Gokarna Forest Resort Kathmandu

The grounds and the golf course were beautiful with a forest. We loved the deer and the monkeys. The hotel was very clean and our room was spacious and quiet. The staff were exceptional, especially Sudarshan Golarna, Madhav Prasad Shrestha and Shanti the housekeeper. We loved the pool, gym and spa. We both got deep tissue massages and the massage therapists were excellent.

Every time we wanted to leave the resort security questioned us. They had to call the front desk to make sure it was ok. We like to discover the nearby areas when we travel and not just stay on the resort grounds. The restaurant was very expensive compared to other places we ate at in Kathmandu. The location is beautiful but it is a good 45 minute drive through heavy traffic to get to Thamel.

F&B is the best part of this hotel. The restaurant is fantastic - service, food, drinks, environment, everything. Great breakfast, nice selection of local and international options on the menu for lunch & dinner, servers who are friendly and helpful yet not intrusive. Even the welcome drink was noteworthy. The room we had was spacious and comfortable with a large bathroom and we often saw spotted deer through the window.

From the moment we arrived, we missed the level of hospitality found elsewhere in Nepal. It was raining when our taxi pulled up and the security guard refused to let us under the awning, insisting that the vehicle behind ours be given that spot. No one assisted us with luggage as we unloaded into the rain and walked into the lobby drenched. Reception staff was initially surly although warmed up quickly. By then, the first impression had been set and I did not feel welcome. The swimming pool & spa are in a stand-alone building and while we saw staff walking the grounds with resort-branded umbrellas, none were available for guests. Our rate included use of the swimming pool & gym but not the steam room, sauna, or jacuzzi so we had to pay extra for these. Our rate included a guided nature walk but no one mentioned this and in the rain, it wasn't appealing. The cost for this walk is the same as for use of the steam/sauna/jacuzzi so they could have switched the inclusion. The women's steam/sauna/jacuzzi area is odd. The door to the lobby is propped open and staff routinely walk through. The men's door stays closed. I saw a staff member spit into the shower repeatedly before throwing the contents of her cup on the floor (a shower I had previously been frog-marched into by staff while asking a question, a shower I had to fix before I could use it). Another was cleaning dishes in the bathroom sink for half an hour. There was more but let's just say the situation was bizarre. We laughed through it all but if you want a pleasant spa or spa-like experience, Gokarna is not the place. There is no elevator (or if there is, we could not find it). Not a problem for us but something to be aware of. WiFi is poor and there are not enough electrical outlets in the room. We had a good time and made the most of the experience (the restaurant staff are truly wonderful) but I would not stay here again.

One of the best meals we had in Kathmandu was here.

Nothing.

Very helpful with our dilemma over delayed Indian visa. Good food. Nice forested property in the midst of chaotic Kathmandu.

We were visiting for the jazzmandu festival which was wonderful. The room, breakfast and swimming pool were great. We enjoyed our 1 hour morning guided walk. Everything was perfect and staff were friendly and helpful.