Our pick for midrange comfort on a budget is this well-run and super-friendly place. The rooms are among the best value in Kathmandu, with endless hot water and lots of balcony and relaxing garden seating. Throw in free airport pick-up and this place is hard to beat.
The best standard rooms are in the side building (and are the sunniest in winter). The deluxe rooms are more spacious and the new Nepali-style super-deluxe rooms have brick floors and traditional decor. It's a 10-minute walk southwest of Thamel – far enough to be out of range of the Tiger balm salesmen but close enough to restaurants for dinner. Bring earplugs, as this residential neighbourhood can be noisy.