Varanasi, Pandey Ghat Road D29/1125.303781,83.007573(Show on Map)
8.5
Very Good
+5 Photos
+5 Photos
+ 3 Photos3
Checkin - Checkout datesSun, 18 Oct - Mon, 19 Oct18 Oct - 19 Oct
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
Summarized by AI
Monalisa Hostel in Varanasi receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, particularly for its exceptional location, cleanliness, and dedicated staff. Nestled in the historic old town, the hostel is perfectly situated for exploring the city's rich cultural and spiritual sites, such as the nearby ghats and the Ganges River. The rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the river, providing a peaceful retreat from the city's bustling streets.
Breakfast at Monalisa Hostel boasts a strong quality-to-price ratio, with guests enjoying a variety of options that include delicious bakery items and flavorful coffee. The café is not only a place for a hearty morning meal but also a social hub where travelers can connect with others. While minor improvements could be made with certain dishes, guests generally find the breakfast experience fulfilling.
Room accommodations are noted for their cleanliness, spaciousness, and comfort. Offering a mix of room types, including private rooms and dorms, the hostel ensures a suitable option for various preferences. Many rooms offer beautiful views of the Ganges, enhancing the stay. While some rooms are located on higher floors accessible only by stairs, they are considered well-equipped and comfortable.
The hostel upholds high standards of cleanliness, with consistently clean washrooms, rooms, and bedding. The staff at Monalisa Hostel distinguish themselves with exceptional service, consistently described as friendly, polite, and helpful. Staff members, including notable individuals like the owner Amant, contribute significantly to a welcoming and accommodating atmosphere. They are attentive and knowledgeable, offering assistance from room service to local insights, ensuring guests have a memorable stay.
Wi-Fi at the hostel is generally reliable and fast, though some connectivity issues are noted in certain areas of the building. Beds are often praised for their spaciousness and comfort, despite varying opinions on mattress comfort and the lack of bed curtains for privacy.
Overall, guests recommend Monalisa Hostel as a clean, comfortable, and culturally immersive place to stay in Varanasi, with a friendly staff and a prime location making it a standout choice for travelers.
Free Wi-Fi
Small
Check-in - Check-out
Check In:
12:00
Check Out:
10:00
Facilities
Restaurant
Pets allowed
Room service
24-hour front desk
Terrace
Non-smoking rooms
Airport shuttle
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Ironing service
Internet services
Safety deposit box
Currency exchange
Soundproof rooms
Heating
WiFi
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Designated smoking area
Entertainment staff
Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Shared kitchen
Lockers
Shared lounge/TV area
Minimarket on site
WiFi available in all areas
Airport pick up
Airport drop off
Pet bowls
Outdoor furniture
Walking tours
Bike tours
Live music/performance
24-hour security
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Fire extinguishers
Food can be delivered to guest accommodation
Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
Process in place to check health of guests
Cashless payment available
Room Types
Deluxe Double Room with Balcony and Sea ViewThe double room offers air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, a balcony with river views as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 1 bed.
Standard Double or Twin RoomThe twin/double room offers air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The twin/double room is fitted with tiled floors, a seating area, a safe deposit box and heating. The unit offers 2 beds.
Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThe dormitory room offers air conditioning and a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 4 beds.
Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory features a seating area, air conditioning and tea/coffee maker.
Single Bed in Female Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory has a tea/coffee maker, tile/marble floor and seating area.
Twin Room with City ViewThe twin room features air conditioning and a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower. The unit has 2 beds.
Deluxe Twin RoomThe twin room provides air conditioning and a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower. The unit offers 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.5
Very Good
Review Summaries
Summarized by AI
Location
Nestled in the heart of Varanasi's historic old town, Monalisa Hostel boasts an enviable location, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's vibrant culture and spiritual heritage. Just a short walk from the renowned ghats and the sacred Ganges River, guests can easily immerse themselves in the iconic sights and sounds that define this timeless city. The hostel's proximity to important landmarks such as the Dashashwamedh Ghat and Kashi Vishwanath Temple provides guests with convenient access to both spiritual and cultural experiences.
Situated away from the city's bustling main streets, the hostel offers a peaceful retreat without sacrificing proximity to the lively local markets and cafes nearby. Visitors appreciate the panoramic views of the Ganges from the rooftop terrace, where they can soak in the serene beauty of the river.
The location of Monalisa Hostel allows guests to live like locals, navigating the winding alleyways with ease, and accessing food, water, and other necessities effortlessly. Its central position serves as a gateway to the essential experiences that Varanasi has to offer, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking both comfort and cultural immersion.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Monalisa Hostel receives praise for its excellent quality-to-price ratio. Guests are delighted with the hearty and varied options available, including delicious bakery items and flavorful coffee. The hostel's café, situated conveniently nearby, offers a welcoming atmosphere where travelers can savor satisfying meals at a reasonable price. The café is also praised for being a great place to meet fellow travelers and share experiences. While some aspects, such as the omelet, might need improvement, the overall breakfast offerings are considered perfect for a fulfilling start to the day. Additionally, the availability of chai most mornings adds a nice touch to the diverse morning selections.
