Panchkote Raj Ganges

Good communication - we were contacted to see if we needed transport/dinner on arrival. The driver was waiting for us when the flight landed and dinner was ready when we reached the hotel. The location is good, close to the Ganges and in the middle of town, but it was quite nonetheless. There was a proper strong, hot shower. Indian-style breakfast served in the morning.

We had booked two double rooms, but in the end were given one twin room and one double room. Given that the hotel only accepts cash, and as ATMs generally charge for cash withdrawals, this adds an extra 3% to the price of the booking.

Its location is perfect, and it is a quiet oasis in a busy city. Food is excellent.

I find it overpriced for what is recurved. Rooms and property is nice, but there is not even daily cleaning. I would expect about 1/3 less of the cost for this property.

Location was great, especially with the views of the Ganges and ghat access. Food was also very good and welcome to have on the patio after each mong day. The staff is helpful and fun.

Great location, beautiful old property which felt like an oasis in the fantastic, otherworldly madness of Varanasi. Lots of rustic charm. The two lads were lovely and the man running the gate was charming. Our boatman for a trip up and down the ghats was really friendly too. Lovely spot with a Kali Temple right next door.

The owner/manager tried to add a significant addition to our bill without explanation, this turned out to be their own booking.com fee, which I flatly refused to pay as this has never happened anywhere else in the world through this site and these room rates are already very high. Because of this sneaky practice we didn’t tip (something I would normally never dream of doing in a tipping culture) which led to a really frosty ambience prior to our departure. As other reviews have mentioned the property only takes cash but this is not clear at the outset which resulted in extra hassle. For these prices a card reader is a small ask. We had to repeatedly ask for things like toilet roll, maybe just put a couple of spares in the bathrooms? Finally, again as other reviews have mentioned - the gates to the ghat are locked and the access is dirty and untidy (overgrown and faeces on the steps). Cleaning up this area and allowing access from the ghat would be a great improvement.

First the hotel was a beautiful heritage property, exactly what we were looking for to experience the essence of Varanasi. The food was excellent and the chef Ranjeet was experienced, entertaining and always ready to please and accommodate. We couldn't have asked for a better staff including Hanu, Ranjeet, Rahul, Ram, the gatekeeper, all of whom made us feel like part of the family!

The bathroom in the smaller room could do with a little renovation. The table linen for the dining tables need to be updated and cleaner.

The location on the banks of the Ganges is superb.

Homely, friendly, small and personal with lots of trees and peace from the busy streets of Varanasi

None

The Ancient Siva-Kali Temple on premises with friendly young priest was priceless, well cared for garden was very lovely. Staff was serviceful, room was clean, bed was comfortable, bedding was nice, sitting room was charming & pleasant. Breakfast served in attractive patio setting.

First room had moldy smelling bathroom, complained and they gave us a nicer room. Breakfast was poor, with cheap white bread toast, with butter and jam, and deep fried, white bread pakoras, or deep fried spinach pakoras, rice cereal, tea, bananas and oranges. Dinners were served too late for our health.