Your stay — Hostale
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The Property — Hostale
Hostale is a modest three-star in Varanasi's central Lahori Tola area, a short walk from the ghats. The lobby feels like a clean, functional transit hub with marble floors and a small reception desk – no frills, but efficient. It suits budget-conscious travellers who want a reliable, no-surprises base for exploring the old city, not atmosphere or luxury.
Chronicles of Varanasi
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Benares, claims continuous habitation since at least the 6th century BCE, making it one of the world's oldest living cities. Its ghats – stepped riverbanks along the Ganges – evolved from simple stone platforms into a grand architectural ensemble under the Marathas and British in the 18th–19th centuries. The city today is a dense, chaotic mesh of narrow lanes, temples and vibrant bazaars, retaining its core identity as a centre of Hindu pilgrimage, silk weaving and classical music. Contemporary Varanasi balances this ancient soul with tourism infrastructure, including a new international airport and improved railway connectivity.
Best Time to Visit
Full Varanasi guide →Best months
November–February: pleasant temperatures (5–20°C) and low humidity, ideal for ghat walks and boat rides. Clear skies and manageable crowds outside major festivals.
Peak / festival surge
February–March (holi) and October–November (Diwali, Dev Deepawali) see heavy crowds. Hotel prices jump 30–60% during these festival periods. Dev Deepawali (November) draws huge numbers for the grand diya ceremony on the ghats.
Budget shoulder season
September and March: hotel rates drop 20–30%, temperatures are mild (25–35°C), and rains are fading or yet to start. Fewer tourists mean quieter boat rides and easier access to cramped temple lanes.
Weather & packing
July is the monsoon peak: heavy downpours can flood streets and cause power cuts. Pack waterproof footwear (sandals or Crocs), a compact umbrella, and carry a small torch for power outages.
Live City Briefing — Varanasi
- The Banaras Locomotive Works (DLW) has completed a new electric locomotive maintenance shed, and the Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Express now runs daily, cutting travel time to under 8 hours.
- The Kashi–Vishwanath corridor opened in 2021, providing a direct, well-lit path from the temple to the ghats, easing congestion in the central zone.
- Air pollution in winter (Nov–Jan) can be severe; in July, the main concern is waterlogging near Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat after heavy rain – check local forecasts and allow extra time for travel.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hostale, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Ask for a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor at the back of the building. These are quieter and less affected by foot traffic.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor or those facing the street directly. Street noise from Varanasi's bustle can be loud, and ground-floor rooms get more foot traffic and delivery noise.
Best views
Rooms at the back (away from the main road) offer a view of the neighbourhood rooftops or a quiet courtyard. No significant landmark view from this address.
Quietest floors
Floors 2–3 are the quietest. Higher floors may have less street noise if the lift is not used frequently, but lift machinery can be audible on the top floor in older buildings.
🔊 Noise notes
Varanasi streets are busy day and night with scooters, rickshaws, temple bells, and occasional processions. Reception or lobby noise may carry up the stairwell. Breakfast setup starts around 7 am on the ground floor.
Insider tips
1) If you arrive by car, ask the hotel about nearby parking — the old city lanes can be tight, and they may have a recommended lot. 2) Request a room on a high floor at the back when booking; this often gets you a quieter night despite the lively location.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hostale
Free Wi-Fi for all guests (no login required, SSID 'Hostale_vns', no speed cap – average 25 Mbps; can be slow during peak evening hours 19:00-22:00)
One elevator serves all four guest floors; no stairs-only sections (building is modern 2020 construction)
Digital 'NewsStation' app accessible via QR code in lobby, includes Times of India, Hindustan Times (no physical papers); no heritage quirks – purpose-built hotel
Standard check-in from 14:00; early bag drop allowed from 08:00 (no charge); late check-out available till 14:00 for Rs 600 (subject to availability)
Free storage in locked luggage room (24h); no charge for same-day stays
Step-free entry via ramp at main door (width 90cm); one ground-floor room (Room 101) with grab rails and roll-in shower; no lift access to rooftop terrace (2 steps up); wheelchair recommended for uneven pavement on Shivala Road
No on-site parking; valet service available for Rs 300 per night (car park 200m away, uncovered). Nearest public car park: Godowlia Parking Lot, Rs 150 per night (24h). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Rs 200 per night per room (mandatory tourist tax, collected at check-in)
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required via booking portal for advance; Rs 2,000 incidental hold on card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Hindu temple: Assi Ghat Mandir (378 m · ~5 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Sri Bankhand Mahadeva Temple (549 m · ~7 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Tulsi Manas Temple (568 m · ~7 min walk)
- Hindu temple: Shri Senapathi Banakatti Hanuman Tmple (610 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
prakash complex — 600 m · ~8 min walk
Park — 45 m · ~1 min walk
Bharat Kala Bhavan — 2.5 km · ~31 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 212 m · ~3 min walk
J.K. Medical Store — 328 m · ~4 min walk
Dasaswamedh Ghat — 2.9 km · ~36 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indian Rupee, INR
Use local bank ATMs for the best rates; avoid airport and tourist bureau exchanges as they give poor rates and high fees.
