Must-see hotels in Bhutan

  • Taj Tashi

    Thimphu

    The striking dzong-like architecture of the five-star Taj Tashi fits effortlessly into the valley, and the elegant interior is full of Bhutanese motifs …

  • Ogyen Chholing Heritage House

    Bhutan

    The family living quarters of the superb and sublime Ogyen Chholing Palace have been renovated, with modern bathrooms (the best in Bumthang) and…

  • Hotel Druk

    Thimphu

    This understated but stylish place is the closest Thimphu has to a grande dame hotel, with an old-world charm that sets it above some of the pricier five…

  • Six Senses

    Thimphu

    Set in carefully tended grounds high above Simtokha, the immaculate new Six Senses is effortlessly refined. There are no TVs in the graceful, timber…

  • Yangkhil Resort

    Bhutan

    This resort, 1.5km west of Trongsa, is an excellent choice, with 21 rooms constructed in five blocks on a terraced hill facing the dzong. All rooms are…

  • Jakar Village Lodge

    Bhutan

    This hotel, situated down a quiet village lane below the dzong, is run by a former dzongdag (district administrator) who will regale you with stories as…

  • Swiss Guest House

    Bhutan

    It doesn't get more bucolic than this wooden farmhouse surrounded by apple and pear orchards on a hill overlooking the valley. In 1983 this was the first…

  • Namgay Heritage Hotel

    Thimphu

    A top-end tourist-class hotel, Namgay Heritage is a riot of hand-carved timbers. The rooms are less traditional than the five-storey atrium, but are warm…

  • Heritage Home Babesa

    Thimphu

    A gorgeous restoration of a traditional rammed-earth farmhouse, this place feels more like a homestay than a hotel. The home, which is more than 120 years…

  • Mountain Resort

    Bhutan

    This hotel has undergone a stylish makeover, with modern interpretations of traditional stone and wood in its new reception and dining areas and…

  • Hotel Jumolhari

    Thimphu

    This centrally located hotel swaps the usual Bhutanese interior design for a smart art deco feel and lots of brown and gold tones. The rooms are snug but…

  • Norkhil Boutique Hotel & Spa

    Thimphu

    One of a new breed of boutique hotels in Bhutan blending designer decor with a modern, international outlook. It's all tastefully done, and the spacious…

  • Wangchuk Hotel

    Thimphu

    This well-cared-for hotel overlooks Changlimithang Stadium and is a favourite with expats. The wood-panelled, carpeted rooms are spacious, light and…

  • Kisa Villa

    Thimphu

    Feeling more like a family home than a hotel, this cosy stone property looks out across the river towards Trashi Chho Dzong. Two houses with snug, wood…

  • Marang Forest Lodge

    Bhutan

    This 'lodge' run by the River Guides of Panbang comprises nine tents mounted on platforms beside the Marangang Chhu. Tents are simple but comfortable,…

  • Amankora

    Thimphu

    A 'less is more' philosophy presides at this exclusive five-star resort, Thimphu's finest, edging into the forest by a tinkling brook northwest of town…

  • Termalinca Resort & Spa

    Thimphu

    Perched beside a peaceful stretch of the Wang Chhu, about 7km south of Thimphu, Termalinca packs a lot of comfort into its stone and timber buildings…

  • DusitD2 Yarkay Thimphu

    Thimphu

    This new Bhutanese-Thai venture is on the road to the National Memorial Chorten. Each floor has an animal theme, inspired by the Buddhist legend of the…

  • Yu-Gharling Resort

    Bhutan

    This bold, traditional-style hotel overlooking the valley is almost as luxurious as it is enormous. Rooms are massive and the views are spectacular,…

  • Thimphu Tower

    Thimphu

    A business-like business-class hotel facing onto Clocktower Square, with good service and nice little touches, such as free earplugs in the rooms to keep…

  • Namseling Boutique Hotel

    Thimphu

    It's all about colour at this smart modern hotel above Norzin Lam. Rooms come with a concept – awakening, purity, balance and harmony – and a colour…

  • Walk Inn

    Thimphu

    A spick-and-span new arrival on Norzin Lam, nudging into the Bhutan-tourist-hotel category. There's a spotless restaurant overlooking the town square…

  • Ambient Café Serviced Apartments

    Thimphu

    Upstairs from Ambient Café and run by the same friendly folk, these tasteful one-bedroom apartments have wooden floors, neat marble bathrooms, a small…

  • Hotel Tashi Yoedling

    Thimphu

    There's a certain design flair at this bright, modern hotel just south of the centre, but it's the views right over the National Memorial Chorten that…

  • Chumey Nature Resort

    Bhutan

    This peaceful rural retreat is surrounded by fertile fields and whispering pine forests. Its 14 rooms are comfortable, cosy and private, set in cottages…

  • Wangchuk Resort Taba

    Thimphu

    Edging into the forest high above the east bank of the Wang Chhu, this old-fashioned but charming resort is set beside an ancient goemba built on the site…

  • Puenzhi Guest House

    Bhutan

    A 4km drive high above the town leads to this place, run by the former governor of Trongsa. The deluxe rooms are the best – airy and spacious with eagle…

  • Kaila Guest House

    Bhutan

    This friendly, genuinely welcoming option features a sunny courtyard and a new wing of rooms boasting sumptuous Tibetan carpets, and bathrooms with rain…

  • River Lodge

    Bhutan

    This popular place has a variety of comfortable rooms overlooking the valley south of town. The lodge has a gregarious and knowledgeable owner, a small…

  • Hotel Ugyen Ling

    Bhutan

    Owned by one of Bhutan's biggest travel agencies, this walled compound is close to Wangdichholing Palace and offers above-average accommodation, a…

  • Bhutan Suites

    Thimphu

    Business travellers, NGO workers and passing tourists all appreciate the set-up here. Bright and comfortable suite rooms have underfloor heating, a…

  • Gongkhar Guest House

    Bhutan

    This excellent hotel, 1.5km southeast of Jakar, has spacious, cosy and comfortable rooms with bukharis and renovated bathrooms. There's a good view of the…

  • Osel Hotel

    Thimphu

    A notch above tourist-grade hotels, the four-star Osel has an understated modern style and a full range of in-house facilities, including an atmospheric…

  • Le Meridien Thimphu

    Thimphu

    In a prime central location, the five-star Le Meridien Thimpu offers modern designer flourishes in place of traditional Bhutanese trim. Wood-panelled…

  • Khang Residency

    Thimphu

    This modern block close to the Changangkha Lhakhang eschews the ubiquitous pine cladding found in many hotels for a sleek international feel. The rooms…

  • Peaceful Resort

    Thimphu

    Nestled among well-to-do mansions and edging into the forested hills of Motithang, this chalet-like hotel is far removed from the distractions of the city…

  • Wangdicholing Resort

    Bhutan

    This well-run resort with a reputable kitchen producing tasty food is on a bluff overlooking the valley to the south of town. The highlight is the…

  • Hotel Gakyil

    Thimphu

    The refurbished lobby and restaurant at Hotel Gakyil are grander than the rooms, but this is still a solid midrange choice in a handy, central location…

  • Rinchenling Lodge

    Bhutan

    This hotel is run by amiable Dasho Jampel Ngedup and family. It has spacious rooms with quality mattresses and an excellent restaurant. Standard rooms…

  • Hotel Norbuling

    Thimphu

    At the upper end of the tourist-hotel category, Hotel Norbuling adds such extras as a minibar and floor-to-ceiling windows, making the most of the views…

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