The first three or four times I was in Kathmandu I stayed at Star Hotel, Century Lodge and some other I do not remember. But since going on my first Everest trek, in 1989, together with three other Swedish guys, I have always stayed at Lhasa Guest House, Jayatha, in Thamel.
But this time I thought I should try something else. Someone at Trekinfo recommended Norling Guest House, and I made a reservation on the Net. Airport pickup was one thing that attracted me.
I booked a single room. It was listed as $12. A few hours later I had an email confirmimg I was booked for a standard single room. On arrival I asked at the check in desk what would be the difference to a deluxe room, at $16, and was told the only difference is air con, which since it already is a bit chilly at nights was not really needed.
So I moved in. Pretty grimy room but very good hot water.
Things did not go as I had hoped finding someone to share the permit and guide costs for Manaslu. Time passed and I eventually decicded to go back to Everest instead.
Now as I wanted to settle my bill, before leaving for Jiri early tomorrow morning, I am presented with a bill for $25 a day. I protested and is then asked to show a reservation slip, which I do not have. I am told to wait and to come back later and to pay as I leave at 0515 tomorrow. I would not have it and was again asked to wait for the boss to come around.
At long last and after I promised to post this note on the Net they gave in and accepted the original charge of $12 per day, plus tax and service charge. I have never had any such thing happen to me on any of my previous ten visits to Nepal.
If you do choose to stay here after all I suggest you settle your bill every day, as I do whenever I stay in iffy places.
Otherwise there are many other guest houses in Kathmandu.
But this time I thought I should try something else. Someone at Trekinfo recommended Norling Guest House, and I made a reservation on the Net. Airport pickup was one thing that attracted me.
I booked a single room. It was listed as $12. A few hours later I had an email confirmimg I was booked for a standard single room. On arrival I asked at the check in desk what would be the difference to a deluxe room, at $16, and was told the only difference is air con, which since it already is a bit chilly at nights was not really needed.
So I moved in. Pretty grimy room but very good hot water.
Things did not go as I had hoped finding someone to share the permit and guide costs for Manaslu. Time passed and I eventually decicded to go back to Everest instead.
Now as I wanted to settle my bill, before leaving for Jiri early tomorrow morning, I am presented with a bill for $25 a day. I protested and is then asked to show a reservation slip, which I do not have. I am told to wait and to come back later and to pay as I leave at 0515 tomorrow. I would not have it and was again asked to wait for the boss to come around.
At long last and after I promised to post this note on the Net they gave in and accepted the original charge of $12 per day, plus tax and service charge. I have never had any such thing happen to me on any of my previous ten visits to Nepal.
If you do choose to stay here after all I suggest you settle your bill every day, as I do whenever I stay in iffy places.
Otherwise there are many other guest houses in Kathmandu.
