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Palace on steps

3.5 star property
Riverfront hotel with free breakfast and a rooftop terrace

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Photo gallery for Palace on steps

Ekaant Suites | Terrace/patio
Ekaant Suites | Terrace/patio
Point of interest
MILAAP SUITES | Balcony view
Kashi Suite | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Reviews

6.8 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Parking available
  • Room service
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

Map
Rana Mahal Ghat, Banagali Tola, Near Godowlia, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221001
  • Dasaswamedh ghat
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Assi Ghat
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Varanasi (VNS-Lal Bahadur Shastri)
    ‪28 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Ekaant Kashi

Ekaant Kashi | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Ekaant Kashi

  • 50 sq ft
  • River view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Solo Budget Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Milaap Room

Milaap Room | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Milaap Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Kashi Suite

Kashi Suite | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Kashi Suite

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Trishul Rooms

Terrace/patio

Trishul Rooms

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Saptarishi Suites

Saptarishi Suites | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Saptarishi Suites

  • 150 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for MILAAP SUITES

Terrace/patio

MILAAP SUITES

  • 150 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Ekaant Suites

Ekaant Suites | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Ekaant Suites

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Ekaant Room

Ekaant Room | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Ekaant Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Budget Nomad Room

Budget Nomad Room | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, rollaway beds, free WiFi

Budget Nomad Room

  • 75 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Varanasi

Palace on steps places you next to Dasaswamedh ghat and within a 10-minute stroll of other popular attractions like Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This 3.5-star hotel has 28 rooms and welcomes guests with free breakfast, free in-room WiFi, and a rooftop terrace.

What's nearby

  • Dasaswamedh ghat - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple - 10 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Assi Ghat - 4 min drive - 1.8 miles
  • Sant Ravidas Ghat - 5 min drive - 2.2 miles
  • Banaras Hindu University - 9 min drive - 4.0 miles

Getting around

  • Sarnath Station - 12 min drive
  • Varanasi (VNS-Lal Bahadur Shastri) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Keshari Ruchikar Byanjan and Restaurant - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Dawat Hotel Ganges Grand - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Madhur Milan Cafe - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Shree Cafe - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Dolphin Restaurant - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Palace on steps

Riverfront hotel with free breakfast and a rooftop terrace
Guests of Palace on steps enjoy a rooftop terrace, free WiFi in public areas, and a conference center. If you drive, self parking is INR 393 per night, or you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for INR 1000 per vehicle one-way. The front desk is staffed 24/7 to help with luggage storage, tours or tickets, and dry cleaning/laundry. Additional amenities include a business center, coffee/tea in a common area, and a computer station.
Guests can expect free WiFi and LED TVs with cable channels. Beds sport premium bedding and bathrooms offer free toiletries. Ceiling fans and phones are other standard amenities.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English, Hindi, Japanese

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle at scheduled times and on request for a surcharge
  • Self parking on site (INR 393 per night)

Food and drink

  • Free on-the-go breakfast available daily 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Restaurants on site

  • Sunrise Restaurant

Things to do

  • Shopping
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Business center
  • Computer station
  • Conference center

Outdoors

  • On a river
  • Rooftop terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 2 floors
  • Reception hall

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • LED TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1 PM; Check-in end time: noon
Late check-in subject to availability
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 15

Check-out

Check-out before 11:30 AM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 3 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
To register at this property, guests who are Indian citizens must provide a valid photo identity card issued by the Government of India; travelers who are not citizens of India must present a valid passport and visa.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for INR 1000.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Christmas Day (December 25) Gala Dinner per adult: INR 1000
  • Christmas Day (December 25) Gala Dinner per child: INR 500 (from 5 to 18 years old)
  • Gala Dinner on May 31 per adult: INR 1000
  • Gala Dinner on May 31 per child: INR 500 (from 5 to 18 years old)

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: INR 1000 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 4)
  • Self parking fee: INR 393 per night
  • Rollaway bed fee: INR 1000.0 per night

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
  • Check-in: 1 PM
  • Check-out: 11:30 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 15
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking in is easy with express services. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available 24 hours). Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply).

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for spa treatments. Contact the hotel at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

Property is also known as

Palace Step
Palace Step Hotel
Palace Step Hotel Varanasi
Palace Step Varanasi
Palace On Steps Hotel Varanasi
Palace On Stepss Varanasi
Palace steps Hotel Varanasi
Palace steps Hotel
Palace steps Varanasi
Palace steps
Palace On Step
Palace on steps Hotel
Palace on steps Varanasi
Palace on steps Hotel Varanasi

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Palace on steps?

Palace on steps offers free cancellation on some room rates. For additional details, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Palace on steps?

As of Jun 3, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Palace on steps on Jun 12, 2025 start from $58.89, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What is there to do near Palace on steps?

This hotel in Varanasi is within a 10-minute walk of Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dasaswamedh ghat. You'll also find Hanuman Ghat and Harishchandra Ghat less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at Palace on steps?

Yes, parking is offered for INR 393 per night.

