Varanasi (Benares)

The Ganpati Guesthouse is located at Meer Ghat, literally overlooking the Ganges. It is the perfect location, situated just between Dasaswamedh Ghat (one of the main ghats) and Manikarnika Ghat (burning ghat) for walking along the Ganges or taking an early morning/night boat ride. The hotel has rooms with or without air conditioning (I would recommend to spend a little extra for the air con) though the power flickers on and off throughout the day and night so you might have to rely on a fan to keep you cool! There is an all-vegetarian roof-top restaurant serving inexpensive Indian dishes and other fare, with menus in English, Spanish, and French. The hotel had an internet and phone room, with very slow internet that cost 20 Rs for 30 minutes. The staff was very helpful and friendly and could arrange for taxis and tours and boat rides on the Ganges. Rooms range from 350 Rs ($8 USD) for shared bath to 800 Rs ($20 USD) for private bath with air con. I would recommend to book via their website or through hostelbookers.com to ensure there is vacancy. The Ganpati Guesthouse cannot be reached via car or rickshaw so you will be dropped off somewhere and have to walk the rest of the way. If you can make your way to the Ganges, you will be able to find it, if not, someone will probably 'offer' to show you the way and then ask for money when you arrive!