Palace on Ganges stands in the southern part of the old city, in the Assi Ghat area, close to Tulsi Ghat and Sant Ravidas Ghat, with the central Dashashwamedh stretch a longer walk or short ride to the north. That position is its main appeal. The southern ghats are quieter and greener than the crowded centre, with cafes, bookshops, yoga and the morning programme at Assi Ghat, and a hotel here lets you reach the river on foot at dawn without sleeping in the busiest lanes. The property is a mid-range hotel rather than a luxury one, and its list of features is practical and welcoming. There is a terrace and garden, a library, a spa that offers massages, a hair salon and a restaurant, with room service available around the clock and a buffet breakfast for an extra charge. Rooms are individually decorated and have air conditioning, ceiling fans, free Wi-Fi, a safe, an electric kettle and cable television, and bathrooms come with free toiletries and a hair dryer. The front desk is staffed all day and night, and the concierge can help with tours and tickets, which is useful for arranging boats, guides and trips to Sarnath. Bicycles can be rented, and self parking is available for a fee. Check the details of your room category when you book, because rooms in a hotel of this kind can vary in size and outlook.
Location and getting around
The hotel sits near Assi Ghat, so the Subah-e-Banaras morning programme and the boats that leave from the steps are within walking distance, and Tulsi Ghat and the temples of the southern city are close. The central Dashashwamedh Ghat and the Kashi Vishwanath area are further north, either a pleasant walk along the river or a short rickshaw ride. The lanes close to the river are narrow, so expect part of your arrival to be on foot or by arrangement with the hotel, and ask the staff for the best pick-up point and for directions in the dark.
Rooms and facilities
Rooms are individually decorated, air conditioned and equipped with Wi-Fi, a safe, a kettle and television, and the property adds a terrace and garden where you can sit with a cup of tea after a day in the lanes. The library and the spa with massage services make it easy to unwind, and the restaurant and room service cover meals when you do not feel like going out.
Parking is available for a fee, and there is a meeting room if you are combining business with a visit. Rollaway beds can be requested for a charge, but cribs are not available, so families with babies should plan accordingly.
Who it suits and what to know: couples, solo travellers, yoga and music lovers and anyone who wants a calmer base near Assi Ghat rather than the thick of the central lanes. The trade-off is distance from the main aarti ghat and Kashi Vishwanath, so allow time for rides in the evening. Check-in is around midday and check-out is before noon, with no after-hours check-in, so confirm your arrival time in advance if your train or flight is late.
As with any stay near the river, be prepared for early morning noise from bells, boats and ceremonies, and ask for a quieter room if you are a light sleeper.
Why stay here
- ✓Terrace and garden
- ✓Library
- ✓Spa with massage services
- ✓On-site restaurant
- ✓24-hour room service
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Concierge and tour assistance
- ✓Bike rentals
Good questions
How far is it from Assi Ghat?+
The hotel is in the Assi Ghat area, close to Tulsi Ghat, so the morning programme and the boats at Assi are a short walk away.
Does it have a restaurant?+
Yes, there is an on-site restaurant with 24-hour room service, and a buffet breakfast is available for an extra charge.
Is parking available?+
Self parking is offered for a fee. The lanes near the river are narrow, so ask the hotel about the last stretch of the approach.
