Kathmandu's Hidden Oasis: Unbelievable Backyard Hotel You HAVE to See!
Kathmandu's Hidden Oasis: My Unfiltered, Unexpectedly Wonderful Review (and you MUST book!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Kathmandu's Hidden Oasis and, frankly, I'm still processing it. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotels. This place? It's different. Think secret garden meets luxury lodge, wrapped in a surprisingly accessible package. And I'm about to spill ALL the tea (and the masala chai, trust me).
First Impressions (and a little bit of panic):
Finding the "Hidden Oasis" is part of the charm, actually. It’s tucked away, which immediately gives it a secluded vibe. You think you've accidentally stumbled into someone's incredibly stylish backyard, and for a hot minute, you kinda have. The main entrance is unassuming, but then BAM! Lush greenery explodes, and a pool shimmers invitingly. My first reaction? "Okay, this is… beautiful. But where's the elevator?!" (More on Accessibility later, because, yes, they've thought of that).
Accessibility: Actually, They've Nailed It!
Look, as someone who appreciates ease of movement (and avoids lugging suitcases up stairs like the plague), I was thrilled. This isn't one of those "accessible" hotels where everything's an afterthought. They've clearly put thought into it. Elevators, ramps thoughtfully placed, and even the common areas are designed with mobility in mind. The wheelchair accessibility is legit, not just a painted-on logo. Huge thumbs up. The facilities for disabled guests are actually present and not just checked-off boxes.
Room Reality Check (and My Obsession with the Slippers):
My room? Gorgeous. The air conditioning was a lifesaver in the Kathmandu heat. The blackout curtains helped me sleep through the noise (which, let's be honest, is part of the Kathmandu experience – cows and motorbikes, a symphony of sorts). The extra long bed was a blessing. And the slippers! God, the plush, fluffy slippers. I genuinely considered smuggling them out. (Don’t judge me). Wi-Fi [free] worked flawlessly. The Internet access – wireless was strong, and I even managed to get some work done, which is always a bonus. The room sanitization opt-out available was a thoughtful touch. The non-smoking rooms also meant that I didn't have to worry about that.
Okay, Let's Talk Food (and My Near-Death Experience with Momo):
The Asian breakfast was a revelation. Seriously, I could have happily eaten momos for every meal (almost!). The Asian cuisine in restaurant was top-notch. And I'm not just saying that – I'm actually saying that. The restaurants are lovely, with options for both vegetarian restaurant and Western cuisine. They also provide with Alternative meal arrangement which is quite thoughtful. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was delightful. The Breakfast [buffet] was good, but don't miss the A la carte in restaurant. I had a Coffee shop experience that was really good. Their Desserts in restaurant were great! The Poolside bar was perfect for an afternoon cocktail.
Oh, and about the momos. I went HAM on them one evening. Spicy, delicious, perfect. Then, I may have gone a little overboard. Let’s just say I spent a long night getting to know the in-room toiletries. The in-room bathrobes were useful as well. But hey, even the best hotels have their moments.
Ways to Relax (and Why I Didn't Leave the Spa):
This is where the "Oasis" part really shines. The Spa/Sauna were heaven. I got a Body scrub. I had a Massage. The Sauna was wonderful. The Steamroom was nice too. Honestly, I spent a solid afternoon flitting between the Swimming pool and the spa. There’s a Pool with view, which is just chef's kiss. Okay, full disclosure: I'm not the fitness type. The Fitness center exists, but I didn't. I'm sure it's great. I'm more of a Body wrap, Foot bath, and "pretend to be zen" kinda person.
Cleanliness and Safety (and the Hand Sanitizer Obsession):
In the current climate, this is HUGE. They've gone above and beyond. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items… the list goes on. There was hand sanitizer everywhere. I felt incredibly safe. I seriously needed to see the Fire extinguisher. There's Security [24-hour] and CCTV in common areas. They also have Smoke alarms.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking (and My Happy Hour Addiction):
The Bar is well-stocked and the Happy hour drinks were a steal. The Poolside bar is perfect for sunset cocktails. They have a Snack bar for when you need a quick bite. And room service? 24-hour room service! Yes, please to the Room service [24-hour].
Services and Conveniences (and Being Pampered is My Thing):
The concierge was incredibly helpful. The Daily housekeeping was spotless. The Laundry service was quick and efficient. I utilized the Ironing service. I'm also a sucker for a good Doorman. They provided Cash withdrawal services. Food delivery was available. They also had a Gift/souvenir shop. They also have a Terrace where you can relax. The Elevator was a savior.
