On a recent trip to the Land of the Thunder Dragon, I found myself savoring the view from my hotel balcony. The magnificent Paro Valley spread out before me: a patchwork of ochre and brown paddies lying fallow in the early springtime. Beyond the fields, forested hillsides rose into a blanket of fog which had yet to be burnt away by the morning sun. My hotel was situated in one of the most exclusive, coveted destinations across the length and breadth of the Himalayas—and it seemed that I had landed squarely in the lap of luxury.

What kinds of hotels are available in Bhutan?

For many visitors, staying in Bhutan is synonymous with scenes like this one, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the country’s most important cultural and religious sites set against the vivid backdrop of Bhutan’s awe-inspiring Himalayan scenery. It’s no accident that a thriving hotel industry has developed here over the last few decades—and with so many choices, you may find yourself struggling to decide which hotel is right for you. To get started, it’s important to understand what types of hotels are available in Bhutan:

• Standard hotels offer clean, spacious rooms outfitted with comfortable beds, en-suite showers, and every modern amenity you’ve come to expect—all for about $60 to $100 USD per night. These three-star options are a great fit for most travelers, although you may encounter minor drawbacks like a lack of central heating, inadequately insulated windows, or the occasional quirk in your hotel’s plumbing system.

courtesy of Dhumra Resort

Even the 3-star rated properties such as Dhumra Resort can give you special experience

• High-end hotels provide a tantalizing taste of luxury, often with perks like massages, saunas, and traditional stone baths. Also known as four-star hotels, these excellent options will cost you anywhere from $100 to $300 USD per night. Paro’s Kaachi Grand or Thimphu’s Norkhil Boutique falls in this category.

courtesy of Kaachi Grand

Paro's Kaachi Grand is moderate 4-star with pleasant surroundings

• Very high-end hotels are an excellent choice for discerning travelers looking for something truly special. These four-star and five-star hotels are often situated in exclusive locations and built with an eye towards traditional Bhutanese architecture. You can expect to pay between $300 and $1,000 USD per night at these very high-end hotels. For example you can look at Paro’s Zhiwa Ling Heritage or Punakha’s Dhensa Resort.

courtesy of Zhiwa Ling

Paro's Zhiwa Ling Heritage with its stunning traditional style is one of the best choices for high luxury for still manageable cost

• Top-end hotels represent the finest accommodations in Bhutan, promising peaceful retreats with personalized service. Some of these first-rate choices are affiliated with Bhutan’s royal family, while others proudly boast ties with international luxury chains. Top-end hotels in Bhutan come with a price tag averaging between $1,000 and $2,000 USD per night. Amankora and Six Senses with their luxury lodges are the best examples of the type.

courtesy of Amankora

Staying in Amankora it its tastefully desingned lodges would be travel experience itself.

What sets one hotel apart from another?

When you're traveling in Bhutan, much of your experience will be driven by the accommodations you’ve chosen. You’ll take many of your meals in the hotel restaurant, and you’ll spend any downtime between trekking and sightseeing on the grounds of your hotel. While there’s no wrong choice, you do have some variables to consider.

• Meals in most standard hotels are served buffet-style, with a variety of simple Western, Bhutanese, Indian, and Chinese dishes offered in virtually unlimited quantities. At higher-end hotels, you’ll order meals from a menu, and they’ll be served in smaller portions—but you'll be treated to a remarkable sense of style as you enjoy multiple courses of elegantly presented dishes.

courtesy of Uma

Dining experience in Uma Paro

• Hotel rooms in standard hotels are comfortable, tastefully decorated, and feel just like home after a long week of trekking. Higher-end hotels introduce layers of additional perks, like on-site temples and spas, yoga classes, and archery demonstrations. Very high-end and top-end hotels are also usually built to accentuate their beautiful surroundings, and you’ll have the opportunity to relax in stylish common areas. Consider how much time you’ll be spending at your hotel and whether you’ll have the chance to take advantage of these extras.

• Standard hotels are the most affordable accommodation in Bhutan, which is important for many travelers who want to maximize the value of their money. But many higher-end accommodations represent part of a chain or family of hotels with multiple locations, and you may be able to secure a discount for booking multiple stays with a single company.

Which choice is right for you?

Choosing the best hotel really comes down to what you want to get out of your travels in Bhutan. If you look at your hotel as a reliable base of operations for sightseeing and trekking, you can’t go wrong with a standard three-star hotel. But you may want to consider a luxury hotel if you’re keen to explore Bhutan’s burgeoning foodie culture—or if you’re particularly attracted to the extra activities and spa treatments that many luxury resorts have to offer.

courtesy of Norkhil

Indulge in hot stone bath in Thimphu's Norkhil Boutique

Ultimately, there’s no wrong choice when it comes to choosing your hotel in Bhutan. But if you’re having trouble deciding which type is best for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to Firefox Tours for some advice from the experts.

About the author

Mark Smeltz is an independent writer who's especially keen on the wild places of the high Himalayas. When he's not on the trail, he's writing trekking itineraries, informative articles, and blogs like this one. Firefox Tours did host Mark in spring 2024 on Jomolhari B.C. Trek.

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