Budget
Shanti Guesthouse
There are several hotels near the ghats that have taken the name Shanti after the original's good reputation. The original is a clean but very basic building with several floors of windowless rooms cooler and safer than ones with exterior windows. There is a dorm on the roof. The rooftop cafe offers money changing, internet access, and a view of the Burning Ghats. The travel agent in the rooftop bar is reported to overcharge. The cafe's food is priced Rs 40-100. Fans are run on generator during power outages, but not A/C. Double fan room Rs200.
Sahi Riverview Guest House
This place is very clean, quiet, and recommended. Newly opened, the guest house has the most fascinating Ganges views and the exotic sunrise from its balconies, rooms and terrace. All rooms have 24 hrs hot water with attached bathrooms.
Golden Lodge
Tucked away in the alleyways, this guest house has astoundingly cheap rates 20% discount in the low season and friendly staff. 24 hour internet and refreshments available, restaurant on site. Rooms range from a single bed with a fan to a triple en-suite with AC.
Ganga Fuji Home
Some rooms have shared bathroom; more expensive rooms have A/C and TV. All rooms are clean, with clean sheets and towel. The rooftop restaurant offers evening concerts every night.
Maruti Guest House
Friendly family run guest house with clean well lit rooms. There is a roof top garden and restaurant where fresh home made food is served. Power backup for the rooms and hot showers are available as well as broadband Internet access. The owner of the guest house, Dr. V.N. Tripathi, gives Yoga and meditation lessons upon request.
Tiwari Lodge
Hotel River View
Groovy Ganges Guesthouse
Live in an Indian home with an Indian family. Unlimited broadband internet access comes with every room, making this an ideal place for long-term students, researchers, and activists wanting to integrate into local culture. Boiled water used for all cooking.
Midrange
Hotel New Temple's Town
Kautilya Society residence
Located on the banks o the river Ganges at the city centre, it is not an Hotel but it is a NGO for intercultural dialogue, that also offers rooms for students and scholars. The atmosphere of Ram Bhavan remains faithful to the simple comforts of an Indian home with a splash of colour. Walls are painted in the colors of the ancient city: a cooling forest green facing the court; peacock blues in the bedrooms; Annapurna rose in the kitchen. Furniture is colonial Teak or cane. By Indian law it is necessary for all residing guests to become members of the Society; annual membership is â¬6. Rooms in high season cost from per day, including half board ⬠1 a day for additional guests sharing the same room. In low season rates are approximately 20% lower. Special prices can be obtained by long term guests.
Hotel Malti
The most interesting area to stay is around the ghats. This is where most foreigners hang out - and with good reason. In addition to the ghats and river, Varanasi's most famous temples and main market are all located in this area. Another choice is Sarnath, about 8km from Varanasi. It is a little removed from 'the action' but much safer and calmer than Varanasi.
Some budget accommodations advertise free morning and evening boat rides along the river. Technically, it is not free. The boat will take you half-way along the river and then let the boat-load of passengers know that for the second-half there is a fee of 60 rupees per person. Those who do not want to continue can get out of the boat and walk back to their lodging.
Beware that Varanasi, particularly during summer, is prone to many hours of power outages a day. It is best to double check that you fan of A/C is run from a backup generator, or you may not have it for much of the day.
The Gateway Hotel
A five-star hotel owned by the Taj Group, it's the nicest in the city. Rooms from $150 or even less off-season, inquire about discounts