Best Hotel in Varanasi – My Honest Guide as a Hotel Owner
Finding the best hotel in Varanasi is not as easy as it sounds. If you have ever searched online, you must have seen endless lists, paid ads, and reviews that all look the same. But as someone who has been running a hotel in Varanasi – Shree Shivay Namastubhyam, I want to give you an honest, simple, and experience-based guide to help you choose the right stay.
I’ve been living and working in this city for years, and I know the reality behind glossy photos and fancy descriptions. In this blog, I’ll share:
- What actually makes a hotel the “best” in Varanasi.
- My personal experience with guests and what they look for.
- Tips for choosing a stay near ghats, temples, and markets.
- Why I believe Shree Shivay Namastubhyam is a strong option for travelers.
This is not just a promotional blog – it’s a guide to help you pick wisely.
Short Summary
Planning a trip to Varanasi and confused about where to stay? From spiritual seekers visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to tourists exploring the ghats, finding the right accommodation makes all the difference. Whether you’re looking for budget rooms, boutique stays, or family-friendly hotels in Varanasi, the city has options for every traveler. Among the popular choices, Hotel Shree Shivay Namastubhyam stands out for its clean rooms, modern amenities, and prime location near major temples and ghats. Perfect for both short and long stays, it’s one of the best Varanasi hotels for comfort and convenience.
Why Choosing the Right Hotel in Varanasi Matters
Varanasi is not just another city; it’s the spiritual capital of India. Every year, thousands of travelers, students, families, and foreigners come here for:
- Visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
- Experiencing Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat.
- Exploring Sarnath, Ramnagar Fort, Assi Ghat, and many hidden gems.
- Attending weddings, events, and cultural programs.
And here’s the thing – the experience of Varanasi is 50% about the city, and 50% about where you stay. If your hotel is too far, uncomfortable, or not safe, your trip will lose its charm.
That’s why people don’t just look for “a hotel.” They look for a home-like place with comfort, good food, and easy access to all the major attractions.
If you’re looking for a mid-range hotel with family-friendly amenities, our property Shree Shivay Namastubhyam is an ideal choice –https://maps.app.goo.gl/s8i2j25dz27VTBvc6
What Makes a Hotel the “Best” in Varanasi?
When guests ask me this question, I always say: it depends on your purpose of visit. Based on my experience, here are the top factors:
1. Location
Varanasi is a busy city with narrow lanes. If you want to attend Ganga Aarti, choose a hotel near Dashashwamedh Ghat or Godowlia. If you’re here for peace, choose hotels away from the noise, near Assi or Bhelupur.
For example, Shree Shivay Namastubhyam is located in a peaceful area with good connectivity to ghats and the railway station. Many guests say they loved not being stuck in heavy traffic.
2. Cleanliness & Hygiene
This is the most important factor. People often compromise on room size, but not on cleanliness. A clean bathroom, fresh bedsheets, and a dust-free room instantly make a guest feel comfortable.
I remember a family from Mumbai once telling me – “We stayed in a bigger hotel earlier, but came here because your rooms are spotless. That’s what matters most.”
3. Food Quality
Varanasi is known for its food – from kachori sabzi to malaiyyo. But when guests return tired after sightseeing, they want simple, hygienic meals. A good in-house restaurant is always a bonus.
Our hotel kitchen serves pure vegetarian food, and surprisingly, many foreign guests prefer it because it feels safe and homely.
4. Hospitality
The best hotels are not just about walls and furniture – they’re about people. In Varanasi, guests often say “atithi devo bhava” (guest is god). A warm welcome, helpful staff, and local guidance make a hotel truly memorable.
I still remember a German couple who stayed with us for 10 days. They told me, “We felt like family here, not customers.” That’s when I realized – hospitality is what makes you the best, not just star ratings.
5. Accessibility
Guests look for hotels that are easy to reach from Varanasi Junction railway station, Lal Bahadur Shastri airport, and main city markets. If reaching the hotel takes too long or requires walking through confusing alleys, guests often leave negative reviews.
Types of Hotels in Varanasi
When you’re planning a trip to Varanasi, choosing the right hotel can completely change your travel experience. The city has a mix of accommodation options, catering to every type of traveler – from students on a budget to families looking for comfort, and even luxury seekers. Let’s break down the main types of hotels in Varanasi so you can make the best choice:
1. Budget Hotels in Varanasi
If you’re a solo traveler, student, or backpacker, budget hotels are the most popular choice. These hotels focus on affordability and basic amenities like a clean bed, drinking water, and sometimes complimentary Wi-Fi.
