Fresco Retreat - Best Budget Hotel in Kathmandu — Hotel in Lalitpur Metropolitan City

I had the pleasure of staying at Fresco Retreat for this last week, after a hotel I booked cancelled my booking the morning of my planned arrival. At very short notice (4 hours), Aditya (the excellent and very hospitable manager) had sorted me out and had prepared a lovely room for me to stay in for the week!

There are many things to like about Fresco Retreat, so I will try to do them justice to help you choose to stay at this lovely new gem! Starting from the entrance, you are welcomed in with a 'Namaste' from the friendly guardsman, before being ushered into a manicured courtyard where the sight of the main facade and a little white dog named Lali greet you. Reminiscent of a Spanish villa, the building is well maintained and has a spacious balconies for common use on every floor. To the left of the entrance is the glass panelled 'Winterfell Restaurant' (more below).

I was led up two flights to my my room, a cosy single at the back of the building, which was perfect for one or two people, equipped with a spacious double bed (comfortable for my 6'1" frame). I was extremely comfortable in the room which had a clean, well maintained en suite bathroom, a small desk, space for hanging clothes, a suitcase rack as well as several artful nooks for other possessions.

I am here in Kathmandu for work, and it was a major relief to come home to a well kept, tidy, private room at the end of the day, hop into the shower and lounge in my room, the common area or on the balcony, sipping a beer/coffee/lime soda!

Adjacent to my room was the common area, equipped with a coffee table and two comfy sofas. At your request, the staff can provide food and drinks to you in this area, making it a very chill place to relax and take sustenance away from other guests, if desired.

The Winterfell Restaurant, within the courtyard, is a super convenient place to grab breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and drinks. With glass walls, it is filled with light, but protected from the threat of a harsh sunburn. The food is delicious and safe (always a premium quality in Kathmandu)! I ate at the restuarant on at least 10 occasions and experienced no stomach issues, eating everything from salads and fresh fruits to curry, pakodas and pasta alfredo. The chef is very amenable and, if you are a slightly fussier eater, Aditya is likely to be able to help facilitate something. Indeed, whilst not a fussy eater myself, Aditya was keen to put his chef through his paces, and I was treated to a number of delicious off-menu fish, pork and paneer dishes during my (all too brief) stay!

The location of the B&B is another plus, being situated 15 minutes from my office (by taxi) in the south of Kathmandu, 20-25 minutes from Thamel, etc. It's far enough from the chaos so as to not be bothered by barking dogs, rumbling trucks and chattering drunks at all hours, but close enough to shopping districts, escapes to the countryside, the cinema, various embassies and party spots to allow you to have a fun time without spending an arm and a leg!

In addition to all of the wonderful qualities of Fresco Retreat - notably security, safe & delicious food, great atmosphere, comfy & clean rooms, etc. - my visit was massively enhanced by the hotel manager Aditya. Always available, Aditya was around to share insights, provide advice and was generally just a friendly person to have a chat with...

Right where do I start.

dogs are very cute food is nice but not varied hotel itself is very nice until you enter the small room

Right now for the important parts.

Ant infestation in the bathroom, we had to move to a room without en-suite. Only provided 1 cup for 2 non related people in room Kettle broken No batteries in remote Noisy (moving furniture in the floor above in the middle of the night, why?) Shower had no water flow. Was told this was being looked into, however, never resolved. 24 hour hot water promised, but COLD from 9pm and there is no room phone to contact anyone. It feels uncomfortable to knock at their home at 11pm at night, like we are there neighbours as opposed to customers. Poor hospitality, the host never resolved issues himself, just ordered others around who always seemed in low mood. Staff are very reserved. Room is much smaller than they appear on website picture. The hotel is gated, meaning you have to wait for someone to let you in and out of the hotel at all times, as the security guard is not...

If you’re looking for a peaceful, comfortable, and truly welcoming stay in Kathmandu, Fresco Retreat is the perfect choice! From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm hospitality, making me feel right at home. The caretakers here go above and beyond to ensure every guest feels valued.

The rooms are spacious, beautifully designed, and equipped with all modern amenities, including reliable hot water—a huge plus after a long day of exploring! The beds are incredibly comfortable, guaranteeing a restful night’s sleep.

One of the highlights of my stay was the breakfast—fresh, delicious, and varied every morning. Whether you prefer a hearty meal or something light, they have something for everyone. The on-site restaurant also serves excellent meals, combining restaurant-quality food with the warmth of home cooking.

The location is also fantastic—close to major tourist spots yet tucked away in a peaceful area, providing a quiet escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Kathmandu—you won’t...