Hostel Swastik — Hotel in Bhaktapur Municipality

I'm not even sure where to begin. I know that the goal is to review the hostel but it is impossible to do so without first addressing the force of nature that is its tireless owner, Bishwo. While trying to come up with an itinerary, I knew I wanted to visit Bhaktapur and saw that there was a Whatsapp number for the hostel. I messaged them with some logistical questions (ie what buses can I take, what route etc) and Bishwo effortlessly reworked my itinerary into the very possible version it could be. All this before I had even left home. Once I arrived (after 30 hours of travel from Miami), he was there to greet me and once again guide me through the best possible use of my limited time. The community he creates within the hostel was likewise there to help and answer any questions. The location is within a local neighborhood but a short walk to Durbur square so you get the best of both worlds. The town itself is like walking in a living museum with temples and stupas on every corner. I am so grateful he suggested I begin my 3 week visit in Bhaktapur, leaving the chaos of Kathmandu for later. It was the perfect start to my trip. I truly can not recommend this hostel, Bhaktapur and especially Bishwo enough. They deserve all...

In advance: I have rather high standards and expectations on facilities.

Still it's difficult for me to understand how this place has such good ratings. My experience wasn't pleasant.

A positive thing was that other guests were social and nice.

To me facilities feel cramped and the place overall pretty dark. My top bunk had no space to put things, there was only the mattress. The socket is installed horizontally so the plug doesn't hold and therefore is pointless.

The water pond directly next to the Hostel is the perfect breeding place for mosquitoes. Haven't though about that in advance. Its mosquito season.

And finally: I initially wanted to volunteer for the owner with another project, but then decided not to cause I didn't feel comfortable with the accommodation. So I asked how much for the night. Instead of 700NPR online price (which I checked) he wanted 1.200NPR, because of holiday season. For 1.200 I could have gotten a very nice place. He accepted the 700, but I...

They have two properties opposite one another with the hostel situated adjacent to the pond. The aesthetics are exactly what one wants from a hostel. A welcoming interior with lots of chill-out space, good WiFi and plenty of toilets, the place is a good space indeed. There are lockers, room fans, hot water and a basic menu with a beer fridge should you want drinks or snacks. The owner and staff are very friendly and hospitable. Machine laundry is offered from 500 for 7kg too. A good value option for the town (If you use the inDrive taxi app, a moto from Kathmandu Thamel is 300-325 and from nearer the airport around 250. If you order it straight to the hostel you can bypass the $15.00 town fee checkpoints that are placed in multitude around the parameter of...