Description: As a female traveling alone to Varanasi, India, A Palace on River, Rashmi Guest House was something of a find. Currently not listed in the major guidebooks (although it's only a matter of time), this guesthouse (more of a hotel, really), which has only been open for a few months, is an oasis of calm, cleanliness, and friendliness. Situated directly on Manmandir Ghat, with stunning views of the Ganges, it's only 1-minute walk from the Main Ghat.
A really helpful, professional manager; a friendly owner; and lovely, efficient staff, along with really clean rooms and hot-water showers, make this a really delightful place to stay.
There is a great roof-top restaurant (called Dolphin Restaurant), which has both indoor and outdoor (with a Ganges view) sitting areas. There is a good varied menu, with both continental as well as Indian dishes. You can see the kitchen from the restaurant, which is a plus.
This is not a budget hotel, more mid-range to high-class. There are only 16 bedrooms, but they are in a wide range. I stayed in room no. 103 (double room with an amazing Ganges view), which was RPS 2,500, and then for a treat moved to room no. 303 for the last 3 nights (RPS 4200), which was a huge room with a large bathroom, complete with a bath and shower and the most breathtaking views.
Although I spent a lot of time exploring the old city, really, in this guesthouse, if you have a room with a view, there's no need to leave it! I sat and watched the morning bathers, the monkeys playing on the rooftops below, and the boatmen and the people strolling along the ghats. The same can be done from the comfort of the rooftop restaurant.
I would highly recommend this venue--the location is another huge plus. There's no need to get auto-rickshaws and travel the hectic streets to reach the old town and markets--it's all on your own doorstep.
The hotel's web site address is http://www.palaceonriver.com
The email address is
rashmiguesthouse@sify.com.
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