Things to Do (and Why I Might Have Forgotten to Leave the Hotel):
Okay, Kathmandu is amazing. But honestly? I could have happily stayed in the Hidden Oasis the entire time. They have Audio-visual equipment for special events. They have Car park [free of charge]. They have a Meeting/banquet facilities. They have a Meeting stationery. They have a Luggage storage. They provided with good Family/child friendly. They also have Indoor venue for special events and Outdoor venue for special events. They have a Shrine onsite. You can also get Taxi service. They also have some Couple's room. I can almost guarantee you, that this place has the Proposal spot for you.
For the Kids (and Why I Wish I Had a Kid):
They're Family/child friendly. There's a Babysitting service. There are Kids facilities. And a Kids meal options too.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing’s Perfect, Right?):
Okay, the internet faltered a couple of times (the Internet is overall good, but didn't always work in the room, especially in the evenings). The noise from the street did occasionally find its way in. And, as previously mentioned, I may have overdone it on the momos. That's it!
The Verdict: Book This Damn Hotel! Seriously!
Kathmandu's Hidden Oasis isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a sanctuary in the madness. It's a place to recharge, to unwind, and to feel genuinely cared for. The accessibility is a huge win. The staff are genuinely lovely. The food is delicious. The spa is divine. The price? Actually, surprisingly reasonable for what you get.
My (Unsolicited) Recommendation:
Book a room. Right now. Don't even think about it. Just do it. You deserve this escape.
Here’s the Unbeatable Offer:
Escape the Chaos, Embrace the Oasis!
Book your stay at Kathmandu's Hidden Oasis and receive:
- Complimentary Upgrade: Enjoy a room upgrade (subject to availability upon check-in).
- Spa Indulgence: Receive a 20% discount on all spa treatments.
- Culinary Delights: Savor a free welcome drink upon arrival and a daily breakfast.
- Peace of Mind: Rest easy with our enhanced safety and hygiene protocols.
- Bonus: Receive a free bottle of wine for stays of 3 nights or more.
But Hurry! This offer is only valid for bookings made in the next two weeks! Mention code "HIDDENESCAPE" when booking online or over the phone. Don’t miss out! You'll thank me later. You might even consider inviting me back… for free momos, of course. ;)
Lake Bemidji Getaway: Unforgettable SouthShore Hotel Experience!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is raw, unfiltered, and probably going to involve me losing my phone charger at some point. Welcome, to my chaotic pilgrimage to the Hotel Backyard in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Day 1: Arrival & the Kathmandu Chaos (plus a near-death experience with momos)
- Morning (or what passes for morning after a 20-hour flight): Landed in Kathmandu. The air? Think a cloud of exhaust fumes mixed with a hint of something vaguely floral (probably marigolds, right?). Immigration felt like participating in a slow-motion race. Finally stamped! Hoorah!
- Transport: Whee! The taxi ride was an absolute symphony of honking, swerving, and near-misses. I swear, the driver was communicating telepathically with the other vehicles. My inner monologue during this ride? A constant string of "Oh. My. GOD." and "Are we going to live?". I’m pretty sure I aged ten years.
- Afternoon: Hotel Backyard & "Oh, This is Charming" (a lie): Arrived at Hotel Backyard. Looked exactly like the pictures! Which is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing because its quaint, and curse because its cramped. My room? Tiny. But hey, clean sheets! Which is all I ask.
- Afternoon (Continued): Wandered the Thamel district, because, well, everyone does. Learned that haggling is a national sport. Quickly ran out of energy by the time I tried my first "authentic" Nepali meal.
- Evening: The Momo Massacre: I ventured into a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place, lured by the promise of delicious momos. The momos were delicious, but the spice? UN. FOR. GIVABLE. My mouth became a volcano. My eyes started watering. I think I might have hallucinated a yak wearing a tiny chef's hat. This might be the moment I need to start packing those antacids. I’m still not entirely sure I’m not still slightly on fire internally.
- Emotional Reaction: Overwhelmed? Yes. Exhausted? Absolutely. Did I already get slightly lost three times? That depends if you count the time I turned around to get back to the hotel to get my room key. But, am I also utterly, utterly captivated? Undeniably.
- Imperfection: Had to ask a local for directions back to the hotel. Twice. My inner explorer is, apparently, also directionally challenged.
Day 2: Swayambhunath Stupa & the Monkey Business (and a philosophical crisis about prayer flags)
- Morning: The Temple of the Monkeys (aka Swayambhunath Stupa): This place is amazing. Climbing up those endless steps? Not so amazing. The views? Breathtaking. The monkeys? Cheeky little buggers. They stole a granola bar from some poor tourist. I learned that holding a banana is an invitation for a raid. I'm glad I packed my own.
- Morning (Continued): Wandered about the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and pondering the meaning of life. Specifically, I pondered: Why are there so many prayer flags strung everywhere? Are the prayers actually reaching whoever they're intended for? And, if so, do they work for things like finding your lost phone charger? (Spoiler alert: they don't. More on that later.)
