Buddha Guest House

This is the first time I have ever written a review for a guesthouse or hotel before I have actually checked out. Buddha Guest House is a family run guest house with a small number of rooms, and in some ways can almost feel like a home stay. The family that run the guest house and their staff are very friendly and are lovely people. I was only planning on staying in Varanasi for three days but extended my stay, not because I wanted to see more of the city, but because I felt so relaxed at this place. I booked in advance via booking.com and was rung by the owner who speaks very good English, to help me organise an airport transfer. At no point did he try to push me to use transport that he would organise. He was honest and upfront with price difference between an airport taxi which I could book myself, and a taxi that he would organise. The difference was not a lot so I went with his taxi. I did this because this was my first trip to Varanasi, and despite being an experienced traveler in India I knew the alleys of the old city could be hard to navigate on first day. He had his very friendly young staff member meet me the taxi at the main road and guide me to the guesthouse. The driver was also very pleasant. The residents of the old city are very friendly and will direct you to the guest house if you make your won way. The accommodation is of a basic backpacker/guesthouse style and the rooms quite simple, but they are very clean and comfortable. My room had a bed, couch, small table, wifi, private bathroom with hot water shower, fan and tv. There are other rooms available, some with a/c. There is also a hand basin in hall. I have spent more than a year backpacking through India on four previous visits, and this room may be compact but it was far cleaner than most in this category. There is only a limited number of rooms so the place never feels over crowded. It is lovely to have the family living on the bottom floor of the guest house as it gives the place a very "homely" feel. I was checked in by Maa-ji as the owner was not in at the time, and although her English may not be perfect, she was very helpful and very kind. If you have any issues that she cannot resolve please wait and they will be fixed for you. The guest house has a rooftop seating area that has direct views of the Ganges. The first time you go up there you might be put off by the fact that it is enclosed with wire mesh. This does detract from the view but you will be thankful for it later, as the area is swarming with monkeys in the evenings. This mesh allows you to sit without being harassed by them. I spent many an hour sitting up there watching the families of monkeys while listening to the chants coming up from nearby temples, and even the call to prayer from the local mosque. Being only about 20 to 30 metres away from the Ganges in the old city means you are far enough away from busy roads to almost never hear any traffic noise. You have direct access to the ghats via stairs that are only two or three paces from the entrance to the guesthouse. The location is superb. If you are looking for honest, friendly, clean and simple accommodation only a few metres from the Ganges, then stay here.