Hotels in Bhutan are graded from 3 to 5 stars by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. They are strictly regulated by the government to provide high quality accommodation for travellers. Here is a glimpse of some of the excellent-reviewed hotels in the main towns of Bhutan.
Uma by COMO, Paro
Uma by COMO, Paro, is an intimate, 29-room resort featuring the most exclusive private villas in Bhutan with an enviable location in the Paro Valley. This puts you within striking distance of the country’s great cultural landmarks. The style combines local artisanship with COMO’s contemporary style, while activities range from yoga to Himalayan camping adventures. The Bukhari restaurant is a royal favourite.
Star: 5
Website: http://www.comohotels.com/umaparo/
Amankora Paro
At an elevation of 2,250 metres, Paro Valley is the entry point for most journeys through the Kingdom. Surrounded by pine forest, the 24-Suite retreat contrasts rustic elements with contemporary design. Guest Suites offer a combined lounge and bedroom furnished with a king-size bed, banquette window seat, reading chair and traditional bukhari (wood-burning stove).
Star: 5
Website: https://www.aman.com/resorts/amankora/lodges/paro
Zhiwa Ling
The 45-room Zhiwa Ling hotel combines the sensibilities of a fine Bhutanese guesthouse with the best of 21st Century technology. Envisioned and created by a local Bhutanese company, the hotel’s elaborate hand-carved wooden cornices and masterful stonework coexist beautifully with cutting-edge telecommunication systems and Swedish under-floor heating.
Star: 5
Website: http://www.zhiwaling.com/
Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa
Naksel, a community-based project that is eco friendly and Energy Saver efficient, blends the heritage of traditional Bhutanese architecture and the comfort of modern amenities. Elaborate hand-carved pillars and beautiful stonework exemplify the essence of Bhutan while tapered mud-brick walls provide insulation and restful silence. Leading Bhutan in energy efficiency, Naksel features Swedish under floor heating systems, LED lighting, and highly efficient water heaters, preheated by solar panels. Main construction materials for Naksel are indigenous and locally purchased. Traditional windows, mud-bricks, framework and even furniture were locally crafted here in Ngoba Village, connecting Naksel to the surrounding forest.
Star: 4
Website: http://www.naksel.com/
Metta Resort & Spa
Built in the style of traditional cottages, Bhutan Metta Resort & Spa is an intimate, 23-room boutique property in Paro. The owner of this property is a Bhutanese man who married a Malaysian Chinese lady. The restaurant serves traditional Bhutanese, Chinese, Indian and Continental cuisine.
Star: 3
Website: http://www.bhutanmetta.com.bt/
Rema Resort
Rema Resort is located on a hill top overlooking the Paro Valley. It offers an ideal space for any visitors looking for a quiet and peaceful place to stay. The overall structure of the resort is designed to provide a purely Bhutanese way of life with an impeccable ambiance of peace and tranquility.
Star: 3
Website: http://www.paroremaresort.com/
Khangkhu Resort
Perched on the mountain slopes above the airport and opposite the historical Rinpung Dzong, Khangkhu Resort offers a magnificent view of the Paro Valley from the comfort of their bedroom or private veranda.
Star: 3
Website: http://www.khangkhuresort.com/
Taj Tashi
Set in the heart of the Thimphu Valley, the Taj Tashi, is a gateway to a land steeped in mythology and magic. In keeping with the enchanting surrounds, the hotel is a blend of Bhutan’s Dzong architecture and modern design. Adorned with classical hand-drawn Buddhist murals, its 66 elegant guestrooms afford guests striking highlights of the region’s art and colour. Besides breathtaking views of the mountains that rise above the Thimphu valley.
Star: 5
Website: http://www.tajhotels.com/leisure/taj-tashi-thimphu/default.html
Amankora Thimphu
Set in the upper reaches of the Motithang area, the 16-suite lodge of Amankora Thimphu is close to the capital’s sights and shopping yet remains a secluded retreat. Guest Suites combine a bedroom and lounge, and feature a bukhari (wood-burning stove), with views across a landscaped courtyard, or of a stream and pine forest.
Star: 5
Website: https://www.aman.com/resorts/amankora/lodges/thimphu
Le Méridien Thimphu
With cosmopolitan surroundings amidst the bustling commercial streets of the city-centre, and a convenient location to many of the city's myriad attractions, the Le Méridien Thimphu is a compelling choice for hosting business meetings, and the perfect jumpstart to that long awaited leisurely holiday.
Star: 5
Website: http://www.lemeridienthimphu.com/
Terma Linca Resort & Spa
Terma Linca Resort and Spa is located just outside Bhutan’s capital of Thimpu. Proudly sitting on a curved bank of the Wangchu (Thimpu River) the resort showcases local architecture and Bhutanese charm. With 30 traditional rooms and suites offering the perfect blend of modern convenience and rustic charm you are welcomed to your home in the Himalayas. A full service spa and numerous dining options make the resort a perfect location for relaxing after a day of exploring the wonderful bounty of Bhutan’s charm and majesty.
