In the half century since "the Land of the Thunder Dragon" opened its doors to tourism, the country has accrued nearly 400 hotels - around 225 of which are in the district that´s home to capital Thimphu (pop. 149,000). And especially since this laid-back, low-slung city is your point of entry and exit as well as being worthy of visiting in its own right, you´ll most likely be overnighting here, so here are eight properties worth highlighting, in varying price ranges:
Located in heart of town, this four-star boutique hotel (top) with 67 rooms and suites (many with lovely mountain and river views) is beautifully designed in a subtle palette drawn from the earth elements - water, air, earth, fire, and sky. It´s got all the mod cons, as well as a destination 7th Restaurant that´s one of the country´s finest, serving an eclectic menu of Bhutanese as well as Chinese, Indian, and Continental European fare. Other amenities include a bar that´s also a popular hangout for some locals, the top-quality, revitalising Lha Yul spa, and a well-equipped gym. Doubles start at around US$168/£122/140 euros).
Even more budget friendly, this is another boutique property, with five floors and three stars - and one of the most centrally located of all, just steps away from Chang Lam and Clock Tower Square. It has 21 rooms which blend contemporary comfort with Bhutanese paintings and warm-wood accents across its public spaces. Norbuleng stands out due to its intimate scale, attentive service, and an excellent restaurant serving Asian/Bhutanese/Indian fare), Other amenities include a small spa, a cosy bar, 24-hour front desk, airport shuttle, and free Wi-Fi. Standard doubles typically run about US$68-113/£50-£84/€58-€96).
Marriott.com
Le Méridien Thimphu
This six-storey, five-star outpost of the Air France-founded, now Marriott-owned luxury chain, designed in contemporary Bhutanese style is located downtown at Chorten Lam, very close to major landmarks such as Memorial Chorten and Coronation Park. Its 78 rooms offer good views of hillsides and the city, and what especially sets it apart is its Explore Spa with multiple treatment rooms, extensive facilities such as an indoor heated pool, sauna, and steam room). Apart from two distinctive restaurants (the Western-style Latest Recipe and Sese Shamu, one of the city´s only pan-Asian restaurants), there´s also a good fitness centre and an attractive bar/lounge. Doubles cost around US$600-$650/£450-£550/550€-650€, depending on the season and room type.
A 38-unit luxury retreat located amid an apple orchard a half hour from the airport in the village of Ngoba, on the edge of the national forest (its name means forest in Dzongkha), it sits 2,700 meters (8,858 feet) above sea level, affording sweeping views of Mount Jumolhari, Sang Choekhor and Taktsang monasteries, and the Paro Valley below. With mud-brick walls; detailed, hand-carved pillars; handcrafted wood furniture; and intricate stonework displaying Bhutanese architectural styles, the main lodge is surrounded by cottages, and accommodations are well equipped with LED lighting, and Swedish underfloor heating systems that preheated by solar panels.Its MenChu Himalayan Herbal Spa specializes in traditional Bhutanese herbal hot-stone baths and Himalayan-inspired therapies, and there´s an emphasis on sustainable local produce in its Olive Restaurant and Chabchu Bar); other amenities include hot-stone baths and yoga. A standard double is roughly US$282-$429/£209–£318/ €241-€366.
Yes, a Ramada hotel in Bhutan, and another great budget-friendly option. On the banks of the beautiful mountain Wang Chuu River, on the edge of town a short drive away the center and main sights, this four-star, upper-midscale property with 41 rooms on four floors combines modern conveniences (such as 32-inch flat-screen TVs) with Bhutanese decorative touches (wood accents, local textiles); each room features a balcony that offers breathtaking views of the gorgeous mountainscape. Additional amenities include a full spa and fitness center and a restaurant serving Bhutanese, Indian and international dishes. Expect a standard double in the range of US$84-170/£62-£125/€71-€144, depending on season and special offers.
An especially good value pick with three stars and 30 straightforward, wood-accented rooms, it´s located in tranquil garden alongside the river setting in Changbangdu at the city’s edge a short drive by taxi and bus to major sites and attractions (two kilometers from Clock Tower Square, for example). It´s also known for its family-friendly atmosphere and programming, as well as onsite cultural events. There´s a good onsite restaurant and bar as well as a modest spa/sauna and massage service (a number of other eateries can be found nearby - make sure you get over to Zombala for its delicious dumplings!). Rates for a standard double usually fall around US$34-85/£25-£63/€29–€72, depending on dates and booking channel.
Six Senses Bhutan
Outside the city centre, up on the Thimphu Valley slopes of Babesa/Chunimeding, affording sweeping views the valley and nearby peaks, this idyllic, low-rise, ultra-luxury mountain resort of just 25 villas and suites (part of a 27-property worldwide chain) features an esthetic that emphasizes harmony with nature: minimalist chalet style, warm timber, use of Bhutanese traditional features (wood-burning “bukhari” stoves, hot stone bathtubs), and large picture windows. There´s a deep wellness focus (spa has Bhutanese healing rituals, hot stone baths, steam, sauna, meditation pavilion, yoga), restaurants focused on organic/local/healthy cuisine (it has its own organic gardens), private dining, including Namkha, which serves both Bhutanese and international food. Standard lodges suites start around US$870 (£550/€650).
Similar in price, size, and distance from downtown to Riverside, this four-story property in Olakha Lam is named after a Bhutanese goddess plus the word for "happiness," and budget-minded guests will certainly be happy staying in its 38 clean. moden rooms with Balinese motifs and partaking of its small, full-service spa and Bhutanese/international restaurant. Standard doubles range US$36-$68/£27-£50/€31- €58.
For more Thimphu hotels, click here.
Plan a trip to Bhutan and check out these hotels including Riverside Hotel Bhutan and Tara Phendeyling Hotel for the great hospitality and relaxing stay.
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