- 💰 Price Range: ₹700 – ₹1,500 per night
- 👤 Best For: Solo travelers, students, short stays
- ✅ Pros: Light on the pocket, located near railway stations and bus stands, easy check-in/out
- ❌ Cons: Limited facilities, smaller room size, not ideal for long family stays
👉 Example: Many budget hotels can be found near Varanasi Cantt railway station and Godowlia, which makes them convenient for quick trips.
2. Mid-range Hotels in Varanasi
This is the most preferred category for families, couples, and business travelers. Mid-range hotels balance comfort and affordability, giving you a better experience without burning a hole in your pocket.
- 💰 Price Range: ₹1,500 – ₹4,000 per night
- 👨👩👧 Best For: Families, small groups, couples, professionals
- ✅ Pros: Spacious rooms, hygienic bathrooms, in-house restaurants, good hospitality
- ❌ Cons: Not as luxurious as 5-star hotels, limited premium amenities
👉 Example: Shree Shivay Namastubhyam Hotel, our property in Varanasi, belongs to this category. We provide clean rooms, peaceful ambiance, homely food, and reliable service, making it ideal for family vacations and business stays.
3. Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Varanasi
If you’re looking for a five-star experience in Varanasi, luxury hotels are the way to go. These properties often come with world-class amenities such as swimming pools, spas, multiple restaurants, and concierge services. They are also popular among international tourists and high-profile guests.
- 💰 Price Range: ₹8,000 – ₹20,000+ per night
- 👑 Best For: Luxury travelers, international tourists, honeymooners
- ✅ Pros: Premium services, world-class dining, spa & wellness, riverside or city views
- ❌ Cons: Very expensive, not budget-friendly for long stays
👉 Example: Taj Ganges, Radisson Hotel Varanasi, and BrijRama Palace are well-known names that offer a luxury stay experience.
4. Boutique Hotels & Homestays in Varanasi
If you want a more personalized and cultural stay, boutique hotels and homestays are a great choice. These are usually smaller properties run by locals or families, offering a cozy, homely feel. Many of them are located close to the ghats of Varanasi, giving you a more authentic experience of the city.
- 💰 Price Range: ₹2,000 – ₹6,000 per night
- 👪 Best For: Cultural travelers, solo travelers, small groups
- ✅ Pros: Unique interiors, cultural immersion, homemade food, warm hospitality
- ❌ Cons: Limited rooms, may not have all modern amenities
👉 Example: Several homestays near Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat are popular among foreign tourists who want to experience Banaras like a local.
🏨 Which Hotel Type Should You Choose in Varanasi?
- On a tight budget? Pick a budget hotel near railway station or Godowlia.
- Traveling with family? Mid-range hotels like Shree Shivay Namastubhyam offer the best balance of comfort and price.
- Want luxury? Go for Taj Ganges or Radisson.
- Love local culture? Book a boutique hotel or homestay near the ghats.
👉 In short, Varanasi has something for everyone – whether you’re here for a quick trip, a spiritual journey, or a luxury getaway.
My Personal Experience as a Hotel Owner
Running a hotel in Varanasi is not easy. Guests come from different backgrounds – pilgrims, tourists, NRIs, foreigners, even students preparing for exams.
- Some want a quiet room to meditate.
- Some want quick access to temples.
- Some want WiFi and good food.
I’ve learned that the best hotel is not the fanciest one, but the one that understands its guests.
One incident I can never forget: A family from South India came for a wedding. They had booked another hotel online but didn’t like the condition when they arrived. Someone recommended us, and they shifted immediately. After their stay, they told me – “We were stressed, but you made our trip memorable.”
That’s when I realized – reviews and ratings matter, but word of mouth and genuine care are even stronger.
Why Guests Choose Shree Shivay Namastubhyam
When someone travels to Varanasi, they are not just booking a hotel – they are booking an experience. At Shree Shivay Namastubhyam, we have seen time and again that our guests come in as travelers but leave as family. And that’s the biggest reason why so many visitors prefer us.
Let’s break down exactly what makes us special:
1. Location: Peaceful, Yet Well-Connected
Many travelers visiting Varanasi want two things – peace for themselves and easy access to the city’s attractions. Our hotel gives you both.
