Dwarika’s

In 1952, when the late Dwarika Das Shresta found carpenters sawing a centuries’ old carved decoration off a building to use as firewood, his life and the fate of Nepal’s Newari architectural heritage changed forever. His purchase of the half sawed pillar led to a lifetime of collecting and documenting these works of art and ultimately the building of Dwarika’s Kathmandu from the myriad rescued pieces.

This wonderful heritage hotel is now a destination in itself with the actual structure and public areas a showcase of Newari artwork. Each of the 79 rooms and suites combines contemporary furnishings and amenities with Newari motifs and custom handmade furniture, situated in clusters of buildings around courtyards and a swimming pool. 

The hotel has three restaurants to choose from; Krishnarpan, is well-known for its traditional Nepali cuisine and is one of the most popular in Kathmandu. The location of the hotel on a busy road away from the main places of interest is the only disadvantage, but it’s a small concession to make to stay in a living museum.