Question 1

Which are the best hotels to stay in Varanasi as a budget traveller?

Accepted Answer

For budget travellers seeking excellent value in Varanasi, top choices include Hotel Dolphin Grand, Dwivedi Hotels Sri Omkar Palace, and Kedareswar Bed and Breakfast.

The 3-star Hotel Dolphin Grand, with an impressive 9.0 rating, stands out for its excellent service. Guests frequently praise the attentive and lovely staff, the professional service, and the good breakfast. The hotel also offers a 24-hour airport shuttle service and complimentary WiFi, adding to its convenience.

Another great option is the 3-star Dwivedi Hotels Sri Omkar Palace, rated 8.2. This hotel is particularly noted for its fantastic location within a historical district, making it ideal for exploring Varanasi's rich heritage. Guests will appreciate the free WiFi and scheduled airport shuttle service.

For a bed and breakfast experience, Kedareswar Bed and Breakfast, rated 8.4, offers good value. It provides complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, and free wired internet in public areas. Reviewers often comment positively on its good location and lovely rooms.

Question 2

How much does a budget hotel in Varanasi cost?

Accepted Answer

Budget hotel prices in Varanasi vary, but you can find a great deal from £7 on Expedia. To find the cheapest budget hotels, be flexible with your dates—typically, off-peak and mid-week stays are cheaper. Stretch your budget further by looking for hotels with free breakfast, free parking or free airport shuttles. Sort your search results by "Price: low to high" to see our lowest rates.

Question 3

Which area of Varanasi is best to stay in for cheap hotels?

Accepted Answer

For budget-conscious solo travellers seeking cheap hotels in Varanasi, the areas around Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat offer excellent value and a vibrant setting. These areas are popular with visitors, providing easy access to the Ganges River and the city's main attractions, often with more affordable accommodation options than some of the more secluded riverside spots.

Assi Ghat, located at the southern end of the main ghats, is a lively area known for its morning aarti ceremonies and a more relaxed vibe. Here, you'll find numerous guesthouses and budget hotels suiting solo travellers, many within walking distance of the ghat itself. The streets are dotted with small cafes and eateries, great for an inexpensive meal or a cup of chai, and it's a great base for exploring the southern parts of the city on foot.

Dashashwamedh Ghat, the most central and bustling ghat, also has a good selection of budget accommodations in its surrounding lanes. While the immediate vicinity can be very busy, stepping back a street or two reveals quieter guesthouses and hotels. This area is ideal for solo travellers who want to be right in the heart of the action, with easy access to boat rides, evening aartis, and the narrow, winding alleys of the old city, brimming with local life and street food stalls.

Question 4

What are the top-rated cheap hotels for families in Varanasi?

Accepted Answer

For top-rated, budget-friendly hotels in Varanasi that are suitable for families, consider Hotel Buddha, Hotel Silk City, Divine Destination, Hotel Sahu Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Gate, and RADIANCE COURTYARD.

The 3-star Hotel Buddha, with a rating of 7.2, offers complimentary toiletries, free WiFi, and free self-parking, which are all convenient for families. They also provide a 24-hour airport shuttle service and early check-in options.

Another excellent choice is the 3-star Hotel Silk City. It provides free WiFi and free self-parking, along with free wired internet in public areas, ensuring connectivity for everyone.

Divine Destination, a 3-star hotel, offers free wired internet in public areas, a 24-hour airport shuttle, free WiFi, and complimentary toiletries, making it a comfortable stay for families. Free cribs are also available.

The 3-star Hotel Sahu Near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Gate is highly praised by customers for its excellent location. It provides free self-parking, free WiFi, and a 24-hour airport shuttle, which are all practical for family travel.

RADIANCE COURTYARD, with an impressive rating of 9.4, is particularly appealing for families who enjoy shopping.

Question 5

What cheap hotels in Varanasi offer complimentary breakfast?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Varanasi that offer complimentary breakfast, you might consider Kedareswar Bed and Breakfast, Hotel Varanasi Inn, and Hotel Central Residency.

Kedareswar Bed and Breakfast, with an 8.4 review rating, provides free WiFi and complimentary breakfast to start your day. Guests often comment on its good location and lovely rooms.

The 3-star Hotel Varanasi Inn, rated 7.8, offers a free buffet breakfast in its club lounge. This hotel also provides a 24-hour airport shuttle and free self-parking, adding to its convenience.

Another excellent option is the 3-star Hotel Central Residency.

Question 6

When is the most affordable time to visit Varanasi?

Accepted Answer

The most affordable time to visit Varanasi is generally during the summer months, from April to June, or the shoulder seasons of March and October, as this is when tourist numbers are lower. During these periods, you'll often find better deals on accommodation and flights compared to the peak winter season.

Solo travellers looking for value might find March and October particularly appealing. While temperatures can be warm, they're often more manageable than the peak summer heat, and the reduced crowds make for a more relaxed experience when exploring the ghats and temples. Many local guesthouses near Assi Ghat or the narrow lanes of the old city offer competitive rates, and you can still enjoy free activities like witnessing the Ganga Aarti ceremony or simply observing daily life along the river.

For couples, the summer months, despite the heat, present the best opportunity for significant savings. Hotels and guesthouses often drop their prices considerably to attract visitors, and you might even find discounts on private boat rides along the Ganges. Early mornings and late evenings are ideal for sightseeing to avoid the midday sun, leaving the afternoons free for relaxation or exploring air-conditioned cafes.

