Bhutan - Lindsay Brown [84]
Hotel Druk Sherig (Map; 322598; fax 322714; Wogzin Lam; s/d/ste Nu 950/1200/1500) The rooms in this former guesthouse are brightly decorated in Bhutanese décor and feature lots of polished wood. A vivid ghori hangs over each entrance to the spacious rooms, and the multicuisine restaurant specialises in local dishes.
Hotel Riverview (Map; 323497; fax 323496; Dechen Lam; s/d Nu 1500/1800; ) On the east bank of the Wang Chhu is this hefty, pseudo-Bhutanese-style hotel. All of the spacious, carpeted, well-appointed rooms have a balcony with a river and town view. It’s a little inconvenient if you want to stroll around town but there’s a restaurant, business centre, conference room and handicraft shop on the premises.
Jambayang Resort (Map; 322349; fax 323669; jambayangs@druknet.bt; Dechen Lam; s/d Nu 1200/1800; ) High above the Wang Chhu on the east bank is the charming Jambayang Resort. This sprawling old-fashioned guesthouse has 16 individual rooms, some with balcony and views, and four private apartments with kitchens. Many Bhutanese recommend the restaurant here with its great view.
Hotel Phuentsholling Pelri (Map; 334970; fax 323392; phuetshopelri@druknet.bt; Phenday Lam; s/d Nu 1625/2000; ) This new hotel was still receiving its finishing touches when we visited. The huge doubles had polished floorboards, thicker-than-usual mattresses, and tea and coffee facilities. The elevator, business centre and top-floor apartments were still works in progress, whereas the swish restaurant and bar were up and running.
Hotel Dragon Roots (Map; 332820; fax 332823; droots@druknet.bt; Wogzin Lam; s/d Nu 1800/2200; ) The oddly named Dragon Roots boasts an elevator which, although small, should make this hotel relatively wheelchair friendly. The well-equipped rooms are cosy with wooden floors and carved furniture, and there is a large restaurant serving Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes, with plenty of vegetarian options.
Wangchuk Hotel (Map; 323532; htlwchuk@druknet.bt; Chang Lam; s/d Nu 1530/1950) This hotel overlooks the stadium and is a favourite of many expatriates. The wood-panelled, carpeted rooms are spacious, light and comfortable so don’t be put off by the gloomy lobby. The nightly rates include breakfast and the restaurant has a good reputation.
Hotel Pedling (Map; 325714; fax 323592; pedling@druknet.bt; Doendrup Lam; s/d Nu 1450/1800; ) The double rooms are comfy and well appointed with computer plug-in points, but show their age and are overdue for sprucing up. There is a good restaurant with the usual multicuisine menu and a business centre.
Yeedzin Guest House (Map; 325702; fax 324995; yeedzin@druknet.bt; Jangchhub Lam; s/d/ste Nu 700/1000/1200) This delightful guesthouse overlooks central Thimphu and oozes old-world charm. For long-staying guests there are five suites, each with a kitchen. The appealing restaurant is warmed by an open fire and dishes up continental, Chinese and Bhutanese fare at tables or on local-style benches.
Motithang Hotel (Map; 322435; Thori Lam; s/d Nu 1020/1290) Looking older than its 1990s heritage, the rustic, wood-panelled Motithang is quite a distance above the business district, in a peaceful rural setting. The appealing rooms are lined in warm wood and there’s a multicuisine restaurant.
Hotel Galingkha (Map; 328126; fax 322677; Doebum Lam; s/d Nu 1000/1500) Opposite the Swiss Bakery, the rooms of the Galingkha are spacious with basic facilities and furnishings. The fascinating aspect over the southern traffic circle is a bonus for the view but also a curse when the canine opera commences at night. The Thai restaurant downstairs (see opposite) is good for a change of cuisine.
Hotel Taktsang (Map; 322102; fax 323284; Doibum Lam; s/d Nu 1100/1300; ) Tucked in behind the Galingkha,