I've had the privilege of staying at a number of incredible hotels in the course of my life. Some very beautiful, others with amazing service or fabulous food and drink. Not a single one has come close to touching the level of greatness I experienced at the Hilton Kathmandu this past week. I only wish I had more stars to give....
From the moment I checked in I felt, well, special. Greeted with a drink, the incredible front desk staff acknowledge my Diamond status and then proceeded to upgrade my reservation to a beautiful three room suite. Let me emphasize "beautiful". Absolutely gorgeous, brand new, and with a view of the city and the Himalayas out of my floor to ceiling windows. Executive lounges aren't really a thing in the US anymore. This was, well, amazing too. From the selection of drinks and snacks to the nightly buffet....wow, just wow. Then I checked out the rooftop pool and bar. Stunning, just stunning. And don't get me started on the included breakfast buffet. It will blow your mind.
But what makes the Hilton Kathmandu special is the people. More than just service, I feel like I left the property with new friends. I need to call them out individually because of their over the top kindness and attentiveness.
Starting with the lounge, and I wasn't able to catch everyone's name, but the entire crew was amazing. From the chef explaining his amazing creations every day to the staff who were literally taking care of every little need, I was awestruck at the level of service. Thanks to all.
Even the management was next level. I was surprised to get a call inviting me to special general manager's reception on Friday evening. Fabulous wine and cocktails with another buffet of local items, again, just, wow. Socializing with them and some select other guests was a real treat.
The folks at the buffet each morning, Reman, Rabin, Sushil (And Bikash, more on him later). I can't thank them enough. If five mornings of the best selection of local and global foods wasn't enough, the level of care to make sure every detail was taken care of by this group really set the experience apart. I can't stress enough how different and special they made me feel every day. Thanks you all for food, memories and views that made an impression for a lifetime.
Then of course, Ganga at the concierge desk. He helped me cross off some of my Kathmandu "bucket list" experiences that brought me to town in the first place. Ganga arranged a mountain flight a day in advance for me that brought me up close to Everest and others in the range. Not to mention the hotel car to and from the airport. It went off without a hitch thanks to his help. Thanks for this incredible memory.
Finally, Bikash at the rooftop bar. My best friend in KTM! Every afternoon hanging out with him up top was a delight. Yes, the snacks and the special drinks he would craft were fabulous, but what really set his level of service apart was the chance to engage with him daily. Good service is one thing, but Bikash was next level and beyond. When someone also shares with you pieces of their life and culture in addition, it creates the kind of memories that stay with you a lifetime. He's a special guy and his future in the hospitality industry is really bright.
I'm sure I missed lots of people, and for that I apologize. There wasn't one staff interaction I had that didn't surpass expectations.
For me, a journey to Nepal is not easy, and typically a "once in a lifetime" trip as there's still lots of the planet to explore. I've got to say however, the Hilton Kathmandu is the kind of special place that left me dreaming of another trip there. I quite literally can not recommend this property highly enough, and I would encourage anyone who has the chance to experience it...
Read moreI spent a night at this Hilton hotel for my birthday, I was traveling solo. From the moment I checked in to the moment I checked out I felt I was very well taken care of. This experience brings me to consider Hilton Kathmandu as one of the best Hilton properties I've been to, along with Hilton Nadi Fiji, Conrad Bali, Hilton Bali Resort and Conrad Koh Samui. Let me give you a little timeline of events. First of all, I'm a Diamond Hilton Honors members and I was upgraded in advance to a beautiful and spacious suite. I checked in around 12pm. the front desk manager offered me tea service while I waited for a short while for the room to be ready (not more than 15 minutes). I was brought to my suite on the 11th floor and shown around. The room is beautiful with floor to ceiling windows offering a great view of the city (and. I hear, the Himalayas when it's not so hazy). In the evening I used the Executive Lounge with a friend for what I thought would be a quick drink, which turned out to be a birthday party in my honor courtesy of the two lovely attendants Samihana and Pranika who not only showed me great hospitality but also presented me with a flower bouquet, a little local memento, and a birthday cake exhibiting at the same time their "Happy Birthday" singing skill. It was unexpected and much appreciated. Thank you so much for turning a normal evening into something special. After that I went to the restaurant upstairs to reserve a table for dinner and then we went to enjoy the gorgeous swimming pool and jacuzzi with expansive views of the city (it is the tallest swimming pool and bar of all of Kathmandu). Once relaxed enough we went to the restaurant. Right after giving my name the evening Chef came to pick us up and showed us the buffet explaining all about the local dishes, and what an amazing selection there was. I also ordered from the menu and all the food was delicious and well presented. After dinner the restaurant staff, probably thinking I didn't eat enough and need to put on some weight (while I'm trying to lose it) showed up singing happy birthday and bringing another cake (second one of the day). I came back to this restaurant for breakfast and once again the chef (a different one) welcomed me and showed me around. The breakfast buffet, just like the dinner one, has an excellent assortment of dishes from different cuisines. It would take several days to taste them all. My final thoughts are that not only this is a beautiful property that stands well among the best Hilton hotels, but the staff is truly what bring this to a whole new level. I always felt like they wanted me there, the level of hospitality is exquisite. My only regrets are not staying there longer (but I will definitely return) and not taking the names of all the wonderful staff members I met. If I was running this hotel I would be very proud...
Read moreHilton Kathmandu is a luxurious hotel situated in the vibrant and historical city of Kathmandu, Nepal. Nestled in the bustling area of Naxal, the hotel offers easy access to many of the city's top attractions, including the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and the iconic Boudhanath Stupa. The Thamel district, known for its lively nightlife, shopping, and dining, is also nearby, making Hilton Kathmandu an ideal base for both cultural exploration and urban adventures.
The hotel features a blend of modern design and traditional Nepalese elements, creating an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere. Guests can choose from a variety of well-appointed rooms and suites, each designed with comfort and convenience in mind. The rooms are equipped with contemporary amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, minibars, and plush bedding. Many rooms offer stunning views of the surrounding cityscape and the majestic Himalayan mountains, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation.
Dining at Hilton Kathmandu is a culinary journey in itself. The hotel boasts several on-site restaurants that serve a wide range of cuisines. Guests can enjoy local Nepalese delicacies, as well as international dishes, ensuring a diverse dining experience. The bar and lounge areas provide a perfect setting for unwinding with a drink after a day of sightseeing or business meetings.
For those seeking relaxation and wellness, Hilton Kathmandu offers a comprehensive fitness center, a spa with a variety of treatments, and an outdoor swimming pool. These facilities are designed to help guests rejuvenate and stay active during their stay.
Business travelers will find Hilton Kathmandu well-equipped to meet their needs. The hotel features modern meeting rooms and conference facilities, supported by a business center that provides essential services such as printing and faxing. The dedicated staff is always on hand to assist with organizing events and ensuring a smooth and productive stay.
Guests often commend the hotel for its exceptional service quality. The staff at Hilton Kathmandu are known for their friendliness and attentiveness, always ready to assist with any request, from arranging airport transportation to offering local recommendations. Cleanliness and comfort are consistently highlighted in guest reviews, contributing to the hotel's high rating.
Overall, Hilton Kathmandu stands out as a premier destination for travelers seeking luxury, comfort, and a touch of Nepalese hospitality in the heart of Kathmandu. Whether visiting for business or leisure, guests can expect a memorable and enriching experience at this...
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