PRESS AND MEDIA NEWS. Business Traveler Asia Pacific. July 1983 The Hotel Vajra (Tel: 977-1-272719; 39 rooms, $10) is conveniently located on other side of the Vishnumati River. Catering primarily to tourists, it has heaps of atmosphere, smog-free air, excessively clean rooms, a big circular fireplace in the main dining room, splendid little manicured terraces, unquestionably the finest view of the city. and much more. It's a modern hotel built in traditional style, even keeping to Asian-style bathrooms (which may be a bit too authentic for some tastes). But the jaded businessperson to whom hotels have become much of a muchness (and who can get away with doing so) will probably find a stay at the Vajra a joy and a real bargain. THE HOTEL VAJRA, A SERENE ASSEMBLY OF brick buildings, grassy courtyards, ivy-covered walls and Hindu statuary, is a calm oasis overlooking crowded, chaotic Katmandu. Built in 1980, the Vajra has 51-brick- and wood-lined guestrooms in three buildings, a sunny library (and resident librarian) and painted frescos. A popular retreat for visiting writers and Sanskrit scholars, it offers performances (from rock music to Nepalese theatre) plus roaring bonfires and dancing at its three rooftop patios in the evenings. Or simply savor the view of the Himalayas in the distance. THE HOTEL VAJRA, A serene assembly of brick buildings, grassy courtyards, ivy-covered walls and Hindu statuary, is a calm oasis overlooking crowded, chaotic Katmandu. Built in 1980, the Vajra has 51-brick- and wood-lined guestrooms in three buildings, a sunny library (and resident librarian) and painted frescos. A popular retreat for visiting writers and Sanskrit scholars, it offers performances (from rock music to Nepalese theatre) plus roaring bonfires and dancing at its three rooftop patios in the evenings. Or simply savor the view of the Himalayas in the distance. TIME - February 24 2003 INN STYLE The Hyatt Regency in Kathmandu has a swimming pool, the Yak Yeti has a luxurious reputation. But what Kathmandu's Hotel Vajra lacks in television and hgh speed internet connections, it more than makes up for in charm, comfort and personality. A pleasant distance from the tourist area of Thamel and a stone's throw away from the landmark Swayambhu stupa, the 22 year old inn was designed to resemble a traditional Nepali palace, complete with a tranquil flower garden, fountains and a rooftop terrace ideal for watching the sun set over the capital. You get it all for less than half the price of the luxury hotels. East Meets West at Hotel Vajra. The Settings: Hotel Vajra is definitely one of the most unique hotels within the Kathmandu Valley. It displays an outstanding talent architecturally by affording a fine balance between a rich eastern flavour in dcor and style and the proper touch of western convenience and comfort. You would feel equally at home if you were a Buddhist follower on retreat or an overworked businessman seeking to get away from it all. The Location: Hotel Vajra is located on the slopes of the Swayambhu Temple on the Pilgrims Road to Swayambhu temple. This is about 15 minutes walk from Durbar Square or Thamel. This hillside offers a breathtaking view of both the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding mountains, from the rooftop terraces. The Architecture: The style and structure of this hotel are a warm and welcome sight. Hotel Vajra is built in the typical Nepali Pagoda style with the use of entirely locally available materials which definitely helps to create this attractive warmness. The hotel is jewelled inside and out with wood carvings, stone and marble tile, hanging brick gardens and traditional Tibetan ceiling-paintings. The traditional Nepali wood carving were done by local wood carvers from Patan and the intricate brightly colored ceilings at the Big Pagoda and the Pagoda Bar were completed by a Tibetan Monk which studied Lhasa. The building is structured to be earth-quake proof and is built on the rock base of the Swayambhu Temple itself. The Food: The explorer's Restaurant is at your service for meals from the unique marble open kitchen to satisfy every hunger from continental foods to traditional Tibetan dishes. Room service is available and lunch boxes may be easily arranged for your outings. Food and drinks are also served in the shady gardens and terraces. Drinks: The Pagoda Bar on the rooftop overlooks the entire Kathmandu Valley. It offers a cozy bar with the added attraction of the Tibetan Thangka style ceiling in the bar and the free open spacious skies and view of the valley from the adjoining terrace. A perfect combination for relaxing over an afternoon or evening drink. The Rooms: The bright cozy rooms are certainly the heart and embodiment of the Vajra concept. Every detail is coordinated to create a distinguished flavour of its own. From the deep rich monk's robe reds to the gentle peaceful pastels a clear statement is easily read, simplicity and beauty. A single or double room is available with an attach bath or you may choose a room with out bath and utilize the bright common baths. Abundant hot water is readily supplied by the roof top solar heating system. The trekker's house is also available. This is an annex so named because of the convenience for trekkers of the slightly larger rooms, which are lower priced especially when shared between a number of persons. The rooms are very reasonable. Extras: The Naga Theater regularly presents Nepali, Tibetan, and Avant-Garde events. Presently this is being used to offer lessons in Tantric Dance, classical song and classical drum