Rooms
Monalisa Hostel offers a comfortable and clean accommodation experience with a variety of room options to suit different needs. The rooms are noted for their spaciousness, often featuring both air conditioning and fans, ensuring a comfortable stay in different weather conditions. Many guests appreciate the large beds and cozy lighting that contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. Notably, some rooms provide stunning views of the Ganges River, enhancing the overall experience.
The hostel maintains high standards of cleanliness, with guests frequently praising the spotless conditions of both rooms and bathrooms. The simplicity of the rooms meets practical needs, while the overall aesthetic is often described as traditional Indian, which adds to the cultural experience.
For those seeking a social atmosphere, the complimentary dorms stand out with their space and quality, only containing a limited number of beds to avoid crowding. For private stays, the rooms, although some may require a climb as they are situated on higher floors without elevator access, are considered excellent and include useful amenities.
The rooftop terrace is a standout feature, offering breathtaking views of the Ganges and the old town, providing an ideal spot for relaxation. Overall, Monalisa Hostel exemplifies a neat, clean, and comfortable place to stay, perfect for guests wary of navigating the bustling city while enjoying a peaceful retreat.
Beds
At Monalisa Hostel, guests generally commend the beds for their spaciousness and comfort, especially appreciating the large dimensions and the provision of individual lights, fans, and sockets for each bed. Many visitors highlight that the beds in female dorms stand out for their size, and the stable bunk beds in shared rooms are noted to be quite comfortable. Cleanliness is consistently praised, with clean bedsheets contributing to an overall sense of hygiene.
However, opinions vary on the comfort level of the mattresses. While some find the mattresses comfortable and adequate, others report them as being hard, too old, or thin, leading to mixed experiences regarding sleep quality. The absence of bed curtains is mentioned, which might affect privacy for some guests. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the beds are frequently described as comfortable and large, with an overall positive sentiment towards the hostel’s bedding experience.
Cleanliness
Monalisa Hostel appears to maintain a generally positive reputation for cleanliness, as reflected in the feedback from guests. Many reviewers note that the hostel is spotlessly clean, with facilities that are well-kept and hygienic. Washrooms, rooms, and dorms frequently receive praise for their cleanliness and maintenance, providing a comfortable environment for travelers. The property is described as clean and safe, with particular mention of clean bed linen and well-maintained floors. While some reviews hint at areas requiring improvement—such as the cleanliness of some towels, sheets, and bathrooms—the overall sentiment suggests that the hostel has managed to uphold a commendable standard. Guests also appreciate the clean and comfortable nature of the rooms and consider the hostel to be a good value for money. Monalisa Hostel's cleanliness standards, combined with a prime location and friendly staff, create an inviting atmosphere for guests visiting the area.
Staff
Nestled near the heart of the town, Monalisa Hostel stands out not just for its convenient location with a serene Ganga view but for its remarkable staff. A frequent theme throughout guest reviews is the exceptional service provided by the team. Visitors consistently describe the staff as friendly, polite, and universally helpful, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring a pleasant stay for all guests. With notable mentions of individuals like the owner, Amant, and staff members like Akash, Sunny, and Aman, it becomes evident that this hostel prides itself on creating a welcoming and accommodating atmosphere.
The team’s attentiveness is frequently highlighted, as they go above and beyond to assist with everything from room service to airport transfers. Guests appreciate the staff's readiness to help, kindness, and genuine concern for their well-being. The care taken to maintain a clean and hygienic environment also doesn't go unnoticed. Engaging personnel who are not only friendly but also knowledgeable about the local area enhance the overall experience, providing valuable insights and assistance to ensure guests have an enjoyable and memorable stay.
Whether ensuring a comfortable night's sleep, maintaining superb room hygiene, or simply being a pleasure to interact with, the staff at Monalisa Hostel make a significant impact on guests. They seemingly strive to be more than just service providers, becoming hosts who deeply care and contribute significantly to the hostel's reputation as an exceptional place to stay.
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi at Monalisa Hostel generally receives praise for its excellence and high speed, offering guests a reliable and fast internet connection. Many visitors found the Wi-Fi connection to be strong and efficient, contributing positively to their stay. In most areas of the hostel, the Wi-Fi connects properly and works well. However, some guests experienced issues with the Wi-Fi signal, noting that it was almost unusable in the rooms and nonexistent on the roof. Despite these occasional hiccups, the overall impression is favorable, with most guests enjoying a good internet connection.
FAQ
No, MONALISA HOSTEL doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at MONALISA HOSTEL.
No, MONALISA HOSTEL doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at MONALISA HOSTEL.
