Hotel Shanker occupies a former palace of the Rana rulers, and it opened as a hotel in 1964, making it one of Kathmandu's older and best-known heritage stays. The main building has the high ceilings, carved details and long corridors typical of Rana architecture, and the grounds cover roughly four acres of gardens, with lawns, trees and an outdoor swimming pool. The hotel has 94 rooms including 12 suites, a mix of palace-wing rooms and more modern ones, and facilities that include a spa, several restaurants and bars, room service around the clock and airport transfers. The setting in Lazimpat is quiet and leafy, with embassies and restaurants nearby, and it is only minutes from the tourist area of Thamel by taxi.
Getting around from here is straightforward. Thamel is a short ride, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath are reachable by taxi in reasonable time, and the airport is a manageable drive, which the hotel can arrange. Lazimpat itself has local restaurants, cafes and shops, so you do not need to leave for every meal. Walking in the neighborhood is possible but traffic and pavements vary, and many guests prefer to use hotel cars and ride-hailing for longer trips.
Rooms differ by building, and it is worth asking whether you are being placed in the palace wing or a newer wing. Palace-wing rooms have more character, with high ceilings and traditional decor, while newer rooms may offer more modern comforts. Standard features include free Wi-Fi, a safe, a tea and coffee maker and a television. The restaurants include a fine-dining room and a large hall with carved ceilings, and the bar and poolside bar give you relaxed options in the evening. The pool and lawns are a great place to unwind after dusty sightseeing.
This hotel suits couples, families and travelers who appreciate history and open space. Families benefit from the gardens and the pool, and the hotel can provide babysitting on request. It also hosts weddings and events in its halls and gardens, so check for noise on the day you stay. Breakfast, parking and airport transfer details should be confirmed at the time of booking, and it is wise to request a quiet room away from event areas if you are a light sleeper.
Why stay here
- ✓19th-century Rana palace building
- ✓Outdoor swimming pool
- ✓4.4-acre gardens
- ✓Tranquility Spa
- ✓Cosy Kailash fine dining
- ✓Kunti Bar
- ✓24-hour room service
- ✓Airport transfers
Good questions
Is Hotel Shanker really a palace?+
Yes, it occupies a 19th-century Rana palace, and the hotel has operated since 1964. The older wing keeps the palace character.
How close is it to Thamel?+
It is only minutes away by taxi, though traffic can vary. Many guests also use the hotel's transfer service.
Does it have a pool?+
Yes, there is an outdoor swimming pool in the gardens with a poolside bar. It is a welcome retreat after a day of sightseeing.