courses. Events in the theater are also open to non-guests and have become quite a local attractions. HOTEL VAJRA: A Cultural Centre as well... East meets West is more than a catchy slogan for the Hotel Vajra. Authentic Nepali architecture combined with contemporary comforts, entertainment and a long list of traveller services, reflect the hotel's aim to provide more than the basic needs for food and lodging. The Vajra's buildings employ traditional materials in a Nepali design, but with a touch of Western influence. The buildings were designed by a London architectural firm, chiefly by a Canadian and an American student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Mr. Sangpo Lama, of the hotel's management, worked closely with a community of Tamang builders during construction and continues to oversee the grounds and buildings. Elaborated carved wooden windows and doors were made by descendants of Kathmandu Valley's great old palace woodcarvers. In the main building, carved panels of the eight good luck symbols sacred to Hindus and Buddhists separate two levels of glassed sun porches. The interior of sanded brick is complimented by variously colored marble stairs, window seats and floors. Traditional masks adorn the walls alongside colorful Tibetan carpets and hangings. One stands in the lobby and looks upward through three stories to ceiling frescos painted by a Tibetan master. The dining room is decorated with a Tamang painter's bright designs and warmed by a fireplace with a gleaming copper hood. Of the hotel's favorite features is the rooftop garden terrace which offers a magnificent panorama of Durbar Square's pagodas and medieval Kathmandu. Early risers can see sunrise light the gilded spire of Swayambhu; the hilltop temple is just a twenty minute walk away. Sunset worshippers will enjoy a view of the Himalayan skyline, perhaps with drinks served from the roof-top Pagoda Bar whose intricately painted ceiling colors vie with the rosy sky. Also at the rooftop level is a reverently beautiful Big Pagoda room, a rather unconventional meeting room where one removes shoes and sits on colorful cushions and carpets under another of the Tibetan painter's ceilings. Meditation sessions, yoga classes, Buddhist ritual dances, lectures, drama and even private dinner parties are held here. And in this ceremonial setting, the Hotel Vajra receives an annual blessing by a Tibetan Buddhi...

AMENITIES AND SERVICES. The hotel is well known for its distinguishing hospitality and high level of customer satisfaction which is evident from the encouraging hotel reviews. All the rooms of the hotel are fully fitted with modern up-to-date facilities which are of high standard, and are designed to cater to international business and tourist clientele. The Hotel Amenities and Services at Vajra Hotel in Kathmandu are all set to welcome and satisfy you. There are various hotel amenities and services at Vajra Hotel in Kathmandu which include: Restaurants and Bars. The Vajra Hotel in Kathmandu houses three Restaurants. The Explorers Restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with an open fire place serving a complete menu of delicious food. The Pagoda Bar and The Sunset Bar on the rooftop of the hotel on one hand offers a good collection of evening drinks and overlooks the entire Kathmandu Valley. More about Restaurants and Bars. The hotel amenities and services at Vajra Hotel in Kathmandu offer meeting and conference facilities. There are conference rooms, all well equipped with all the modern amenities and facilities required for a conference or meeting or other gatherings and congregations. More about Facilities. Hotel Vajra has an Ayurvedic massage in the house by Mrs. Laxmi. She is available everyday from 10 A.M to 6 P.M.except Saturday. Room service is available from 6:30 A.M to 9:30 P.M. There is a 10% service charge extra for room service. Hotel vajra has its own laundry service. Just fill up the laundry service sheet inside the laundry bag and dial 227 for pick up service any time between 7.A.M to 9.P.M. Or drop your laundry at the reception. Our laundry staff will return your laundry by late afternoon the next day. If you go for a trek and do not want to take everything with you, please leave your baggage at the reception. We will store it for you till you return. The bags or suitcase must be locked. Please keep your baggage slip till you return. Hotel vajra cannot be held responsible for items lost out of your baggage. Please deposit your valuable and cash in the hotels guest safes in the reception office. Safe deposit is free of charge. You receive your personal safe box to which you have access from 6A.M to 10 P.M. everyday. Contact the reception for assistance.The hotel cannot be responsible for valuable or cash lost in the rooms. Wireless Broadband Connection. Hotel Vajra has a e-mail and internet service in the ground floor of the new wing. We offer 20 minutes of free internet access thereafter you will be charged for the rest of usages. Fax And Mail Service. Please give your written fax or sealed postal mail to the reception. Rests will be taken care of. Other Hotel Facilities. There are a bouquet of hotel amenities and services at Vajra Hotel in Kathmandu such as there is the Great Pagoda Hall on the rooftop of Hotel Vajras' main building. This hall has the largest and most beautiful Tibetan ceiling frescos. This hall is used for various purposes such as Classical dance performances and Musical evenings take place in the hall regularly. More over there is the service of doctor on call and baby sitting facility.