Does Palace on steps have a casino on the premises?

No, Palace on steps doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Palace on steps?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Palace on steps?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this riverfront hotel include around-the-clock room service and premium bedding in each guestroom with some featuring river views.

Does Palace on steps have a hot tub?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Palace on steps have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Palace on steps serves free on-the-go breakfast at Sunrise Restaurant each morning.

Will Palace on steps allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Palace on steps.

Are there connecting rooms at Palace on steps?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How close is the airport from Palace on steps?

The closest major airport to Palace on steps is Varanasi (VNS-Lal Bahadur Shastri), which is 15.8 mi away (25 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Palace on steps?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Palace on steps.

Palace on steps Reviews

Reviews

6.8
Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 67 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 67 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 16 out of 67 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 67 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 9 out of 67 reviews

6.4/10

Cleanliness

7.2/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

6.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

devesh

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

DAVID

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My experiences in Varanasi have always been remarkable, but my latest stay at the Palace on the Steps truly stands out as an unforgettable stay. This gem of a Haveli nestled near the main Ghat along the sacred Ganges, offers more than just a place to stay; it is a gateway to spiritual awakening. Waking up to the serene sunrise over the holy waters from my room's balcony was a daily blessing, infusing each morning with tranquility and awe. The heart of the Palace on the Steps lies in its impeccable management and staff. Their efficiency, attentiveness, and warmth created an environment of comfort and ease. Ajay, the ever-ready and eager manager, exemplified hospitality, swiftly addressing any concerns with a personal touch. The culinary delights at the Palace on the Steps restaurant were another highlight of my stay. Dining at the rooftop restaurant became a cherished ritual, with each meal a delightful exploration of flavors. Additionally, the prompt and thorough laundry service added a layer of convenience to my experience. Housekeeping kept my room very clean and tidy throughout my stay. Plenty of water, toiletries, and making sure everything was in its place further made me feel welcome.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

2/10 Terrible

Panneerselvam

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A big disappointment of stay..

Please check the rooms before checking in.. and paying the rooms..i have been given a room in the terrace and it is really not worth for the charges paid..
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Sheila

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION

Great location right on The Steps within walking distance to the Aarti Ganga although the owner will arrange a boat ride. Actually he will arrange anything you’d like.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Renate, Santa Cruz

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Prime location in the center of the Ghat Road right on Ganga. Ekant Kashi room is small but lovely with balcony overlooking the river. Rising sun shines right into the bed. Clean and wonderful service. Access to hotel by walking only, like many others in this area.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The service was outstanding. All of the staff couldn't have been more helpful. Definitely a unique hotel and and perfect right next to the water.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

8/10 Good

Russell

Traveled with family
Liked: Staff & service

Heart of City

Location, location, location. Located on Ganges at Ghats. Hotel arranged transportation to and from airport. Hotel is a little worn but comfortable. Would stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Sumantra

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Besdide the river. About 500 m walking distance from the main road. No other vehicles can go in these lane. Though hotel staff can cooperate in bringing the luggage.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Judith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Adventure on the Ganges

With Palace on Steps, it’s all about the location. Yoy will be right in the Ganges. You must accept that you are in a holy city with a lot of poverty but also a lot of soul. The people are so warm, wonderful and helpful but staying there presents many challenges. It is not for everyone. Walking back and forth to the “ main” road is treacherous and the steps down to the river are flat out dangerous. Having said that, I am in my 60s and this was one of the most memorable weeks of my life. The little restaurant has simple but good food, AND they serve beer:) I am now in a very fancy 5 Star Hotel in Delhi but I miss Palace on Steps. The little streets are not clean but I miss the cows, monkeys, parrots and the fabulous little shops in the ghats. Palace is not for everyone but if you have a sense of adventure, stay there. Ricky and others were amazingly hospitable. The Ganges will flow into your heart!!!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2019

8/10 Good

Marta, Seattle, US

Traveled with group, Business traveler
Liked: Staff & service
The location is great. Not only it takes about 2 minutes to get to the river, the property has a great terrace to relax, have dinner or drinks and watch the river and activity on the ghats. Some of the rooms have river view as well. The location could not be better. The staff is very helpful, ready to assist with information and schedule activities. We booked a sunrise boat ride and a full day walking tour and both were amazing. Now for the not so great. If you're expecting a Western style level of amenities, you will not find it here, so it depends on your expectations. The rooms have showers but Indian style, which means no cabin or curtain. There is always hot water and there is an overhead shower (which is not always the case in India). If you can deal with that, I highly recommend this hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
First, the reception is very friendly. The hotel, which dates from 1665 and is in a palace facing the Ganges. The best room is probably nr 305. Breakfast is fine (corn flakes, toasts, fruits, boiled eggs and the usual Indian warm dishes). The view on the river is excellent. To access the hotel (which also bears the name Elena), you can climg the stairs from south of Munshi Ghat either direction Shiva Hotel then you turn right or direction Elena Hotel then you turn left. From the city, it's longer and more complex. Take a compass and head East from a point named Lahiri Mahasaya Samadhi. It's a small lane where only pedestrians, bikes - and sacred cows - can enter. It's about 150-200m. Follow Shiva, Elena or Palace on Steps signs. Near the hotel, you'll cross an alley with a few "Western" restaurants and tourist stores. Thrre's even a cake shop in the same street, which runs N-S parallel to the river. There are monkeys that play on the hotel terraces and in a big tree (the tree is a useful landmark from the ghat). In short, a good hotel with a great view and fine service.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Super staff! They helped us by showing around the pathways and shops to taking us to a very good physician nearby. Very friendly and accommodating to our needs. Place is well located on the ghats, simple, clean. Great river views. Breakfast also good.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