We are located away from the noisy, chaotic streets, which means you can relax and enjoy a calm stay. At the same time, important spots like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and Assi Ghat are just a short ride away.
This balance is why guests say we provide the best of both worlds – you don’t miss out on the city’s spiritual charm, and you still get restful nights without traffic noise disturbing you.
2. Clean Rooms: Daily Housekeeping, Fresh Bedsheets
For us, cleanliness isn’t a luxury – it’s the minimum standard. Every single day, our housekeeping team ensures that rooms are cleaned, bedsheets are replaced, and bathrooms are sanitized.
Guests often highlight how fresh the linen smells and how tidy the rooms feel when they walk in. A clean environment not only brings comfort but also gives peace of mind, especially for families and long-stay travelers.
When people choose Shree Shivay Namastubhyam, they know they’re choosing a stay where hygiene is treated with the utmost seriousness.
3. Good Food: Pure Vegetarian & Hygienic Meals
Food is an emotional part of any trip. Travelers in Varanasi often look for meals that are both authentic and safe to eat.
That’s why we serve pure vegetarian food, prepared in a clean kitchen with great care. Our menu includes both traditional Indian flavors and light, homely meals – perfect for those who want healthy food after temple visits or long city tours.
Guests love that they don’t have to worry about food safety or dietary concerns. They often tell us that eating at our hotel feels like eating at home – simple, tasty, and worry-free.
4. Hospitality: Staff Always Available to Help
We believe that hospitality is not just service, but a feeling of care. From the moment guests step into our hotel, they are greeted with warmth.
Whether it’s guiding them about the best time to visit the ghats, arranging transport, or simply fulfilling small requests, our staff is always ready to help with a smile.
This personal attention makes a big difference. Many of our repeat guests say they come back not just for the rooms, but because they feel taken care of like family.
5. Affordability: Comfort Without Burning Your Pocket
Traveling doesn’t always have to mean spending a fortune. Guests choose us because we provide value for money – comfortable rooms, quality food, and reliable service – at a price that feels reasonable.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, our hotel ensures that you get all the essentials of a comfortable stay without the stress of overspending.
A Guest-Centric Experience
We never claim that we are the “best hotel in Varanasi.” But what keeps us going is the fact that our guests say it for us. Their smiles, their reviews, and their repeated visits are proof that our efforts are paying off.
At Shree Shivay Namastubhyam, we focus on small details – a clean bed, a warm meal, a helping hand – because we know that’s what truly makes a stay memorable.
And that’s why, when travelers ask, “Why should I choose this hotel?” our answer is simple:
👉 Because here, you’re not just booking a room, you’re choosing peace, comfort, and care.
Tips for Travelers Choosing Hotels in Varanasi: A Complete Guide
Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, attracts millions of travelers every year—pilgrims, tourists, and explorers alike. Whether you’re coming here for a short trip or planning to immerse yourself in the city’s divine aura for several days, one thing matters the most: choosing the right hotel in Varanasi.
Many travelers make the mistake of trusting only online photos or blindly booking the cheapest option. But in a city as vibrant and crowded as Varanasi, your hotel choice can make or break your travel experience. So before you pack your bags, let’s dive into some detailed tips to help you find the perfect stay in the holy city.
1. Don’t Just Trust Online Photos – Verify Before Booking
Most hotel websites or booking platforms showcase their best pictures—sometimes even edited ones. But the reality can be very different. A hotel that looks luxurious in pictures may actually be cramped, noisy, or located in a narrow lane that’s hard to reach with luggage.
👉 What to do?
- Always call the hotel directly and ask important questions like:
- Is the hotel accessible by car/taxi?
- How far is it from the nearest ghat or temple?
- Do they provide 24-hour check-in and check-out facilities?
- Is the hotel accessible by car/taxi?
- Look for real traveler photos in reviews on Google Maps or TripAdvisor. These often show the actual condition of rooms, bathrooms, and corridors.
This step ensures you’re not disappointed after arriving in the city.
2. Location Matters – Check Distance from Ghats and Temples
If you’re visiting Varanasi for spiritual reasons, you’ll spend most of your time near the Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and Assi Ghat. Staying too far away means you’ll waste time and money commuting through crowded lanes.
👉 Ideal Areas to Stay in Varanasi:
- Near Dashashwamedh Ghat / Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Best for pilgrims and first-time visitors.
- Assi Ghat Area – Popular among international tourists, yoga lovers, and long-stay travelers.