- Lunch: Ended up at a rooftop cafe with a stunning view. Samosa and a cold drink. Perfect.
- Afternoon: The Art of the (Almost) Buying: Strolled through the art shops in Thamel. The craftsmanship is stunning. I fell in love with a thangka painting, but the price? Terrifying. Maybe tomorrow. Or the day after that. Or… well, let's be realistic. I won’t be able to afford it.
- Evening: Hotel Backyard chill-out (and a mini-meltdown): Back to the hotel for a yoga session (attempted). Ended up giggling. The poses were impossible.
- Emotional Reaction: Feeling a strange mix of awe, joy, and a growing sense of wonder.
- Quirky Observation: Himalayan air is thinner, yes, but it’s also somehow… sweeter? Is that the spices? I am unsure.
- Messier Structure:
- Lost the phone charger: I'm realizing that I need phone charger. I looked everywhere, with the help of the hotel staff. Turns out I left it at the cafe the day before while I was still suffering from that momo-induced inferno!
- Rambling: Thinking about the art, I wish I could stay here longer.
- Opinionated Language: The coffee here needs a serious upgrade. Seriously.
Day 3: Kathmandu Durbar Square & the Power of a Simple Cup of Tea (and the search for the Missing Charger)
- Morning: Kathmandu Durbar Square: This place is a visual explosion. The architecture, the history, the sheer energy of it all. Wandered around the temples and palaces, feeling utterly dwarfed by the grandeur. I even managed to avoid getting trampled by a cow. Victory!
- Morning (Continued): Learned about the Kumari, the living goddess. This is a very interesting thing.
- Lunch: Simple chai (tea) at a tiny stall. It was the best tea I've ever had. That simple cup had a certain effect on me: it calmed the inner chaos and turned it into peace.
- Afternoon: The Great Charger Hunt (Continued): Back to that cafe. Found my charger! Pure, unadulterated relief. This calls for a celebration. Another cup of tea, perhaps?
- Evening: Late-night dinner.
- Quirky Observation: Dogs. Lots. And lots. And more dogs. Well-fed and well-loved street dogs. They're strangely comforting.
- Emotional Reaction: A profound sense of gratitude for the simple things. A cup of tea, a found charger, a smiling face. Kathmandu, you are slowly, but surely, winning me over.
Day 4: Pashupatinath Temple & the Cycle of Life (and the heartbreaking realization about my ability to haggle)
- Morning: Pashupatinath Temple: This place is intense. The cremation rituals are open and visible, and it makes you think about mortality. It's a powerful, emotional experience. I felt both a deep sadness and a strange sense of peace. This is not a place for the faint of heart.
- Morning (Continued): I wandered around, trying to absorb the atmosphere. The air is thick with the scent of incense and the sounds of chanting. I got a little lost again.
- Lunch: Went to a restaurant with a view.
- Afternoon: Bizarre shop buying:
- Afternoon(Continued): The art of haggling! It is not for me!
- Evening: Packing: I have a very small amount of space left.
- Emotional Reaction: I have a strong sense of sadness at the thought of leaving.
- Messy Structure:
- Imperfection: That thangka painting? Still haven't bought it.
- Opinionated Language: Nepal is the most beautiful country I have seen. This place is absolutely worth visiting.
- Stronger emotional reactions: Nepal made me, and still, makes me, want to stay more.
Day 5: Departure
- Morning: Last breakfast at Hotel Backyard. The staff? Wonderful. The view? Worth every penny. The room? Still tiny.
- Morning (Continued): One last stroll through Thamel. Tried to buy that thangka painting, but it was already sold. Maybe it wasn't meant to be.
- Transport: Another taxi ride! Managed to survive without too much graying.
- Afternoon: Flight home.
- Emotional Reaction: Mixed. Sad to leave, happy to go back to my phone charger. Kathmandu, you were a beautiful, crazy, chaotic adventure. I’ll be back. And next time, I'll try to be less directionally challenged.
- Final thought: Where will my next adventure be?
And that, my friends, is the brutally honest, and totally unpolished, account of my time in Kathmandu. May your own travels be just as messy, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And maybe some antacids.
Freeport Getaway: Hampton Inn's Unbeatable Brunswick Deals!
Kathmandu's Secret Garden: You NEED to Know About This Backyard Hotel! (Seriously)
Okay, so, everyone's always like, "Kathmandu! Hustle and bustle! Chaos!" And yes, it's true. But... then you find THIS place. This isn't just a hotel, it's a whole vibe. Trust me, my first impression? Jaw on the dusty ground. I'm not even sure what a "backyard" is like when you're staring at Himalayas, right in front of you.
