Hilton Kathmandu, a luxurious five-star hotel managed by the renowned Hilton Hotels and Resorts chain, has been completed and is set to begin operations on July 12. Shahil Agrawal, Managing Director of Shankar Group, confirmed that the hotel, initially planned as a ‘DoubleTree by Hilton,’ has now been upgraded to operate under Hilton’s flagship brand.
“Originally, we had plans for 128 rooms under the DoubleTree brand, but with increased space and additional facilities, we decided to launch a full-fledged Hilton hotel,” Agrawal shared. Hilton, known for its diverse range of luxury to budget hotels, boasts over 6,200 properties worldwide, making it a leading name in the hospitality industry.
Bookings for Hilton Kathmandu have already opened, with the hotel set to welcome guests commercially starting July 12. “We will initially run a trial phase to gather feedback on our service quality from distinguished guests, both local and international, and make necessary improvements based on their suggestions,” Agrawal added.
Investment and Construction Challenges:
The agreement to build the hotel was signed in 2014, with construction commencing in 2016. Initially, the project was estimated to cost NPR 7 Arba 27 Crore, but due to delays and challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and necessary design changes, the cost has risen by NPR 1 Arba 10 Crore, bringing the total investment to NPR 8 Arba 35 Crore.
“We faced significant challenges during the pandemic, which delayed the construction process,” Agrawal explained. “Additionally, road collapses and required design modifications extended the construction period by three years.”
Facilities and Amenities:
Hilton Kathmandu spans an area of 10 ropanis and includes 172 rooms within a total built-up area of approximately 20,000 square meters. The hotel, located near Naxal Bhagwati Temple, consists of 17 floors, including two basement levels. It currently features four restaurants and a meeting hall with a capacity of 200 people. Plans for the second phase include a new banquet hall for 400 people and a well-equipped casino.
The hotel offers a rooftop swimming pool and parking for 160 vehicles. Accommodations include a presidential suite, two luxury suites, and ten other suite rooms. Room rates are listed on Booking.com starting above NPR 28,000 per night, with suite rates ranging from $500 to $2,000.
Financial Outlook and Market Competition:
The Shankar Group has financed 70 percent of the total investment through loans, expecting an eight to nine-year payback period. “Our repayment timeline will depend on tourist arrivals and hotel occupancy rates,” Agrawal noted. Despite increased competition from other international hotel chains like Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG, Agrawal remains optimistic about Nepal’s tourism potential.
“We anticipate over 1.5 million tourists visiting Nepal this year, which should positively impact the hotel industry,” Agrawal stated. “We have entrusted the hotel’s management to one of the best brands to ensure exceptional service and attract guests.”
With its strategic location, premium facilities, and renowned management, Hilton Kathmandu is poised to become a leading destination for luxury travelers in Nepal.
