When trekking Nepal its is always a good idea to stay in a hotel that will allow you to rest well before your adventure and a relaxing post trek recovery.
Hotel Lo Mustang
The Hotel Lo Mustang is located in the heart of Thamel, but secluded just enough to allow a breather form the busy streets. After spending a day roaming the busy streets of Kathmandu you will appreciate this respite.
We stayed in the hotel in early October 2023 for 10 days so that we could sample the hotel for our recommended trekking Nepal packages, and hotels.
The hotel has been recently restored and renovated to near new and the new furnishings were continuing during our stay. The theme is a tibetan and very tastefully decorated.
The ambience and feel of the hotel was amazing, with beautiful murals greeting you in each floor. It’s worth the hike up the stairs to see each floor.
A sister hotel to the famous Lo Mustang experience in the Himalayas you will not be disappointed.
Location
Located a short distance from the Tribhuvan International Airport (incidentally named after one of the first Kings of Nepal who was responsible for uniting the nation). The streets of Nepal as any new visitor will find are quite busy and for the uninitiated can be a little daunting. As in a lot of Asian countries there is scant regard for road marking and street signs. They make it work though and it all adds to the chemistry of your visit.
From your Hotel dorrstep there is a 5 minute walk to a really cool Bakery that offers a dleicsio and heart Peanut Butter and Baanan toasted sandwhich – a must try to feul up fdor that day on the pavement.
Across the street from the Pumpernickel Bakery you will find the famous Mandala Street of Thamel – a famous shopping strip frequented by visitors to Nepal. Among others this street is home to Resurgence Travel who will help you find your way and give you any advice you need about your local stay. Looking for some great souvenirs or some locally crafted jewelry be sure to visit Creator Handcrafts.
There are many hiking.trekking stores located nearby to the hotel if you need to do a last minute gear up – or just want to browse the local range of equipment. For the bargain minded you will definitely find some great “knock off” hiking gear that has still retains some of its quality.
Comfort
We stayed in both the Deluxe Room and the Suite. The beds were very comfortable and really led to a comfortable night’s sleep. Admittedly after being on our feet most days we could have slept on concrete and been so very happy.
When we are staying in hotels we really like to have some creature comforts, those that we can’t find in our tent. The bathroom means a lot to us. Lo Mustang Did not let us down. After hiking and trekking Nepal a hot shower with a good flow of water is heaven, and they delivered. Not only did they meet this need they upped the ante with high quality toiletries that had me smelling so good after my sweaty adventures.
Upgrading to the suite not only gives you a bath to soak in (separate to the shower) but a very functional lounge room. We did find the suite was not that necessary for our travel needs – but sitting in the bath with a cold beer overlooking the Monkey temple in the early evening is a memory to savour.
Both rooms are very new still and have quality fittings and furniture.
There are various and numerous rooftop bars with live music, dancing and nights out to enjoy. Although it did not bother me there was music playing each day on a close by rooftop and I could hear it quite clearly – I slept well – but I could see it might have an impact on light or early sleepers.
Service
From the moment i stepped out of our transport to being shown to my room we were pampered and spoiled. The porters were on hand to greet us and whisk our luggage away.
As we walked up the steps into the hotel lobby we were faced with very happy and accommodating smiles from the reception team.
The check-in was a breeze, and we were escorted to our rooms old style and shown the basics of the room.
With the culinary variety that is offered in Kathmandu , it’s really hard to stay in the hotel for food. However one night I stayed back and had dinner at the Restaurant on the 5th floor. Selecting some Biryani and a cold local beer. It was an absolute delight and taste sensation. The table service was also exceptional and very friendly. Located on a partial rooftop it’s possible to dine outside and enjoy the ambience.
The prepared breakfast on the morning was included in the hotel price, and although i tended to go outside to sample different restaurants each night the one breakfast I had was quite amazing.
Room service had a minor glitch with a substantial wait for the menu to be delivered to the room, and no real instruction that if you wanted room service that you needed to call the reception to order a menu.
The food when it was delivered was of a similar standard I had enjoyed before and it was hard to remain disappointed with the menu glitch given the profuse apologies and the divine tastes.
Pros and Cons
Pros – service, location, facilities
Cons – sometimes louder music nearby
Summary
The Hotel Lo Mustang is well worthwhile for your stay in Kathmandu – regardless of before or after trekking Nepal as a layover or as a launching point for a few days of exploration of Kathmandu
Well located for access too many activities including the airport for onwards transport to Pokhara and the local trekking companies – Resurgence Travel within 5 minutes walk.
We recommend this hotel for our clients who are going to be trekking Nepal.
