Varanasi: Taj Ganges View (February 2008)

Gateway Hotel Ganges (Varanasi), previously called the Taj Ganges View Hotel: Great choice to see the Ganges! This was a typical, large chain-style hotel, with all the comforts of home, which provides an oasis within the city. Two restaurants (one continental and one Indian), nice cozy bar. Pretty pool area with lovely flowers. Free horse-and-carriage rides during late mornings on the hotel property. Two small shops in the lobby, also a beauty salon. Front desk exchanges money; no access to ATM machine was seen in this city. Rooms were large and attractive, with nice bathrooms. Good amenities provided (e.g., toiletries, bathrobes, hairdryers). Free bottled water and fruit plate, with chocolates at evening turndown. Great service from the bar/Indian restaurant manager. There's a sitar player in the evenings in the Indian restaurant and in the afternoon in the lobby. My other choice in Varanasi was the Radisson; after briefly seeing the location, I think the Taj was a better choice (thankfully, I ruled out staying in one of the guest houses directly next to the Ganges, which for me, would have been a huge mistake).