The Nanee, Bhaktapur

• You'll be located in the medieval center of Bhaktapur, just a few minutes' stroll from the palaces and temples of the UNESCO-listed Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
• Every aspect of this family-run, boutique hotel is designed to reflect the city's rich Newari culture and connect its guests to the local community.
• The comfortable, contemporary rooms are accented with custom art, sculptures, and textiles.
• There are four dining spaces within the property, including a traditional Newari street food spot and a courtyard bistro.
• Complimentary extras include breakfast, a welcome ceremony, and a guided dawn walking tour.

• Rooms are on the small size and bathrooms are open plan, with glass-encased showers that don't offer much privacy.
• There's no elevator in the historic building, and it's not suitable for travelers with limited mobility.
• Due to the neighborhood setting, you might hear some street noise from your room.

Authenticity

The Nanee calls itself an "experiential boutique hotel," and everything about the small, family-run property is designed to connect you with the culture, art, and cuisine of Bhaktapur's Indigenous Newari people. Cross the courtyard (kept open so that neighbors and guests can mingle) to reach the art-filled lobby, where you'll be greeted with a welcome ceremony before climbing the stairs to your room (decorated using Hindu architectural principles that incorporate elements like air and fire). Each stay includes breakfast and a guided dawn walk through the neighborhood, and you can book other community activities like cooking alongside a local family or taking tea in the home of a local artisan.

Location

You'll find The Nanee down a narrow alley leading off the city's central Bhaktapur Durbar Square. In less than five minutes on foot, you can reach the square's UNESCO-listed medieval palace complex and its many temples, or stroll a few minutes farther south to browse Pottery Square, a hub of traditional Newari craftsmanship. The surrounding area is an atmospheric maze of medieval streets lined with artisan workshops, traditional restaurants, and tiny coffee shops. Kathmandu and its international airport are about a 20-minute taxi ride west, or you can catch a bus from Bhaktapur Durbar Square. There's paid private parking on-site, though it's not easy to navigate the historic center's winding alleys by car. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Each of the hotel's 18 rooms is designed using Vaastu principles and decorated in an airy, contemporary style, with touches of exposed brick, whitewashed stucco, and weathered timber. Furniture is handcrafted, and handwoven textiles, sculptural light fixtures, and a curated selection of Newari artwork give each unit a gallery-like feel. Standard options are very compact; Prithvi rooms add a little more space and peaceful courtyard views. The light-filled Lofts sleep three with an extra single bed, while Suites include a freestanding in-room soaking tub and seating areas. Bathrooms are modern and open-plan, with glass-walled showers. All rooms include WiFi, air-conditioning, kettles, and hair dryers.

Amenities

The Nanee is a small, community-focused hotel, and you won't find standard amenities like a gym or spa here. It excels on the dining front, however, with four unique spaces that showcase different aspects of Newari cuisine. You can sample traditional street food at the casual Bara Shop, sip cocktails or a masala chai alongside locals in the courtyard's Community Bistro, or climb to the Rooftop Restobar for a fusion of local and global flavors. The Chef's Table offers a truly immersive experience, with six to 10 courses served around a communal table as your chef narrates your journey through Nepali gastronomy. 

Family-Friendliness

The Nanee welcomes children, though the smaller rooms and lack of other amenities make it a better fit for couples and single travelers. Loft rooms can accommodate smaller families with a queen bed plus an extra single. There's no elevator, so kids will need to be comfortable climbing a couple of sets of stairs.