1. Where IS this magical, hidden spot located? Like, is it actually in Kathmandu, or am I gonna be hiking for days?
Alright, so it's in Patan, still close to the city, but it's a world away from the craziness. Honestly, getting there is like walking into a Narnia wardrobe. One minute you're dodging motorbikes and the smell of delicious street food and the next, BAM! You're in this serene garden. It's close enough to be convenient, but far enough to feel like you've escaped. And the taxi drivers? They know it. That's always a good sign, right? Means it's legit.
2. What's the accommodation situation like? Is it like, a fancy hotel, a homestay, or something in between? Because I need comfort, okay?
It's definitely not a budget hostel, thank goodness! Think: character with a capital C. The rooms are gorgeous, all wood-paneled, with balconies that practically beg you to sit and sip coffee. They even have these ridiculously comfy beds. I could have stayed in that bed for a week (and probably would have if my travel buddy hadn't dragged me out). It's like a chic, cozy homestay kind of vibe, but with professional service. Seriously, bring extra cash for the mini-bar (I may have gotten a little carried away with the local beer...)
3. Okay, so, the "backyard"...what's the ACTUAL backyard situation? Is it just a patch of scraggly grass?
NO. Absolutely not. This is where the "unbelievable" part comes in. Imagine a perfectly manicured garden, bursting with flowers and trees. Think: hidden pathways, a little pond with koi fish (they're ridiculously photogenic, by the way!), and... the Himalayas. Yes, you can actually *see* the freakin' Himalayas from the garden. It's… overwhelming. I sat there for like, an hour just staring. I felt ridiculous, but I couldn't help myself. It was genuinely breathtaking (and a little cheesy, I admit). I remember thinking, "Am I dreaming?"
4. Is the food any good? Because bad hotel food can ruin ANY trip.
The breakfast is included, thankfully! And it's a proper feast. You NEED to try the Nepali breakfast – they have this amazing potato dish called "aloo tama," it's spicy and flavorful and the perfect fuel for a day of exploring. Plus, the coffee is strong enough to wake the dead. Dinner is also delish – a mix of local and international fare. I had this incredible momo (dumplings) one night... I'm still dreaming about them. The only slight downside? The service can be a *tiny* bit slow sometimes, but honestly, who cares when you're surrounded by beauty and deliciousness? Embrace the slow pace! That's the point!
5. Are there any drawbacks? Because nothing is perfect, right? *Sigh*
Okay, honesty time. The WiFi wasn't always the fastest. And the location, while great, means you'll probably need to take a taxi to get to some of the main tourist spots. Also, it's not the cheapest place to stay. But honestly? For the experience, the vibe, that freakin’ garden… it's worth it. I'd pay double. Maybe triple. I’m not even kidding. I'm already trying to figure out when I can go back.
6. Tell Me About The Staff! What's the Vibe There? Rude? Helpful? Robots?
The staff? Okay, this is a BIG win. They're the kind of people who make you want to stay forever. Genuinely friendly, always smiling, always willing to help. Remember that slow service I mentioned? The smiles made it worth the wait. I swear, they anticipate your needs before you even know you have them. They know all the best local spots and can arrange tours or taxis with ease. I even accidentally locked myself out of my room at 2 AM (don't ask...) and the night staff were completely unfazed and got me back inside with zero drama. They are super chill, respectful, and even funny. It's a testament to the people of Nepal.
7. Are there any activities besides just, you know, "chilling and staring at mountains?"
Well, yeah. Duh! You can arrange tours of the city, cooking classes (I highly recommend this! I made the most amazing momos!). They also have yoga classes, which is PERFECT after a long day of sightseeing (and eating delicious food). Plus, the hotel itself is a bit of an oasis, so it's a great place to relax and recharge after a day of exploring. I spent one entire afternoon just reading in a hammock in the garden, and it was utter bliss. But seriously, make sure you get out and see stuff! Kathmandu is amazing!
8. Give me a concrete example of how amazing the experience was! Like, a specific memory!
Okay, so, picture this: It's my first morning. I wake up, open the curtains, and BAM! The Himalayas are just… THERE. I mean, I knew they were *nearby*, but I wasn’t prepared for the sheer majesty of it all. The sun was hitting the peaks, turning them this gorgeous golden color. I made a cup of coffee, sat out on my little balcony (they have the best balcony, by the way), and just… watched the world wake up. The air was crisp and clean, the birds were chirping… it was so incredibly peaceful. Then, the hotel staff delivered a breakfast tray - and the memory is still so clear. I felt this overwhelming sense of gratitude, and I’m pretty sure I teared up a little. It was the perfect way to start my trip. It set the tone for theHotel Adventure
