Kathmandu's Hidden Gem: Hotel Ryan's Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the supposed "Unbelievable Luxury" of Hotel Ryan in Kathmandu. And let me tell you, after a week there… well, let's just say my expectations and my sanity took a serious beating (in a good way, mostly!). This isn't just a review; it's a therapy session with a keyboard.
Let’s Get This Accessibility Thing Down (First)
Okay, fine, let’s get the boring stuff out of the way first. I'm a reasonably mobile person, so I didn't need to check everything. But, from what I could see, here's the deal:
- Accessibility: The website claims "facilities for disabled guests." I saw an elevator, which is a plus. But, really? I wasn't exactly poking around with a wheelchair. Someone really needs to verify the true accessibility of this place. They gotta be specific, you know?
- Restaurants and Lounges: Did I see a totally accessible restaurant? No. I DID see that there were plenty of options, so hopefully, somebody has a handle on providing a ramp.
- Internet. Oh, the Internet.
- Wi-Fi: "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" HALLELUJAH! And it mostly worked. Mostly. Let's say it had its moments of 'disappearing'.
- Internet [LAN]: Didn't see it. Sorry nerds.
- Internet Services: They had it. Ish. Expect slow file uploads. Patience is a virtue, and also, what's the rush, really?
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Yes, and I was definitely glued to my phone more than I should have been. Blame the amazing coffee. (More on THAT later… maybe.)
My Kingdom for a Hot Tub (and Other Ways to "Relax")
Okay, this is where things get interesting. Seriously, "unbelievable luxury" is a bold claim. Did Hotel Ryan deliver?
- The Pool with a View: Pure Bliss! Picture this: you're exhausted from trekking through the dust of Kathmandu, and you're thinking "I'm not going to make it." Then, BOOM! You're in a sparkling outdoor pool, looking at… a pretty nice view of the city. It's not the Maldives, but it's a damn sight better than my grimy apartment.
- Spa/Sauna: They had a spa. I didn't use the spa. I confess. Too busy drinking the aforementioned coffee and trying to conquer my writer's block.
- Fitness Center: Looked… adequate. I opted for the stairs. (More "adventure" I suppose!)
- Massages Are good, but I didn't think to get one! Because the coffee. And the view.
- Body Scrub, Body Wrap: See above.
- Steamroom: Didn't find it, (or didn't look hard enough, which is likely)
- Gym/fitness: See fitness center.
- Foot bath: I didn't see one.
- Swimming pool See Pool with a view.
Cleanliness and Safety? In Kathmandu?! (Hold Your Breath)
Okay, this is a HUGE deal, right? You're worried about the usual suspects – Delhi Belly, Nepalese Nightmare, whatever.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good start.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Seemed to be happening.
- Hand sanitizer: EVERYWHERE. Seriously, they're practically forcing you to use it.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Fingers crossed.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Probably.
- Safe dining setup: Felt safe.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Uh, okay.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: I hope so.
- Hygiene certification: Didn't see any official looking certificates.
- First aid kit: Probably. I didn't get any boo-boos.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Got some.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They try to.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Possibly.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I didn't even realize to ask.
- Shared stationery removed: Good, I hate shared stationery.
- Sterilizing equipment: Didn't see any, but what do I know?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and Possibly the Regrets)
Where do I begin?
- The Restaurants! Oh, the Restaurants! Excellent variety.
- A la carte in restaurant. Yes.
- Alternative meal arrangement. I requested some, and they got it, which is great.
- Asian breakfast. Yes.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant. Yes.
- Bar. Yep. And. I loved the:
- Poolside bar. Yes, yes, and YES. Drinks with a view. Pure genius.
- Buffet in restaurant. Yes.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant. Excellent coffee. Life-saving coffee.
- Desserts in restaurant. Delicious. Dangerous. Must resist.
- Happy hour. Naturally.
- International cuisine in restaurant. Yes.
- Room service [24-hour]. Yes.
- Salad in restaurant. Yes.
- Snack bar. Yes.
- Soup in restaurant. Yes.
- Vegetarian restaurant. Yes.
- Western breakfast. Yes.
- Western cuisine in restaurant. Yes.
- Bottle of water. They just kept bringing me them. It really works for keeping your hydration up.
- Breakfast [buffet]. Yes.
- Breakfast service. Yes.
- Coffee shop. Yes.
- The Food! It was pretty good. The Asian cuisine was where it's at. The curries were divine, the momos were perfect. No regrets, food-wise.
- Poolside Bar Vibes. Picture this: I'm chilling by the pool, sipping some delicious cocktail, and someone asks me what my favorite part of the hotel is, and I know that's the answer.