Cards accepted at mid-range hotels, larger shops and some restaurants; smaller stalls and rickshaws are cash only.
At mid-range restaurants, round up or leave 10%. Taxis: no tip needed unless special help. Hotel porters: 20-50 INR per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A cup of filter coffee from a streetside stall runs 10-20 INR; instant coffee at a basic eatery about 30 INR.
A thali at a basic local restaurant costs 80-150 INR.
A main course at an affordable restaurant is 100-200 INR.
Assi Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat lanes have chaat, kachori, and lassi stalls; the lanes near Godowlia are known for cheap eats.
Local kirana shops are abundant; Reliance Smart and Big Bazaar are budget chains in the area.
Thatheri Bazaar and Vishwanath Gali sell affordable cotton clothes and scarves; also try the narrow lanes near Dasaswamedh Ghat for inexpensive textiles.
Cycle rickshaws (20-50 INR per short ride) are cheapest; from Varanasi Airport, take a shared e-rickshaw or bus to the city centre for about 50 INR.
Stick to street food and thalis around the ghats. Bargain firmly with rickshaw drivers before getting in. Use ATM withdrawals in larger sums to avoid repeated fees.
Good to know — Varanasi
Type C/D/M · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ₹95.47 · INR
Emergency Contacts
VaranasiAll three numbers are toll-free and can be dialed from any phone in India. For tourist assistance in Varanasi, contact the Uttar Pradesh Tourism helpline at 1800-180-8000 (toll-free) or visit the Varanasi Tourist Information Center. Major hospitals include Banaras Hindu University Hospital and Shiv Prasad Gupta Hospital.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Varanasi, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hostale
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 212 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · J.K. Medical Store — 328 m · ~4 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Rajendra Prasad Ghat / Cantonment Station → Godaulia / Dashashwamedh Ghat area
💡 Extremely crowded but authentic. Limited English signage; ask locals for confirmation. Best for budget-conscious travelers
Varanasi Cantonment Station → Varanasi Junction (for city access)
💡 Useful for reaching cantonment area from airport. Not directly to hotel but connects to main transport hubs. Slower than taxi but cultural experience
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) → Temple on Ganges Hotel
💡 Book prepaid taxi from airport counter to avoid negotiation. Ola/Uber available but cash backup recommended due to poor connectivity in old city
Godaulia Crossing / Dashashwamedh Ghat → Temple on Ganges Hotel
💡 Most convenient for local transit in old city. Agree on fare before boarding. Peak ghat hours (5-7 AM) have highest availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hostale?
Ask for a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor at the back of the building. These are quieter and less affected by foot traffic.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hostale?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor or those facing the street directly. Street noise from Varanasi's bustle can be loud, and ground-floor rooms get more foot traffic and delivery noise.
Is Hostale noisy?
Varanasi streets are busy day and night with scooters, rickshaws, temple bells, and occasional processions. Reception or lobby noise may carry up the stairwell. Breakfast setup starts around 7 am on the ground floor.
Which rooms have the best views at Hostale?
Rooms at the back (away from the main road) offer a view of the neighbourhood rooftops or a quiet courtyard. No significant landmark view from this address.
What are insider tips for staying at Hostale?
1) If you arrive by car, ask the hotel about nearby parking — the old city lanes can be tight, and they may have a recommended lot. 2) Request a room on a high floor at the back when booking; this often gets you a quieter night despite the lively location.
What time is check-in at Hostale?
Check-in at Hostale is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hostale have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi for all guests (no login required, SSID 'Hostale_vns', no speed cap – average 25 Mbps; can be slow during peak evening hours 19:00-22:00)
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hostale?
Rs 200 per night per room (mandatory tourist tax, collected at check-in)
Where can I eat cheaply near Hostale?
A thali at a basic local restaurant costs 80-150 INR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hostale?
Cycle rickshaws (20-50 INR per short ride) are cheapest; from Varanasi Airport, take a shared e-rickshaw or bus to the city centre for about 50 INR.
When is the best time to visit Varanasi?
November–February: pleasant temperatures (5–20°C) and low humidity, ideal for ghat walks and boat rides. Clear skies and manageable crowds outside major festivals.
Top Attractions in Varanasi
💡 Arrive by 5pm to claim a spot on the steps; avoid the overpriced boat seats unless you want a watery view.
💡 Free entry and no camera fee; combine with a walk to nearby Durga Kund for a calm morning. Open till noon for morning darshan.
💡 Cycle rickshaws are the easiest way to cover the grounds; haggle for 50-100 INR for a short ride from the gate to the temple.
💡 Entry is free, but expect to pay 100-200 INR for a locker to store shoes and phones. Go early (4-6am) to avoid 1hr+ waits.
💡 Park entry is 5 INR (Indian) or 100 INR (foreigners); museum is separate at 5 INR/100 INR. Combine both in 2 hours; auto from Varanasi costs 200-300 INR.