Star: 4
Khang Residency
Situated in a quiet upscale residential area with an amazing view of the Thimphu Valley, Khang Residency is only a 15 minute walk from the city center. Opened for business during the auspicious wedding of Bhutan's beloved Fifth King, it was given the honor of hosting many of the Royal guests.
Star: 4
Website: http://www.khangresidency.com/
Druk Hotel Thimphu
Druk Hotel Thimphu is a part of the Tashi group of companies and has been in operation since 1985. Over the years, it has been renovated to give it a chic and modern edge that is powerfully felt in uncluttered spaces. Each floor, differently inspired, explores a subtle palette drawn from water, air, earth, fire and sky.
Star: 4
Website: http://drukhotels.com/hoteldruk/
Hotel Norbuling
Hotel Norbuling started operation in March 2014 and is a hotel located in the center of Thimphu. It is designed with a blend of modern and traditional Bhutanese influences. Being a family-owned and operated hotel, the staff are able to offer you that personal touch you have been looking for.
Star: 3
Website: http://www.hotelnorbuling.com/
Bhutan Suites
This boutique hotel, located in Thimphu, is tucked away from noisy city traffic below 12th century Changangkha Lhakhang with wonderful, sweeping views of the Thimphu Valley. The suites are modelled on a mixture of traditional Bhutanese style and service with modern design and soft tones creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Star: 3
Website: http://www.bhutansuites.com/
Uma by COMO, Punakha
Uma by COMO, Punakha, is an intimate, luxury lodge located at the far western end of the lush Punakha Valley. From the picturesque base overlooking a snake-like bend in the Mo Chu river, Uma Punakha is ideally located for those who wish to explore this remote Himalayan Kingdom.
Star: 5
Website: http://www.comohotels.com/umapunakha/
Amankora Punakha
Reached by crossing a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River, the Amankora Punakha lodge incorporates a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse built by a former Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). The 8 Suites are identical in design to those of Amankora Paro, with views across an orange orchard and rice terraces.
Star: 5
Website: https://www.aman.com/resorts/amankora/lodges/punakha
Dhensa Boutique Resort
Dhensa Boutique Resorts opens its first resort in Bhutan’s Punakha Valley in March 2014. It invites you to retreat, to revive your senses, and to immerse yourself in the peace and beauty of nature at its most brilliant.
Star: 4
Website: http://dhensa.com/
Hotel Lobesa
Located at Punakha, Hotel Lobesa is built on a hill overlooking the rice fields in the valley. The rooms are spacious and comfortable.
Star: 3
Website: Currently not available, but you can check its reviews on TripAdvisor.
Amankora Gangtey
In the little-visited Phobjikha Valley near the village of Gangtey, the eight-Suite Amankora Gangtey is set on a forested knoll with scenic views of the valley floor and the 16th-century Gangtey Gonpa (monastery). Part of an important wildlife reserve, the valley is home each winter to a flock of 300 endangered black-neck cranes. Suite interiors are identical to those of Amankora Thimphu, each enjoying an outlook across the valley.
Star: 5
Website: https://www.aman.com/resorts/amankora/lodges/gangtey
Gangtey Goenpa Lodge
Gangtey Goenpa Lodge offers visitors a unique and exciting insight into the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. The lodge, with its spectacular setting and sweeping views over the whole valley, acts as a luxurious base and jumping off point for a series of half and full day adventures and excursions.
Star: 5
Website: http://www.gglbhutan.com/
Yangkhil Resort
Within walking distance from Trongsa town, Yangkhil Resort is the most elegant resort in the historic town of Trongsa, offering 21 rooms with modern amenities. The establishment has been in operation since October 2004. Lush green and colorful gardens, fish pond, breathtaking panoramic view of Trongsa Dzong, Ta Dzong, Mangde Chu river and the view of mountains soaring over 10,000 feet create an unforgettable setting at Yangkhil Resort.
Star: 3
Website: http://www.yangkhil.bt/
Amankora Bumthang
The 16-Suite Amankora Bumthang rests adjacent to the Wandichholing Palace, within the town of Jakar in the Choekhor Valley.
Star: 5
Website: https://www.aman.com/resorts/amankora/lodges/bumthang
Jakar Village Lodge
Jakar Village Lodge is a 4 Star lodge. It is just located below the Jakar Dzong, commanding the most majestic view of the valley of Bumthang. The lodge is just 1 km away from the Chamkhar town.
Star: 4
Website: http://www.bhutanlodge.com/
Chumey Nature Resort
Located on a hillside in the pristine Bumthang valley, dotted with villages and ancient temples spread out against a stunning backdrop of mountains, Chumey Nature Resort provides a haven of peace and quiet where one's soul may unwind. Enjoy pleasant walks among the lichen-hung trees, the undisturbed song of myriad birds at break of day, the silence of night but for the sighing of the wind through the pines, the serenity of a traditional hot stone bath.
Star: 3
Website: http://www.chumeynatureresort.com/