As the city with the country’s only international airport, Kathmandu is often considered just a stopover for those looking to trek through the mountains to its north or looking to explore the nature reserves to the south, close to the border with India. But it has so much to offer. And now the Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, the city’s biggest new hotel opening, offers a comfortable base from which to discover this ancient capital.Located just 15 minutes from Tribhuvan International Airport, the 10-storey property features 214-guest rooms with all the mod-cons you would expect of a business hotel. All rooms come equipped with electronic blinds instead of traditional curtains, suites feature Nespresso machines and the hotel’s fleet of cars are hybrids. On the 10 floor is the 1,800 sq ft presidential suite as well as the M Club, the lounge for Marriott’s Bonvoy membership rewards program. Guests staying on the hotel’s two club floors also have access to the lounge.
The décor is tasteful with local cues everywhere – a thangka painting in the lobby, antique decorations in the lobby area and water-colour painting with local motifs on every floor. Taking cues from traditional architecture, the hotel has an indoor courtyard with water features. This is a great place to relax after a day of exploring.
In terms of F&B guests can expect everything from deliciously flaky croissants to plump momos at the all-day dining restaurant, Thamel Kitchen. But the dishes to try are the thali-style meals that showcase the cuisine of the various local communities. At Edamame, the pan-Asian restaurant, guests can watch chefs whipping up delicious yakitori, sushi and Thai dishes at the live stations. You can also enjoy some live music, with a tasty negroni in hand at Raksi Music Bar. In the warmer months you can do exactly this but while sitting in the bar’s outdoor area, under the starry Kathmandu sky.
Guests will soon be able to work up a sweat in the fitness centre or relax by doing laps in the pool or getting a soothing treatment at the spa. All these facilities are expected to open imminently. Also opening soon is the casino so you can play a game of roulette or black jack without leaving the hotel.