Question 7

What are the best cheap hotels in Varanasi with a pool?

Accepted Answer

For budget-friendly hotels in Varanasi that offer a pool, consider Hotel Shivee - Varanasi, RADIANCE COURTYARD, and Primeland Hotel.

Hotel Shivee - Varanasi, with a 9.2 rating, provides an indoor pool and free WiFi, which are excellent amenities for a comfortable stay. Customers frequently describe the rooms as cosy and clean, and the service as excellent. Its location is also considered good by guests.

RADIANCE COURTYARD, rated 9.4, features both an indoor pool and a children's pool, making it a great option for families. This hotel also offers free WiFi and free self-parking.

The 3-star Primeland Hotel, with free WiFi and free self-parking, also has a pool, including an outdoor option for guests.

Question 8

What are the most popular affordable all-inclusive hotels in Varanasi?

Accepted Answer

For an affordable stay in Varanasi, Hotel Vedangam Varanasi is a great choice.

The 3-star Hotel Vedangam Varanasi, with an 8.0 rating, offers excellent value with amenities like free WiFi, free and secured self-parking, and accessible parking. Guests appreciate the convenience of these practical features, ensuring a comfortable and straightforward stay.

Question 9

Is Varanasi a budget-friendly destination?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Varanasi is a very budget-friendly destination, offering an incredibly rich cultural experience without a hefty price tag.

Accommodation is particularly affordable, with many guesthouses and hostels located near the main ghats, such as Assi Ghat or Dashashwamedh Ghat. Solo travellers can find comfortable and clean rooms for very reasonable prices, often including a simple breakfast.

For couples, exploring the city's ancient lanes, witnessing the Ganga Aarti ceremony, and taking a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges are all either free or very inexpensive activities. Dining is also incredibly cheap, with delicious street food and local thali meals available for just a few pounds. Getting around is easy and cheap, too, with rickshaws providing an authentic and economical way to navigate the bustling streets.

Question 10

What cheap hotels in Varanasi offer cooking facilities or kitchenettes?

Accepted Answer

For travellers seeking affordable hotels in Varanasi with cooking facilities, the 3-star Hotel Silk City is an excellent option.

Hotel Silk City, with a rating of 8.2, offers rooms equipped with a kitchen, providing a convenient way to prepare your own meals and save on dining costs. Additionally, guests can benefit from free WiFi throughout the property and complimentary self-parking.

While not explicitly stating a kitchenette, Hotel Yash Residency Assi Ghat & Bhu also lists "KitchenOrKitchenetteUnknownAmount" as a relevant amenity.

Question 11

Which cheap hotels in Varanasi have good reviews for customer service?

Accepted Answer

For affordable hotels in Varanasi with great customer service, travellers often praise Hotel Dolphin Grand, Hotel Mantavya - Varanasi near Temple, and Hotel SRK - near Temple.

The 3-star Hotel Dolphin Grand, with a 9.0 rating, stands out for its lovely and attentive staff, with many reviews highlighting excellent and professional service. It also offers convenient amenities such as a 24-hour airport shuttle service, free toiletries, and free WiFi.

Hotel Mantavya - Varanasi near Temple, rated 9.4, receives high marks for its excellent and good service, with staff described as friendly and attentive. Guests benefit from free WiFi, free and secured covered self-parking, and 24-hour room service. Its location is also convenient, being situated near a shopping district and shopping centre.

Another excellent choice is Hotel SRK - near Temple, which has an 8.8 rating. Reviewers consistently mention excellent customer service and exceptional, great service from their friendly and helpful staff.

Question 12

How can I save on a budget hotel in Varanasi with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

There are plenty of ways to save on a budget hotel in Varanasi. Join One Key™, our free travel rewards programme, to unlock Member Prices across a range of hotels. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on hotel bookings. If you're feeling spontaneous, be sure to check for last-minute deals.

Question 13

What free activities should we do in Varanasi?

Accepted Answer

Varanasi offers a wealth of free activities that allow travellers to immerse themselves in its unique culture and spiritual ambiance without spending a rupee. The most compelling experiences revolve around the sacred River Ganges and its ghats.

For solo travellers, simply wandering along the ghats, the stone steps leading down to the river, is a profound experience. Begin your stroll at Assi Ghat, a lively area great for people-watching, and make your way north towards Dashashwamedh Ghat. Along the way, you'll witness daily life unfold: pilgrims performing rituals, sadhus meditating, and locals going about their routines. The evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a mesmerising spectacle of fire, sound, and devotion, and it's completely free to observe from the steps.

Couples will find the narrow, winding lanes behind the ghats fascinating to explore. These alleys are filled with small shrines, local shops, and hidden courtyards, offering endless opportunities for discovery. Visiting the various temples, such as the Durga Temple (known as the Monkey Temple) or the Nepali Temple, provides insight into the city's religious heritage, and while donations are welcome, entry is usually free. Another enriching, free activity is simply sitting by the river at sunrise or sunset, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and observing the changing colours of the sky reflected on the Ganges.

Question 14

Is it cheaper to book flights and a hotel in Varanasi as a package?

Accepted Answer

Booking a hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it’s wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect travel package.

Question 15

Can I cancel my budget hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right budget hotel in Varanasi for you.

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