6/10 Okay

Subir, Kolkata

Liked: Staff & service

Great river view

Strongest point is it's location. Not good for elderly because it's 1 km walk from main road and a steep climb of 50 steps from ghat. Food is good. Staff very helpful. AC and electricity is terribly bad. Frequent disruption of AC expected. View from rooms is great.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

marian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Recommend for its location.

Fabulous old building overlooking the Ganges. We were given the two best rooms as hotel was quiet. Amazing views & location. Rooms & bathroom quite tired, but if improved the hotel would be much more expensive. Staff very helpful. Food fantastic & served in a prime spot overlooking the Ganges. Network of narrow lanes to get to the hotel from the main road. Help given to carry our bags to the hotel avoiding motorbikes & the odd cow on the way.

8/10 Good

YS, Seoul. Korea.

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Very good to see The Ghat and Ganges River.

Perfect location to take a look and get to the Ghat and River. People are very kind and helpful. Hot shower and A/C are available. River viewing room has many flying bugs and a monkey got into my room through open door to Balcony and take my foods. hahaha. Have fun with bugs gecko rizard and monkey!!! One big problem was my big baggage could not be trolled myself coz too long, narrow and dirty corridor from the circle.

8/10 Good

KARUNAKARAN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location / Great staff

Palace on Steps is right on the Ganges at the heart of action in Varanasi. Hotels in this region can't be accessed by vehicle and therefore it is vital to pre-book an airport pick up via the hotel. The reception staff are fantastic and try their hardest to make our stay as comfortable as possible and to help arrange tours locally. The Maharajah suite is awesome with fantastic views over the Ganges. The roof top restaurant is fairly priced with a decent menu selection

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The people there were very helpfull, the location was good, quiet and close to the Gange.

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Interesting experience

Let's be clear, this place is definitely not a palace. It is a set of concrete rooms. We booked and received what was, absolutely, a basic room. Very basic in fact. Shabby with small beds and a small attached shower / wc room. The floor was spotless to be fair and had been disinfected just before we got there. But the paintwork in the room needed cleaning. The bathroom mould needed a ton of bleach. The room was bland and had no proper window as it was an internal room. I imagine some of the rooms are better and have great views as the establishment is literally on the bank of the Ganges. This is it's strongest point. It is in a great location. Easy to get anywhere in town or on the river on foot in a couple of minutes. Dreamlike architecture nearby. A little haunting actually. The guys that work there are friendly. We found one of them, Deepak I think, particularly nice. There is a rooftop canteen surrounded by a cage to keep the monkeys out. One disturbing thing is that access to the area from the river end of town is up a very steep set of stairs which is covered and also unlit. In the daytime it is simply dark and people sleep on the steps. At night it is black and full of dogs

2/10 Terrible

jayant, lucknow

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Worst hotel stay

Bad complementary food. Standard rooms are worst. Only plus point is location nothing else. Bad experience.

6/10 Okay

Steve, England

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness

Fantastic view from my room

If you have a room overlooking the river then this a place well worth staying

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service

2/10 Terrible

Shyam, New Delhi

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Proximity to Ghats : 10/10, Cleanliness : 0/10

While the hotel is "Just On the Ghats" and great from a locational perspective, everything else is terrible : a) Access : You need to walk with your luggage for at least 15 minutes b) Cleanliness : I stayed for 2 nights, they never cleaned the room during my stay, despite repeated reminders; I received similar feedback from other inmates ( both Indian and International guests ) c) Restaurant : The food is good, but the place is infested with stray monkeys. Added to this are the pet dog and its puppy - while they are cute, looks like they are not fed, so they come and pull your plate of food when you are eating. Overall, a horrible place to stay. Never Go there !

4/10 Poor

shubham, Mumbai

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

shoddy beds, few rude staff

Location: great because it's on riverside. Terrible because you have to walk at least 1.5 km through narrow confusing and hopelessly dirty lanes to reach there as no transport is allowed. Service : Some staff were rude. Most of them were illiterate villagers.Esp rude to East Asian foreigners. Food quality was pathetic as the kitchen staff were not at all trained. Kitchen was very dirty. I didn't feel like eating out of the plates and glasses they served in. YET, I can say that the city that Varanasi is, this hotel would still qualify as a better one.