- Godowlia & Luxa – Perfect if you want easy access to markets and budget-friendly hotels.
- Varanasi Cantonment – Great for luxury hotels and travelers who want peace away from the rush.
👉 Pro Tip: Always check Google Maps distance from your hotel to the main ghat/temple. A hotel 3 km away might sound close but can take 30–40 minutes due to narrow roads and traffic.
3. Look for Reviews Highlighting Cleanliness
In a holy city like Varanasi, thousands of travelers check in and out of hotels daily. Cleanliness is the biggest factor you should never compromise on. A cheap hotel may save you some money, but poor hygiene can ruin your health and your trip.
👉 What to Check in Reviews:
- Are the bedsheets and towels changed regularly?
- Do guests mention clean bathrooms and running hot water?
- Are rooms pest-free (no mosquitoes, cockroaches, or bedbugs)?
- Do they have proper ventilation and working air conditioning/fans?
If multiple reviews complain about cleanliness, avoid that property no matter how cheap it is.
4. Avoid Very Cheap Options – Balance Budget and Comfort
Varanasi has all kinds of stays—from ₹500 budget dharamshalas to ₹10,000 per night luxury hotels. But extreme low-budget hotels often cut costs on hygiene, maintenance, and security.
👉 Smart Booking Tip:
- Go for mid-range hotels (₹1500–₹3000 per night) for a balance of cleanliness, comfort, and location.
- If you’re a solo traveler or backpacker, look for guesthouses and hostels near Assi Ghat.
- For families and elderly travelers, opt for reputed hotels near Cantt or Godowlia for safety and convenience.
Remember: Spending a little extra on a good hotel can give you peace of mind and a better overall experience.
5. Book in Advance During Festivals
Varanasi becomes extra crowded during major festivals like Dev Deepawali, Mahashivratri, Holi, and Kartik Purnima. Hotels near ghats are usually sold out weeks in advance, and last-minute bookings are either overpriced or unavailable.
👉 How to Plan Smartly:
- Book your stay at least one month in advance if you’re coming during festivals.
- Choose hotels that allow free cancellation, so you have flexibility.
- If you want a premium ghat-view room during Dev Deepawali, book 2–3 months early.
This way, you avoid last-minute panic and get the best location at a reasonable price.
6. Additional Traveler Tips for Hotel Booking in Varanasi
- Check Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, 24/7 hot water, in-house restaurant, and taxi service are essential.
- Safety First: If you’re traveling with family, ensure the hotel has CCTV surveillance and lockers for valuables.
- Food Options: Many hotels near ghats serve vegetarian meals only. If you prefer non-veg, check availability beforehand.
- Transportation: Hotels near the ghats are often inaccessible by car. Ask if porter service is available for luggage.
- Authentic Experience: If you want a traditional vibe, try boutique hotels or heritage guesthouses near Assi Ghat.
Right Guidance For You
Choosing the right hotel in Varanasi isn’t just about saving money—it’s about making your trip stress-free, comfortable, and memorable. From checking real traveler reviews to booking early during festivals, every small step matters.
So, next time you plan your trip, remember these tips for travelers choosing hotels in Varanasi:
- Verify beyond online photos.
- Stay close to ghats and temples.
- Never compromise on cleanliness.
- Avoid ultra-cheap stays.
- Book early for festive seasons.
With the right hotel choice, you can truly enjoy the magic of Varanasi—the city of lights, temples, and eternal spirituality.
FAQs About Staying in Varanasi
Q. Which is the best area to stay in Varanasi?
Near ghats (Assi, Dashashwamedh) or close to Kashi Vishwanath Mandir for the real experience.
Q. Are there budget hotels in Varanasi?
Yes, plenty! But check reviews before booking – budget shouldn’t mean compromise on cleanliness.
Q. Is it safe for solo travellers?
Yes, Varanasi is safe, especially if you stay in reputed hotels or near popular ghats.
Final Thoughts
The best hotel in Varanasi is the one that fits your purpose, budget, and comfort needs. Big names may attract you, but smaller hotels like ours often give you more personalized attention.
If you ever plan to visit Varanasi and want a clean, peaceful, and homely stay – I warmly invite you to Shree Shivay Namastubhyam. You will not just find a room, but an experience of Varanasi’s true hospitality.
After all, a good trip is remembered for years, and a good hotel plays a huge role in that.
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