A new era in Nepal’s hospitality industry has begun with the inauguration of the Mercure Hotel in Sukedhara, Kathmandu. This luxurious 104-room, 5-star hotel, built with a significant investment by Nepali entrepreneur Deshbandhu Basnet (Ajit), will officially open its doors on January 15, 2025. Marking a major milestone, it becomes the first French hotel brand to enter Nepal’s 5-star market.
With an estimated construction cost of NPR 3 billion, the hotel is part of the globally recognized Accor Group, which operates over 5,400 hotels across 110 countries. The Mercure brand promises to offer a unique blend of local culture and modern luxury, redefining Nepal’s hospitality landscape.
Basnet, the visionary founder, emphasized that Mercure aims to provide tourists with top-tier services. “Mercure is here to offer a different kind of hospitality, focusing on quality services tailored to the needs of our visitors,” he said. The hotel offers a distinct experience that seamlessly merges Nepal’s rich cultural heritage with world-class amenities. One of the hotel’s most striking features is its design, which integrates local art, culture, and tradition with modern luxury. With uniform service standards upheld globally across Mercure’s branches, the hotel promises a consistent and exceptional experience.
Beyond providing premier accommodations, the Mercure Kathmandu Hotel also contributes to local infrastructure. The construction of a 140-meter road within Sukedhara, worth over NPR 7 million, enhances both the hotel’s accessibility and the area’s infrastructure. Spanning five ropanis (2,500 square meters), the 11-story hotel features a wide array of amenities, including a swimming pool on the top floor, a range of restaurants offering Nepali, Indian, and Chinese cuisines, a 300-capacity banquet hall, a gym, steam and sauna facilities, and a wellness center. The hotel has created 220 jobs, giving a significant boost to the local economy.
The Mercure Kathmandu offers a variety of room options, from an executive suite to seven junior suites and interconnecting standard rooms, all equipped with luxurious amenities. With a focus on service excellence and international standards, the hotel is poised to undergo a 5-star certification process with Nepal’s Ministry of Tourism. Basnet’s vision extends beyond the capital, with plans for another 5-star hotel in Itahari, further solidifying his commitment to expanding Nepal’s hospitality sector.
A dynamic figure in Nepal’s business community, Basnet is also the Chairman of the Aviation and Transport Committee at the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and serves as the honorary consul for Zambia. Through his endeavors, Basnet continues to contribute to Nepal’s tourism and hospitality growth, positioning the country as a prominent player in the global tourism market.
