I go to Kathmandu twice a year and allways stay at Hotel Excelsior. Namaste to Kunsang and his team! they offer a free airport pick up in their nice new van! tHe hotel is basic, clean and excellently located right in the heart ot Thamel a stones throw from everything. Staff are enthusiastic, friendly and will help you with anything you need. Great view of the Kathmandu valley from the roof. Plenty of shops, bars and restaurants within 3min walk. They have a back up generator for those daily governmental power cuts. The hotel is well kept and clean. Hot water is solar heated from solar tubes on the roof so it depends on when you shower whether the water is hot or warm. In general drink bottled water and use hand sanitizer (small dettol hand sanitizer is good) for wherever you go in Nepal. I will be going back in April and again towards the end of the year and look forward to seeing the team. I did the Everest Base Camp Trek in October 2012 and styed here before and after leaving some gear with them whilst i was away. They were very accomodating when the flight to Lukla was delayed due to fog for 3 days. WiFi is limited but is readily available in most bars, cafes and restaurants for free. I recommend Tom and Jerry's, New Orleans, OR2K, Budha Bar and definately Sam's Bar (owned and...I go to Kathmandu twice a year and allways stay at Hotel Excelsior. Namaste to Kunsang and his team! they offer a free airport pick up in their nice new van! tHe hotel is basic, clean and excellently located right in the heart ot Thamel a stones throw from everything. Staff are enthusiastic, friendly and will help you with anything you need. Great view of the Kathmandu valley from the roof. Plenty of shops, bars and restaurants within 3min walk. They have a back up generator for those daily governmental power cuts. The hotel is well kept and clean. Hot water is solar heated from solar tubes on the roof so it depends on when you shower whether the water is hot or warm. In general drink bottled water and use hand sanitizer (small dettol hand sanitizer is good) for wherever you go in Nepal. I will be going back in April and again towards the end of the year and look forward to seeing the team. I did the Everest Base Camp Trek in October 2012 and styed here before and after leaving some gear with them whilst i was away. They were very accomodating when the flight to Lukla was delayed due to fog for 3 days. WiFi is limited but is readily available in most bars, cafes and restaurants for free. I recommend Tom and Jerry's, New Orleans, OR2K, Budha Bar and definately Sam's Bar (owned and run by a German lady who has been there since the 80's, she is there every night working the bar). Enjoy! NamasteMore