I have just returned from a brilliant climbing trip in Nepal, successfully summiting Lobuche East, and both before and after my climb, I stayed at the Ramada Encore in Thamel.
This hotel was a great choice, both location-wise and comfort-wise, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.
Comfortable, spacious, A/C rooms, and a good bathroom – though I had a dull view both times, looking onto the back of the building opposite, but that was literally the only negative thing I have to say.
Before my climb, when I was alone in the hotel (I flew in early, ahead of the rest of my group) I ate most of my meals in the hotel, and from a more-than-ample breakfast buffet to a pasta dinner on the roof terrace, everything was fine.
The undisputed star of the hotel for me was the roof-top pool. Super cool!
The pool is small, but to swim on a roof top, with views over the amazing city of Kathmandu is pretty darn epic.
The staff were all polite and helpful, even to the extent of serving me lunch one day in the lobby restaurant when usually they serve lunch on the roof terrace. I had misunderstood, so they simply served me alone, in the restaurant.
Too sweet.
I left luggage with the hotel while I was away climbing.
I paid my own bill, and no-one at the hotel knows that I blog or review.
Thoroughly recommended. And Thamel is such a great place to be based – shops, money changers, shops to buy SIM cards – everything within easy walking distance.