BACKGROUND Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu opened its doors in June 2017, marking the debut of Marriott International in Nepal.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? A small lane dotted with shops and restaurants leads my taxi to the entrance of the hotel from the main road. The lobby decorated in yellow and brown embodies Nepalese culture through its nuances including upholstery patterns, artwork and Buddhist statues. On the left of the reception is “the market” — a convenience store that retails a range of snacks and drinks. Towards the right are the elevators, its all-day dining Kava Restaurant and the bar. There is an outdoor section of the restaurant that was pleasant in the evenings when I visited in October. Live music plays here on weekends making it an interesting venue for informal meetings. Being a Fairfield by Marriott, facilities are basic and tailored to the needs of a business traveller.

WHERE IS IT? Located in Thamel, the hotel is close to Kathmandu’s attractions such as Narayanhiti Palace Museum, Garden of Dreams and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Tribhuvan International Airport is 5km away.

ROOM FACILITIES The 115-room property has only one room type — Fairfield room (18 sqm). Decor is minimal with dark wood furnishings and a pastel yellow wall. It features a work desk that faces the window overlooking a view of the district of Thamel. An electric kettle is placed on the desk, which is equipped with power sockets and USB ports. Below it is the minibar. The closet to the left upon entering the room stores an iron and ironing board and a safe deposit box. The bed faces a 40-inch LED TV and wifi is free. The marble bathroom has a shower cubicle.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS Since I checked in during lunch and had to finish some work in my room, I requested for room service that is round the clock. There is only one restaurant and bar — Kava — that features an in-room dining menu, an all-day dining menu, a breakfast menu, a midnight menu and a beverages menu. It features an array of international and Nepalese dishes. Breakfast is an expansive range of Indian, Nepalese and global fare.

MEETING FACILITIES It features two meeting rooms (47 sqm), which can each accommodate ten people. The spaces offer high speed wifi and audiovisual facilities. Services such as network printing, photocopying and faxing are offered in it business centre.

LEISURE FACILITIES There is a fitness centre that features cardiovascular equipment and free weights.

VERDICT A no-frills business hotel in the heart of Kathmandu’s Thamel district. Ideal for the corporate traveller visiting the Nepalese capital on work.

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in a Fairfield room in April started from NPR10,947/6,843.

CONTACT Tridevi Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu, KMC-29, Nepal; tel: +977 1421 7999; marriott.com