I have to preface this by saying that traveling in the Third World on a budget requires some concessions. Those expecting five star elegance should look elsewhere. But if you want a clean and comfortable room for a budget price, I can heartily recommend the Potala Guest House. I travel to Kathmandu many times a year and I always stay at Potala. And for those other reviews that praise the cheerful and helpful staff, I totally second those comments. I have been all over the world and I have never found a staff more friendly, helpful and accommodating than the people here. Fair warning for those coming here for the first time, do check out your room before sealing the deal as some are far better than others. The in house restaurant was sold to an outside family a few years back and the food promptly went from good to marginal, but you can't hold that against the hotel. As for the noise at night and early mornings (roosters, dogs, taxi horns, etc) welcome to Kathmandu. Potala is right in the middle of Thamel, footsteps from all the restaurants, souvenir stands, ATMs, chai vendors and snack shops you could need. Come here to enjoy the richness of this vibrant city and allow the friendly staff at Potala to help you find your way around, locate a landmark or get a good bite to eat.

 Guest Review / Trip advisor

This is nice Guest House with modern rooms, with very good stuff and very good location in sillent part of Thamel, but by walk to main restaurant’s is just less than 5 minutes.

Review / Tripadvisor

My second time in Potala Guest House and again it was pleasant experience. This hotel is clean and it has one of the best location in Kathmandu with friendly and helpful stuff. My room was clean and comfortable. It is going to be my hotel next time I visit Kathmandu.,

Guest Review / Tripadvisor

Friendly and helpful service with adequate amenities provided. Reasonably priced and in the heart of Thamel with easy access to shops and restaurants.

Guest Review / Trip advisor

I go to Nepal every other year.  I had a wonderful trip to Kathmandu. My room was quiet and clean.Everything is walking distance. It is owned and run by Tibetan family.

Guest Review / Trip Advisor 

It's hard to get excited about the rooms here, these are just so so. Hotel's courtyard is pleasant though can be a curse in case someone starts a party there in the nightime. The cost is above average.

The reason to be here is that the hotel has excellently trained and reliable staff and very good management which is not so common in Nepal. You'll not have a problem of not hot water and staff will help you in whatever you will need or like. Hotel maintain very strict safety measures having security personnel on guard in the night.

While this hotel will not impress you with it's luxory, it's very rich in it's human capital. So if you're not looking for fancy room and simple is enough for you but you need rock solid reliability, go for Potala Guest House

Of course, you're talking about Nepal here so service is nothing like you would expect in the US but taken with a grain of salt and a bit of humor, everything works out just fine. They posted all the post cards I entrusted them with (the guidebook had said not to trust hotels because they often don't bother mailing things - but that wasn't the case for me). Breakfast was simple but good. All of these things make the hotel just an average place. And as in everywhere in Thamel,
What set this place apart was the rooftop terrace. I spent a big chunk of time up there reading and journaling with a view of the snow-capped mountains far away. It was very quiet up there, I'm not sure a lot of the guests even knew about it. It's lush with tropical plants and has a few tables and chairs - nothing fancy but a great way to find a moment of peace and quiet in Kathmandu.

We stayed at the Potala Guest house for a total of 4 nights and don't have one complaint. The rooms were clean, large, nice outlook over the internal courtyard/garde. Bathroom was dated, but very clean and housekeeping were excellent. The staff at the hotel were very friendly, helpful and knowledgable. The location is very central in Thamel and the in house restaurant doesn't serve up a bad meal. Room service is also available. Roof top terrace is a great place to kick back and relax and take in the views of Kathmandu! Would certainly recommend and stay at this hotel again.

All of the staffs are kind,familiar and helpful.all task is done quickly.Price is cheaper comparing service.i got the recommendation from my sister about this guest house.I booked through e mail and they provided me my room accordingly..

We stayed 2 nights in this Potala Guest house, and we are very satisfy with service at this Hostel : their front desk staff is extremely helpful & super friendly, they can response to whatever question from you very quickly, detailing & kindly.
The room is fairy clean , with all basic things you need for your stay : comfort bed, chair & table, hot water..., Besides, the hotel is located in the centre of tourist area, which is very close to tourist attraction site & with many good restaurants around !!!. Compare to room rate and service that you got, the hostel is value for money.

Guest review in Trip advisor

Good price with excellent location in which the most popular restaruants and stores are just nearby. We were offered the room which was facing the garden that we could have nice sleeps. The room is clean with hot shower water! Moreover, there is free pure distilled water provided in the lobby and free wifi.

The staff are very helpful and friendly. They can respond to any questions promptly with SMILE always!! Whatever booking taxi & tourist bus, recommendation on sightseeing point & dinning, mailing postcard, currency exchange etc... they can definitely help you!

I stayed there with my girlfriend for 2 nights, and was there by myself for another 2 nights. The reception staff were fantastic to deal with - smiling all the time, and quick to respond to any request or question. The rooms were adequately clean, with newly laundered old sheets. Hot water was plentiful. Some of the other positives were its location in Thamel, near the bustle but with its inset location, kept the hotel premise relatively quiet (room dependant); and it's 2 quaint gardens. I stored my stiff there whilst I was on an 7 day trek with no dramas.

They were having a couple of issues with their wifi, the ground floor, reception and gardens were fine, but the rooms were not covered. I think they had resolved this by the last day.

I didnot use their restaurant except for one breakfast , which was ok. However, tea and beers were bought promptly, the latter of course the most important