Scindhia Guest House

If I could give a zero star rating, that would be ideal. This place is on the verge of shutting down or no one books it anymore. We were the ONLY people in the whole guest house. The common dining area was sealed off, and the owner was very keen that we eat outside as much as possible. There was no intercom in the room, and we were told that we have to call him on the mobile if we have any needs. When we returned after darshan in the night, the door was locked and when no one opened it after repeated knocking we had to call them on the mobile and then someone came to open the door. The breakfast timing was mentioned as from 8.30 am but when we went down at that time we were told that we had to inform in advance if we needed breakfast ( which we had) and that since they get it from outside we would have to wait till the staff arrived. Finally they toasted two pieces of bread for us and we left as we had a guide waiting. All through this the owner did not pick up the phone and when asked about it the next day, he said he doesn't get up so early ! We asked the room to be cleaned but when we came back , it was in the same condition that we left it in. The so called view from the guest house is that of the Manikarna ghat which is the dirtiest possible ghat in the whole area. The access to the guest house itself is through a maze of alleys and a non-localite cannot find their way back without help either from the main road or through the ghat road. It is just not possible to come back here for a short break in the day and go back for other activities. They do pick you up on the day you arrive and drop you the day you leave, but they charge you for the same. The next evening they seemed overeager for us to leave as early as possible and we echoed their sentiments. When we had a slight disagreement on the time agreed upon , the next day, the owner took out his phone and played the recording of the conversation! Apparently he records all conversations he has with guests and " puts them in their place" when there is a disagreement ! They definitely looked like they did not care about our comfort ( to the extent of being rude) and the place itself is situated in a very very inconvenient location. Please do not go there. The price they charge is like a 4 star but it is no better than a lodge at a railway station. Do not be mislead by the photos and the positive reviews.

Perfect hospitality and correct place to feel the spirit of Varanasi. The owner of the hotel was very helpful about every detail we asked for. He arranged everything we asked for like perfectly. For example welcoming us at airport, transportation, to advice about places to see, the boat to see the sun rise over river Ganga. It was clean place which is very difficult to find in Varanasi. They have good restaurant. Rooms were comfortable and clean. It feels safe to stay there. And also the room I spb the night had the most amazing view I have ever seen. Hotel is by the river Ganga, and very close the holly fire place where they burn bodies like 7/24. You hear the voices of prayers, see the smoke of holly fire and feel exactly where you are. Many thanks to Schindhia Guest House for making us to live this unique experiment.

The Ganges facing room is good with a wide view. BUT the rest of the hotel is in shambles due to breakage, dust and poor hygiene. Heard that hotel had encroached and so was broken down. What one sees is this broken down part only and this puts you off. The staff is good and cooperate well.