Services and Conveniences: Are They Actually Convenient?
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes. Thank GOD.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Always a plus.
- Elevator: Yes.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Maybe. (See Accessibility, above.)
- Luggage storage: Yep.
- Safety deposit boxes: Yes.
- Smoking area: Yup.
- Terrace: A nice one, too.
- Air conditioning in public area. Yes.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Convenience store, Currency exchange, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Essential condiments, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety/security feature, Seminars, Shrine, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.. Didn't notice, but I trust it's there.
- Business facilities: Didn't use them, but they seemed to be available.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes.
- Concierge: Very helpful.
- Contactless check-in/out: Yes.
- Daily housekeeping: Always a good thing.
- Doorman: Always.
- Dry cleaning: Available.
- Elevator: Yes.
- Essential condiments: I didn't see a problem here.
- Facilities for disabled guests: This is a question mark for me.
- Food delivery: You can order it from outside, but I didn't personally do it.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Yes.
- Indoor venue for special events: They have options.
- Invoice provided: Presumably.
- Ironing service: Available.
- Laundry service: Yes.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Definitely.
- Meetings: Possible.
- Meeting stationery: Probably.
- On-site event hosting: Yes.
- Outdoor venue for special events: Definitely.
- Projector/LED display: Yes.
- Safety deposit boxes: Yes.
- Seminars: I didn't attend one, but it seemed possible. *
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary for Hotel Ryan in Kathmandu? Well, it's less "polished travel guide" and more "disaster zone with a surprisingly good samosa." Here we go:
Hotel Ryan: Kathmandu - A Descent into Delicious Chaos (and Dust)
Day 1: Arrival and The Great Thamel Squabble
- Morning (Oh God, It's Early): Land at Tribhuvan International Airport. Expect the usual: a chaotic scramble for your visa on arrival (prep those USD bills, people!), followed by a relentless barrage of taxi drivers. Anecdote Alert: I almost got into a fistfight with a guy who swore he was the only "official" taxi. Turns out, he just had a louder voice. Learned a valuable lesson: haggling is a contact sport in Kathmandu.
- Transportation Mishap: The taxi ride. Okay, it wasn't a mishap, per se… just a gut-wrenching, white-knuckle, horn-honking, close-call-with-a-stray-yak kind of ride. Prepare to cling to the (non-existent) seatbelt, and pray.
- Afternoon (Hotel Ryan Check-In & Initial Shock): Finally, finally arrive at Hotel Ryan. It's… charming. Let's go with charming. The lobby is a kaleidoscope of mismatched furniture, fragrant incense, and friendly (if slightly bewildered) staff. My room? Well, it's a room. It has a bed. And… well, that's about it. (Okay, the view of the alley behind the hotel isn't exactly postcard-worthy, but the cost is right!)
- Emotions Run Wild: My first reaction to the room? A mix of amusement, mild panic, and the sudden urge to sanitize everything. But honestly? It's part of the experience. You can't be a clean freak and survive Kathmandu.
- The Thamel Dive: Thamel. Oh, Thamel. It's a sensory overload of narrow streets, buzzing scooters, shops overflowing with pashminas, and the persistent smell of… everything. I wandered aimlessly for hours, getting hopelessly lost (multiple times). The street food stall owner with the toothless grin gave me the best momos of my life, and I felt instantly better.
- Evening (The Thamel Scramble Begins): Dinner at Fire and Ice, the famous Italian place. The pizza was actually pretty good, but the real show? The sheer number of tourists trying to navigate the crowded streets. More than once I had to dive for safety.
- Imperfect Details: I forgot to pack earplugs. Rookie mistake. The street noise is relentless. I'm already half-deaf, but the next night, I'm going for an earplug dive run.
Day 2: Temples, and The Great Nepali Coffee Debacle
- Morning (The Sun Gods Smile on You): Early start. The plan? Pashupatinath Temple, a holy Hindu site. The smell of incense is truly intoxicating. The colors…wow. It was really powerful. The ghats (cremation sites) were…intense. A profound experience, and one I felt incredibly privileged to witness.
- Transportation Revelation: I hired a rickshaw to Pashupatinath. The ride was bumpy, but it was the closest I've come to time-traveling back to the 19th century. Best 500 rupees I've ever spent.
- Afternoon (The Great Coffee Quest): Determined to find fantastic coffee. I went to three different trendy cafes. Result? The coffee was… fine. Okay, it was pretty bad. I think I'm used to better coffee.
