The globally renowned American hotel chain, Best Western Plus, has officially commenced operations in Nepal, marking a significant expansion of the country’s hospitality landscape. Situated at Pingalasthan near the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, this four-star chain hotel was inaugurated today by Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Pandey.
The hotel, launched with the initial investment of KMC Group founders, represents the group’s foray into the hospitality sector, having already established itself as a leader in Nepal’s education sector. Best Western Plus Kathmandu introduces the celebrated American brand to Nepal for the first time, aiming to provide guests with a blend of authentic Nepali hospitality and world-class service, making every experience memorable.
During the inauguration ceremony, Minister Pandey extended his congratulations and expressed optimism about the hotel’s contribution to Nepal’s economic growth. Highlighting the role of the private sector in promoting tourism, he emphasized that the hotel’s focus on preserving Nepali heritage and culture would positively influence visitors’ perceptions of Nepal. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to encouraging private investment in the tourism sector by providing policy support and ensuring a conducive business environment.
The President of Best Western Plus Kathmandu, Rameshwor Aryal, emphasized that KMC Group’s expansion into the hospitality sector would create substantial employment opportunities. Currently employing 150 individuals, the hotel plans to open a five-star property in Bagbazar soon, further enhancing the tourism infrastructure.
Spread over seven ropanis, the hotel features 84 rooms, including four suite rooms, seven premium rooms, 12 super deluxe rooms, and 61 deluxe rooms. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu from the rooftop bar while savoring gourmet cuisine. The hotel also houses two banquet halls with a combined capacity of 1,250 people, making it an ideal venue for conferences, corporate events, and social gatherings. Additional amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a serene spa, steam rooms, saunas, a swimming pool, and a health club.
The hotel’s two restaurants, Sunrise Café and La Vista Rooftop Restaurant, can each accommodate up to 140 guests. These dining establishments offer a blend of local and international cuisines, creating a unique gastronomic experience for visitors. With an investment of NPR 1.5 billion, the hotel is a public limited company planning to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO) soon. This initiative is expected to establish Best Western Plus Kathmandu as a significant contributor to Nepal’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
The environmentally friendly hotel is dedicated to promoting local art, cuisine, and culture while helping preserve Nepal’s rich heritage and traditions. It aspires to set a benchmark in the country’s hospitality industry.
During the event, Minister Pandey highlighted the government’s initiatives, including the implementation of “Visit Decade 2025–2035,” aimed at attracting 3.5 million foreign tourists annually. He emphasized the need for robust policy frameworks, adequate budget allocation, and effective management to ensure the decade-long campaign’s success. The minister also stressed the importance of partnerships between the government and the private sector in promoting Nepal’s tourism potential.
US Ambassador to Nepal, Dean R. Thompson, also attended the event and pledged continued support for Nepal’s tourism development. He noted the increasing number of American visitors drawn to Nepal’s natural beauty and emphasized the role of American brands like Best Western in enhancing Nepal’s hospitality industry.
Binayak Shah, President of the Hotel Association Nepal, lauded the arrival of Best Western Plus, stating that the introduction of international hospitality standards would strengthen Nepal’s tourism network and attract more global travelers. He expressed optimism about the significant economic impact of such investments.
Globally, Best Western Hotels & Resorts operates over 4,800 properties in more than 100 countries, offering 19 distinct brands tailored to diverse customer needs. In Nepal, Traviality, a strategic partner of Best Western, is managing this property, ensuring adherence to the brand’s globally recognized standards of hospitality.
With its impressive infrastructure, dedication to preserving Nepali culture, and commitment to excellence, Best Western Plus Kathmandu aims to be a milestone in Nepal’s hospitality sector, setting new benchmarks for service quality and cultural promotion.
