Manali India – Best Places to Stay in All Price Categories

Manali is one of the favoured tourist destinations for travellers from all over the world. The enchanting mountains, bubbling streams and friendly locals contribute to an unforgettable holiday. The best part about Manali is that there are many accommodation options to suit all budgets ranging from hostels, homestays, lodges to hotels and resorts.

Budget

Homestay is probably the most popular type of budget accommodation in Manali. They are also a great way to learn more about local culture and mingle with locals who are extremely friendly and accommodating.

One of the options that we really liked was the New Mannat Homes in Naggar, Manali. The place is spotlessly clean and the staff are very friendly. The natural setting is beautiful and you can enjoy it from your room – each room has a balcony. The rooms are beautifully decorated and very comfortable plus the location is quite convenient. Prices look more than reasonable for what they offer and start from INR 1100.

Hostels have made their way to Manali, too, and if you are ready to share dorm-style rooms with strangers, they offer a good opportunity to save some rupees in your pocket. One of the best options that we found in Manali is the Orchards House – Hidden Tribe. It is located in Old Manali and is surrounded by an atmospheric apple orchard. The place feels very comely with a mix of rustic and modern touches to it. There are several common areas plus star gazing points where you can meet other travellers or meditate all by yourself. Orchards House has a scattering of staying options – from dorm beds to studio apartments with special deals for longer stays. A bed in a dorm comes for INR 400 and taking into account its great location not far from the Manu temple, no wonder the property enjoys great popularity.

The Lost Tribe hostel is another great place to stay in Manali. The prices start from INR 300 and it is an amazing value for backpackers. The white and red structure looks bright against the backdrop of towering mountains and lush orchards. The Lost Tribe is actually located very close to the town and offers all the modern amenities plus it is spotlessly clean. It is a very peaceful and quiet place, ideal for a tranquil holiday. There is a barbecue zone and rent a bicycle service, too, to let you explore Manali in a completely different way. The Lost Tribe hostel has very friendly staff who are more than happy to give you amazingly insightful tips.

Among the budget hotels in Manali we will mention Hotel Crystal. Located within a mere 10 minute walk from the Manali bus depot, it offers simple but decent rooms with a TV and WiFi access. They have a common kitchen which comes handy if you wish to cook yourself and the staff are extremely efficient.

Mid-Range

Manali offers some decent options in mid-range price category, suitable also for families. Paradise Chateau in the upper Manali region boasts convenient location close to the centre and yet away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It offers great panoramic views of the mountains and is flooded with sunshine throughout the day. They have fully furnished rooms and the hotel itself features a wide range of excellent facilities including horse riding paths, walkways and a playing room. Some rooms look over to the Beas River – you can listen to its tender bubbling. Deluxe rooms cost around INR 2000 and plusher and more private cottages will set you back INR 6500 per night.

Snuggled amongst the mountains by the Beas River, White Meadows Resort is an absolutely charming little place surrounded by pine trees and reminiscent of those fairy-tale little homes you have read about in your childhood. There are a few monasteries in the vicinity you can visit and have a glimpse of the life the monks are leading there. The resort offers a variety of facilities and activities to make your stay a truly remarkable experience, including a spa centre, bar, billiards, apple picking and yoga classes. The staff are very efficient and will help you in any way they can. There is an onsite restaurant which dishes out delectable food. It is located in the Prini village. A deluxe double here will cost you INR 5000.

Quality Inn River Country Resort is another great place to stay in Manali. It is located just off the Mall road and most of the tourist attractions are within close proximity. The resort offers a great view of the pine and cedar trees clad mountains and the Beas River. The ambience is really good, with wooden cottages spread over the green area and a wide range of facilities and activities on offer – from a game room, steam room and pool table to river rafting and more. The resort is well maintained and has an awesome restaurant with very courteous staff. They also have a bar and lounge where you can relax with a glass of your favourite drink. A double bed room here will cost you INR 5500.

Hotel Manali Castle which is located in the Aleo region of Manali is a very good option to stay as many of the most popular tourist destinations are very close to it. They have pretty good rooms with facilities like laundry, hot water, cable TV and sightseeing assistance. There is a terrace and a garden as well where you can savour some of their delicacies. The prices for a room start from INR 3000 and go upwards depending on the room.

Solang Valley Resort is located away from the crowds in the Solang valley. It is surrounded by beautiful greenery with apple and pine trees making up the view. Thanks to its somewhat isolated location and total absence of neon lights in the vicinity, it is an amazing place for star watching and we spent half the night just gazing at the stars there. As many of the resorts of a similar level, Solang Valley keeps their guests occupied offering a basketball court, open air barbecue area, ski rentals, mountain bikes and snow scooters. The place is slightly on the expensive side with rooms starting around INR 6500.

Top End

Putting in just a couple of extra thousand of rupees allows you to enjoy top end accommodation options in Manali. For instance, check Larisa Resort on the Manali-Naggar road. The resort looks very inviting, especially at night when its individual cottages and a pool are lit. Rooms are comfortable and well-furnished. There is an organic garden here and its produce goes straight to the resort kitchen – you should eat at the resort restaurant it least once as the food is delicious and very healthy there. There is a mini theatre with hammocks to enjoy a nice evening with friends and family. Room rates start from INR 7000.

Looking like a gothic castle straight out of a Victorian architectural handbook, The Himalayan is a stunner. It is surrounded by orchards and lies just 3 km from the Manali bus depot. The place spoils its guests with luxurious ambience and facilities. Each of the private cottages is equipped with a kitchenette. The staff are extremely helpful and can arrange a variety of activities for you like angling, camping, mountain biking and safaris. Prices start from INR 9000 per night and up depending on the type of the room.