Traditional Comfort is a justice to its name. Indeed, no other words would aptly describe the experience one gets at this establishment posted at Kamal Pokhari, Kathmandu. Just as you approach the red bricked Pagoda styled buildings, you know that this is going to be a wholesome experience, the one that you hardly had before. Traditional Comfort may be only three and a half years old but it is an entrepreneurial dream capped with more than two decades of professional efficiency of the founder. A sister concern of Royal Mountain Travel, Traditional Comfort belongs to a group of companies that also consists of Traditional Stay, Bricks Cafe, aforementioned Royal Mountain Travel, and Inside Himalayas, the in-house publication.

Traditional Comfort is where Nepali tradition meets modern comfort. Upon entrance we were greeted by smiling faces and Khata, a silken scarf presented to the guests. ‘Atithi Devo Bhava:’ a host-guest relationship summed up in a sanskrit phrase and well executed by this boutique hotel. There is an ethereal touch to each nook and corners, the precious Ankhi Jhyal, the carved floors, the hand painted artworks hung at the walls and the fastidious designing of the overall property.

Traditional Comfort is where Nepali tradition meets modern comfort.

Upon entrance we were greeted by smiling faces and Khata, a silken scarf presented to the guests. ‘Atithi Devo Bhava:’ a host-guest relationship summed up in a sanskrit phrase and well executed by this boutique hotel. There is an ethereal touch to each nook and corners, the precious Ankhi Jhyal, the carved floors, the hand painted artworks hung at the walls and the fastidious designing of the overall property.

The second-floor lounge is fitted with comfortable couches on which to relax with a book from the well-stocked bookshelf, or a coffee or glass of wine. At the end of each floor is an enclosed seating area with decorative windows and long wooden benches. These are an ideal spot to sit and watch the view with a cocktail, or read a book in the afternoon sun. The rooftop terrace is a delightful place to sit on a warm (or cool) evening. Snacks and drinks can be purchased up here while taking in the spectacular panoramic view of Kathmandu. To the north one can see the Shivapuri National Park and Himalayas; to the south, Lalitpur and the peaks of Phulchoki and Champadevi; on a hill to the west, the Swayambhunath Stupa, otherwise known as the Monkey Temple; and nearby, the Narayanhiti Palace.

Continental breakfasts are available in the dining area adjacent to the lobby. A snack and light meal menu, as well as drinks and cocktails, will be available throughout the day, in the dining area, rooftop and as room service. Hotel Traditional Comfort is situated a short walk from some of Kathmandu’s finest restaurants and bars, in the Durbar Marg and Thamel areas of the city.

For dinner, we were served with traditional Nepali thali, along with Fried Cheese Balls, and Chicken and Penne Pasta, all of it being centered to our Nepali taste buds. For breakfast, we were served with the introductory Breakfast menu that the Traditional Comfort’s kitchen occasioned with, to be implemented from the upcoming month. The food platter consisted of Taja Khaja, The Big Brekkie, and Smoothie Bowl. Taja Khaja consisted of Gwaramari, Aloo Chana, Usineko Anda, Maida ko Halwa, Nepali Chiya -a lot to choose from to start the meal. Gwaramari is a typical Newari breakfast dish that tastes best while warm, while Aloo Chana which is basically brown Chickpeas and sauteed potatoes bursting in spicy flavours. The boiled eggs added a colourful mixture to the dish and the Maida ko Halwa wiped away the piquancy of Aloo Chana, these item were an instant hit to the palate, reminding me of home and the aroma of early morning freshness.

The next dish was The Big Brekkie -the taste devient from domicile touch, this platter consisted of Fried eggs, Grilled Tomatoes, Potato Lyonnaise, Crispy Bacon, Sauteed Mushrooms, Sausage and Assorted Fruits. All in all this wholesome plate is in its international glory. Nothing can possibly go wrong when bacon and potatoes come together.

Lastly, the healthiest and the interesting of all, Smoothie Bowl. An admixture of seasonal fruits, berries, sesame seeds, peanuts, into a bowl of crunchy triple chocolate topped with coconut powder. A healthy delight, I name it.

Traditional Comfort Boutique Hotel currently accommodates 36 rooms and 35 staff members working for the well-being of it’s guests. Because Traditional Comfort works closely with its own travel agency, the clientele is mostly upscale and international; mainly Americans, Europeans and comparatively less Asians. The main aim is local empowerment and sustainability which has been fulfilled in the most meticulous manners. The intricate craft that can be witnessed at the alcove, wood beams, and basically everywhere you rest your sight upon, have been made by local craftsmen of Patan and Bungmati. The artisans’ creed have done justice to Shiva Dhakal’s concept, the owner of the magnificent holding.

As per it’s eco-friendly and sustainable tradition, Traditional Comfort is powered by solar energy. The LED lights in the rooms have been fitted in just the sufficient number in order to reduce excess consumption. The beds in the rooms have been made from scrap wood, the linen used on those beds have been handmade by women, single-mothers specifically in order to promote local trade and empowerment. Similarly, the dustbins have been neatly organised for segregation of degradable and biodegradable and the plastic bottles have been replaced by wooden cruets in the washrooms. Everytime the room is occupied by a new guest, the surplus toiletries are used for other cleaning purposes. With an exclusive affiliation with Khaalisisi, even the waste paper materials are turned into stationery items such as pens, pencils and paper. The plastic straws have been replaced with metal straws, paying special attention to hygiene. With these mandates being followed, Traditional Comfort Boutique Hotel is certainly working it’s way into the Nepalese hospitality market and environmentally sustainable tourism.

Text by Abhigya Subedi

Photos by Saras Sthapit Shrestha