- Quirky Observation: The cafe had a cat that looked suspiciously judging. I think it was disappointed I ordered the latte.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, I was a bit disappointed. The coffee situation is a true tragedy. But, heck, I can live off samosas and tea.
- Late Afternoon (The Monkey Temple): Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). The climb up the steps was a workout. The panoramic views, though, were SPECTACULAR. The monkeys? Surprisingly well-behaved (mostly). I swear though, one stole my banana. Rude.
- Evening (Dinner and the Lost Wallet Scare): Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the city. My wallet was missing! Cue the panic attack. Turns out, it was just in my backpack. Crisis averted. Lesson learned: double-check everything.
- Opinionated Language: I'm done with tourist traps. From now on, I'm off the beaten path.
Day 3: Bhaktapur and The Samosa Revelation
- Morning (Bhaktapur): A day trip to Bhaktapur, the ancient city. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it honestly felt like stepping back in time. The architecture is jaw-dropping, and it's far more relaxed than Kathmandu.
- Doubling Down on Experience: The Durbar Square in Bhaktapur… I just sat there for an hour, soaking it all in. The sounds of the people, the scent of the incense, the architecture…It was mesmerizing. The moment I sat down, a street vendor offered me some samosas. They were freshly fried, with a spicy potato filling, and cost about 25 cents. I ate five. I have never had a better samosa in my life.
- Messier Structure: I was hoping to spend more time in the pottery square, but the samosa experience has totally taken over my planning.
- More Opinionated Language: This food is a gift from the gods. I need to find that samosa vendor. Life is not worth living without his creations.
- Afternoon (Back to the Real World): Head back to Kathmandu. The traffic was a nightmare. The driver, though, was a madman, so the nightmare experience was just typical.
- Late Afternoon (More Errands): I picked up some prayer flags, and some more chai.
- Evening (Hotel Ryan Life): Actually, I took a very long nap. So much walking. So much dust. I'm already feeling the city's impact on my immune system.
- Rambles: I keep wondering if there is such a thing as too many prayer flags. Should I buy the prayer wheels too?
Day 4: Packing Fiasco and The Farewell (for now, at least)
- Morning (Packing Panic): The inevitable. Packing. I'm terrible at it. My bag is overflowing. I haven't even worn half the clothes I brought. How am I supposed to get all this stuff back home?!
- Emotional Reaction: Part of me is ready to leave, part of me doesn't want to. I guess I am falling in love with the madness, the dust, the food, everything.
- Afternoon (Final Momos): One last, desperate search for truly amazing momos. Found a place down the street. Success!
- Late Afternoon (Departure Preparations): Checking out. Saying goodbye to the friendly staff at Hotel Ryan. Remembering the little things, the helpful advice, the kind smiles despite my constant demands for more hot water. And the never-ending supply of tea.
- Evening (Airport Drama): The airport experience. It's a chaotic ballet of passport checks, security lines, and last-minute souvenir purchases. I had to throw away a bottle of yak butter tea. So…disappointing.
- The Last Thought: As the plane takes off, I look back at the chaotic beauty of Kathmandu. A smile creeps across my face. This trip? It was a disaster, and a revelation. And I'm already planning my return.
So, there you have it. My trip to Kathmandu, in all its glorious, messy detail. Nepal? Go! Hotel Ryan? Go! Just be prepared for… well, everything. And always, always have some extra rupees for samosas. You'll thank me later.
Rome's Hidden Gem: Hotel Dei Consoli - Unforgettable Stay!
Hotel Ryan's: The Unfiltered Truth (Plus, Some Seriously Good Jokes!)
Okay, spill the beans. Is this Hotel Ryan's REALLY as luxurious as they say? I'm skeptical, you know…
Alright, alright, hold your horses! "Luxurious" is a word bandied about like it's free beer. And let me tell you, I've seen *some* "luxury" hotels. Places where you'd need a second mortgage to afford the mini-bar water! But Hotel Ryan's… well, it's a whole different kettle of yak butter. Yes. YES. It is. Think plush carpets you could *actually* sleep on – and I confess, I may have, after a particularly potent (and delicious) mojito at the bar. Think rooms the size of my *entire apartment* back home. And the bathroom? Forget a shower; it's a freaking *spa*. Honestly? I felt like royalty… briefly. Then I spilled coffee down my robe. See? Even royalty messes up.
