at Baber Mahal Vilas - The Heritage Hotel
Responded 1 Apr 2024
Dear M6081WVjaredh, Thank you so much for your kindest words, and support. It gives us immense joy, to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Apart from our architectural heritage, our goal is to provide the guests with an authentic experience of Nepal's hospitality, and we are proud that we could give you a taste of that. We truly hope we have the pleasure of serving you in the near future. Best Wishes
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We used the hotel as our home base as we had several excursions planned over several days. Rupes was indispensable! Each time we returned it was like coming home. The bags we had left were placed back in our rooms and the welcome back smiles from everyone was heartfelt. Rupes organized all reservations, taxis and must see places.
The rooms were beautiful, comfortable and all one could expect. The property, with the diverse shopping, dinning and services made it so easy and comfortable. Highly recommend Baber Mahal Vilas!
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Varun Rana, Owner at Baber Mahal Vilas - The Heritage Hotel
Responded 4 Mar 2024
Dear josepX7371SQ, Thank you so much for your kindest words, and support. It gives us immense joy, to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Apart from our architectural heritage, our goal is to provide the guests with an authentic experience of Nepal's hospitality, and we are proud that we could give you a taste of that. We truly hope we have the pleasure of serving you in the near future. Best Wishes
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I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at this hotel and would unequivocally give it the highest possible ranking for its exceptional comfort and distinctive character. Our three-night experience felt like a true embodiment of a boutique hotel, aligning seamlessly with the finest traditions seen in the United States.
As a Heritage hotel, it not only offers luxurious comfort but also boasts a rich history that adds an extra layer of charm to the entire ambiance. The meticulous restoration work has beautifully revived the essence of its heritage, creating a visually stunning and historically significant atmosphere.
Positioned adjacent to a variety of shops and restaurants that open to an interior courtyard, the hotel's location enhances accessibility to local amenities and contributes to a charming overall setting.
The room, featuring a spacious layout and a balcony, was a delightful retreat. The added touch of the room opening to the library on the second floor added an element of sophistication and tranquility to the overall experience.
While the staff was friendly, it's worth noting that such warmth is expected from the hospitable people of Katmandu. Overall, my stay was exceptional, and I highly recommend this hotel to those seeking a perfect blend of comfort, history, and boutique elegance.
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip:Don't try to do Katmandu in 3 nights. You can get a sense in 3 nights but you can get an...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Varun Rana, Owner at Baber Mahal Vilas - The Heritage Hotel
Responded 15 Jan 2024
Dear edthomasg, Thank you so much for your kindest words, and support. It gives us immense joy, to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Apart from our architectural heritage, our goal is to provide the guests with an authentic experience of Nepal's hospitality, and we are proud that we could give you a taste of that. We truly hope we have the pleasure of serving you in the near future. Best Wishes
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It is a gorgeous hotel, with amazing Rana architecture; a jewel filled with lots of antiquities, great art, lovely shops, a library with a great collection of historical and cultural books and even a Koi fish tank. The name Rana was given by the then prime minister to Bir Narsingh Kunwar. The Ranas ruled Nepal between 1846 until 1953, and all the rulers of the lineage were named “Maharaja” and “Shree Teen”, while Rana kings were named "Shri Panch" and "Maharajdhiraj". The first ruler of the dynasty was Jung Bdahir, who modernized the State and codified many laws. During the Rana reign gorgeous residences and palaces were built as a proof of their power and magnificence. The Baber Mahal Villas was one of those palaces and was built and is currently run by descendants of the longest ruling prime minister of Nepal, Maharaja Chandra Shumshere Rana.
I stayed at the Chandra Suite. A 41 square meters room with queen bed, hot tub, spacious family room with smart TV and Netflix subscription, complimentary water, tea and coffee and a great minibar. The price is just unbelievably cheap for what you get, only U$162 per night, breakfast included. I checked in at 3 pm really tired after a long day, took a shower at 5 pm and then walked into the corridors of the wonderful complex of shops and restaurants. The complex known as Baber Mahal Revisited was renovated in 1997 and 6 courtyards were turned into a gallery of sophisticated shops, restaurants and gastropubs. I finally, had dinner at the Mul Chowk Restaurant, a lovely restaurant in the main courtyard shaded by a Rudraksha tree, with a great terrace and a selection of continental and Asian food. I had the breast chicken fillet with spinach and mushrooms, a complete delicacy, with a glass of Chardonnay. Then I had another glass of wine in Bawarchi, one of the oldest restaurants and bars of the complex, offering Mughlai Indian Cuisine, which also has a lovely rooftop with great views to the city.
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Date of stay: January 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Book a suite, the Chandra Suite was just amazing
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Varun Rana, Owner at Baber Mahal Vilas - The Heritage Hotel
Responded 25 Mar 2022
We are so happy you enjoyed your stay with us. We appreciate your support, and hope we have the pleasure of serving you in the near future. Best wishes.
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We stayed at Baber Mahal Vilas during late November 2023 in suite N. 302.The whole property is beautiful with its traditional architecture, the suite was ample, nice decorated and well appointed located at the roof top next to a nice terrasse with flowers and even an Himalayan bees honeycomb .There is also an small shopping arcade with nice shops and restaurants, Location is calm and yet close to points of interest. We ate many times at the hotel either via room service and at its Indian restaurant, the food was good but the service must be improved since there were mistakes all times. The included breakfast was a bit small but still appropriate with the best coffee of our whole month trip ,the staff serving it was very attentive and efficient, also the rest of the staff at the front desk. Definitely we could come back.
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Varun Rana, Owner at Baber Mahal Vilas - The Heritage Hotel
Responded 7 Dec 2023
Dear antoniohG6309SY. We thank yous so much for your support, and feedback.. We appreciate your input as it will help us improve our service further. We wish you wonderful journeys ahead, and eagerly await you next arrival. Best Wishes.
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25-30 minute drive from the airport. The hotel is on one side of a culdesac. The hotel was a former royal residence and has kept most of the original architecture. What makes this accommodation unusual is that it also boasts various craft shops,p and had an ongoing art exhibition whilst we were there. There are also 3 restaurants offering Local,Asian and French fare. There is a spa and sauna and steam room but only one person can use the latter two at any one time. Breakfast was very basic but adequate. The rooms in the original part of the hotel were quirky with an upstairs bedroom with a mattress on the floor but was very comfy. Well worth a visit if you like your accommodation to be different than the usual hotel setup
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Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Not sure if there is any parking as we arrived by taxi. The main road fronting the was mega busy...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Varun Rana, Owner at Baber Mahal Vilas - The Heritage Hotel
Responded 5 weeks ago
Dear Andrew Thank you so much for your feedback, and support. It gives us immense joy, to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us. Apart from our architectural heritage, our goal is to provide the guests with an authentic experience of Nepal's hospitality, and we are proud that we could give you a taste of that. We truly hope we have the pleasure of serving you in the near future. Best Wishes
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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