Hotels & Havelis
হোটেল ও হেরিটেজ হাভেলি
Best hotels in Varanasi for every budget — ghat-view boutique hotels, heritage properties, and modern hotels near the old city.
Where to stay
Staying near Assi Ghat (south) or Manikarnika Ghat (centre) puts you within walking distance of everything. Hotels in Sigra or Cantonment are quieter but farther — you'll need transport every day.
BrijRama Palace
★ 4.9A 250-year-old palace right on the Ganga, converted to a boutique heritage hotel. Each room has a river view. Consistently ranked among India's finest hotels.
✓ Directly on the ghats
✓ 18th century architecture
✓ Sunset views from every room
✓ In-house Banarasi cuisine
Taj Ganges Varanasi
★ 4.7The most famous luxury hotel in Varanasi. Set in 40 acres of Nadesar Palace gardens, it offers pool, spa, and the finest dining in the city.
✓ 40-acre palace grounds
✓ Heritage pool
✓ Award-winning restaurants
✓ Ayurvedic spa
Suryauday Haveli
★ 4.8An exquisitely restored 18th-century haveli on the ghats. Only 8 rooms — each decorated with Banarasi art. Personalised service and a rooftop Ganga view.
✓ On the ghats
✓ 8 rooms — very personal
✓ Rooftop breakfast with Ganga views
✓ Guided ghat walks arranged
Hotel Alka
★ 4.2Long-running favourite for its ghat-view rooms, reliable service, and proximity to the old city temples. Good value with character.
✓ Steps from the main ghats
✓ Rooftop restaurant
✓ Reliable WiFi
✓ Helpful front desk for local advice
Zostel Varanasi
★ 4.4The best backpacker hostel in Varanasi. Rooftop terrace, social atmosphere, and extremely close to Assi Ghat. Great for solo travellers.
✓ Rooftop terrace with river views
✓ Social common areas
✓ Organised walking tours
✓ 30 seconds from Assi Ghat
Ganges View Hotel
★ 4.6A charming 150-year-old mansion converted into an intimate hotel. The rooftop terrace directly overlooks the Ganga. Library and art collection inside.
✓ Library with 3,000+ books
✓ In-house art collection
✓ Rooftop Ganga view
✓ Excellent home-cooked meals