Is the food decent? I'm a foodie, a *picky* foodie. Don't even get me started on hotel breakfast buffets…
Oh, lord, the buffet horrors! I *feel* you. Hotel Ryan's… different story. Breakfast, well, their "continental" option alone is worth the price of admission. Think fresh fruit that actually *tastes* like fruit (a revelation, I swear!), flaky pastries, and coffee that doesn't taste like burnt motor oil. But the *real* winner? The a la carte menu. I had the *best* momos I've ever tasted there – fluffy, flavorful, and served with a chili sauce that made me sweat, but in a good way. One night, I ordered room service at 2 AM. Chicken Tikka Masala, delivered in ten minutes flat. It was so good, I almost cried. Almost. (Okay, maybe I shed a tear or two. Don't judge!) My only complaint? They didn't have *enough* variations of momos. Priorities, people!
What's the deal with the location? Is it easy to get around Kathmandu from there? Because traffic, you know…
Ah, Kathmandu traffic. A living, breathing, honking beast. Hotel Ryan's? Surprisingly well-placed. It's tucked away from the main chaos, which is a lifesaver for your sanity. Easy access to the tourist hotspots, like Thamel, but far enough away that you can actually *sleep* at night. They’ve got a car service, which is essential. Forget trying to navigate the streets yourself – unless you’re a masochist who enjoys dodging scooters driven by maniacs (and let's be honest, it's *mostly* enjoyable – in a terrifying, adrenaline-fueled way). I had one driver, a lovely old chap named Raj. We got lost *twice* on a trip to Boudhanath Stupa, but he was so cheerful about it, it didn't even matter. Plus, he knew the secret shops for buying the best pashminas. Absolute gold.
Tell me about the spa. Is it as heavenly as it sounds? Because, you know, travel stress…
Okay, the spa. Prepare yourself. This isn't just a spa; it's a portal to another dimension. The moment I stepped in, I was enveloped in this fragrant, calming aroma. Think lavender, sandalwood… I don't know, it was all just so… zen. I booked a full-body massage. The masseuse, a woman named Priya, had hands of pure magic. She somehow managed to unravel knots I didn’t even know existed. I feel the stress leaving my body, melting away like butter on a hot pancake… and then… I fell asleep. I snored. Apparently, I snored *loudly*. She just smiled and gently woke me up. Priya, you're a saint. I've never felt so relaxed in my entire life. And the best part? The steam room. Pure bliss. Don't skip the spa. Seriously, it's essential. You *need* it. Go, now! (After you've finished reading this, of course).
Were there any downsides? Because nothing's perfect, right? C'mon, give me the dirt!
Alright, alright, the dirt! Nobody’s perfect. Firstly, it *is* expensive. Let's be honest. This isn't your budget backpacker hostel. It's a splurge. But in my opinion, worth it. Secondly... Hmm... I found one tiny, slightly-annoying thing. Sometimes, and I mean *sometimes*, the WiFi was a little patchy. (First world problems, I know.) And occasionally, the hot water ran out. (Again, first world problems, I'm aware). and there was one day when my room service order was an hour late. *An HOUR!* I almost starved! Just kidding. I ate the free cookies in the lobby. Seriously, though, those cookies were *amazing*. So, really, nothing disastrous. It's hard to find serious faults when you were surrounded by such beauty. Oh, and I almost forgot the one time the elevator stopped working. I had to walk 12 floors to my room. Good to get some exercise, right?
What's the vibe like? Is it stuffy and pretentious? Or is it actually… fun?
Stuffy? Pretentious? Absolutely not! (Well, maybe a tiny bit. But in a charming, slightly whimsical way.) The atmosphere is… welcoming. Relaxed. Friendly. The staff are genuinely lovely. They're not like the robots you sometimes encounter in luxury hotels. They remembered my name. They remembered my coffee order. They even (bless their souls) put up with my appalling attempts at speaking Nepali. I spent one evening chatting with the bartender, a guy named Arjun; we talked about everything from travel, to the local politics, to the best spots to find vintage books. The overall vibe is classy, yes, but with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It's perfect for a romantic getaway or a solo trip. (Me? I was traveling solo. But I still felt utterly pampered.) You can feel safe. You would feel welcomed. Not too pretentious, not too boring - it was just right.
Would you go back? (Seriously, this is the big question!)
Oh, hell yes! Pack my bags *right now*! If I could, I'd move in permanently. I would 100% go back to Hotel Ryan's. It's a sanctuary, a haven, a place where you can escape the madness of the world and just… breathe. It's an unforgettable experience. It's a splurge, sure. But sometimes, you *need* to treat yourself. And Hotel Ryan's? It's worth every single penny. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to check flight prices… and maybe buy a pashmina. Or two. Or ten. Don't tell my bankHospitality Trails
