Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LHASA'S BOUTIQUE HOTELS
A welcome recent trend in the Lhasa hotel scene has been the restoration and conversion
of several of Lhasa's crumbling historic courtyards into stylish, atmospheric luxury
lodgings. The following places ooze historic charm and traditional Tibetan decor, though
to be honest you often pay for this with dark rooms.
Gorkha Hotel
HOTEL
(, Guò'ěrkā Fàndiàn
MAP
634 7000;
gorkhahotel@yahoo.com
;
47 Linkuo Nanlu, 45
r/ste ¥380/450; )
This atmospheric Nepali-Tibetan venture is a nice blend of cultures, from the Tibetan-
style entry murals and traditional architecture to the photographs of Nepali royalty and
Nepali-style restaurant on the roof. The creaking back block housed the Nepali consulate
in the 1950s. Other rooms vary considerably, with some dark and small and others mod-
ern, so take a look at a few.
The hotel is in the south of the old town, near several lovely old temples.
Trichang Labrang Hotel
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
(, Chìjiāng Lāràng Bīnguăn
MAP
630 9555; 11 Lugu Wu Xiang; r ¥288-440, ste
¥588-988; )
This new hotel occupies the former residence of Trijang Rinpoche, former tutor to the
current Dalai Lama. Rooms are set around a charming Nepali-run courtyard restaurant
and there is pleasant rooftop and verandah seating. The building is certainly charming,
but the rooms are dim and the crummy carpets and bathrooms are a bit out of place.
House of Shambhala
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
breakfast ¥675-1015; closed mid-Jan to end Apr; )
Hidden in the old town in a historic Tibetan building, the romantic, boutique-style
Shambhala mixes the earthy charm of the old town with a great rooftop lounge and spa
treatments, making it perfect for couples who prefer atmosphere over mod cons. The
nine rooms, decorated in natural wood and slate with antique Tibetan furniture, vary only
in size.
