Varanasi help: Scindhia Guest House or Ganges View Hotel

Kingstonian · Jan 21st, 2008, 23:24

Same question here as theyamdancer - I'm booked into the Divya - anyone know what it's like? (for a solo 1st timer in India, 1st timer in Varanasi, fresh off the plane ...)

Magsemail · Jan 25th, 2008, 20:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jasper

Any recent info on these would be very helpful. Ganges View want 3000rps a night and 800rps for an airport pick-up; Scindhia only want 1200rps and 600 for the airport pick-up.

So the question is, is the Ganges View really worth so much more?

Thanks
Jasper

I also just received a quote of 3000 a night at Ganges View for a room on the top floor. I guess it is worth it, though a little steep? Also, do they overbook? They didn't ask for a credit card number, and I'm wondering if the room will still be available when I get there.

Darmabum · Jan 25th, 2008, 21:38

During a six-month stay in Varanasi in 2006 I lived for one month at the Ganges View (my girlfriend picked up the tab, more than my Rs150/night budget allows). I have nothing but great things to say about the Ganges View. Our room, an AC room (she came to see me in June) was Room #9. Second floor, looked out onto the walkway to Asi Ghat. Small glass enclosed balcony with a table and two chairs. The owners/employees were great.

And yes, Holi may be a reason the hotel is full. Very popular place, it's a classic compared to the much newer Palace on Ganges. The Hotel Temple on Ganges is a bit further from the ghat but seems a nice enough place; great rooftop views though a little far from a lot of the boat traffic, etc. Though not at all in the same league as the Ganges View of Palace on Ganges (with no view, and a relatively benign environment) is the Hotel Haifa. Nice place for food, try the thali or the Middle Eastern Thali (if you've maxed on Indian food). The Divya is OK, in the same category as the Haifa. Safe, relatively clean, benign. No views, though only a two minute walk to the Ganges and Asi Ghat. I stayed at the Tiwari Lodge, right across the street from the Haifa. Amazing people run the place, Raju is great, his wife Rama is a saint and the grandfather is a kick. It's very basic but the "feel" is great; many long-term travelers stay there, much music on the roof during the season.

Kingstonian · Jan 26th, 2008, 00:53

Darmabum – thanks for the info re the Divya. I’m splurging (?) on a suite room at R2000 – they quoted me R750 for deluxe non-AC and R1000 for Executive room AC. I hadn’t thought of a view – or lack of...

Magsemail – don’t know if Ganges View are overbooking …. I emailed them, and they emailed back promptly that they were booked up for the dates I wanted (2nd week in Feb, not Holi, I think). They’re in the LP guide as “our pick” – could that also account for their popularity?

Jan 25th, 2008, 21:38	#18
Darmabum Maha Guru Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: in the mountains of Idaho Posts: 794	During a six-month stay in Varanasi in 2006 I lived for one month at the Ganges View (my girlfriend picked up the tab, more than my Rs150/night budget allows). I have nothing but great things to say about the Ganges View. Our room, an AC room (she came to see me in June) was Room #9. Second floor, looked out onto the walkway to Asi Ghat. Small glass enclosed balcony with a table and two chairs. The owners/employees were great. And yes, Holi may be a reason the hotel is full. Very popular place, it's a classic compared to the much newer Palace on Ganges. The Hotel Temple on Ganges is a bit further from the ghat but seems a nice enough place; great rooftop views though a little far from a lot of the boat traffic, etc. Though not at all in the same league as the Ganges View of Palace on Ganges (with no view, and a relatively benign environment) is the Hotel Haifa. Nice place for food, try the thali or the Middle Eastern Thali (if you've maxed on Indian food). The Divya is OK, in the same category as the Haifa. Safe, relatively clean, benign. No views, though only a two minute walk to the Ganges and Asi Ghat. I stayed at the Tiwari Lodge, right across the street from the Haifa. Amazing people run the place, Raju is great, his wife Rama is a saint and the grandfather is a kick. It's very basic but the "feel" is great; many long-term travelers stay there, much music on the roof during the season. __________________ Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure - Marianne Williamson

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Jan 21st, 2008, 23:24	#16
Kingstonian Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: UK Posts: 373	Same question here as theyamdancer - I'm booked into the Divya - anyone know what it's like? (for a solo 1st timer in India, 1st timer in Varanasi, fresh off the plane ...)

Jan 26th, 2008, 00:53	#19
Kingstonian Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: UK Posts: 373	Darmabum – thanks for the info re the Divya. I’m splurging (?) on a suite room at R2000 – they quoted me R750 for deluxe non-AC and R1000 for Executive room AC. I hadn’t thought of a view – or lack of... Magsemail – don’t know if Ganges View are overbooking …. I emailed them, and they emailed back promptly that they were booked up for the dates I wanted (2nd week in Feb, not Holi, I think). They’re in the LP guide as “our pick” – could that also account for their popularity?

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