Accommodation
Accommodation prices vary depending on the season. In Manali, the peak season is from April to June and from mid-September to early November, and then the prices are the highest. At the turn of July and August, accommodation is cheaper by Fr. 60%. The smallest number of tourists comes from December to February (except Christmas). Many hotels are closed during this period. Tourists planning to come to Manali in the winter must take into account an additional expense 50 INR, this is how much an electric stove costs. There should be a tariff for accommodation at the reception desk of all hotels.
Coming to Manali, you need to prepare yourself, that intrusive touts will wait at the bus stop and persuade you to rent the accommodation they offer. Hotels in the city center have the least picturesque location. The western part of Manali is much nicer; Apple trees that still grow here give it a special charm.
If all hotels are already taken, you can rent a house. Because there are more and more hotels, the number of houses for rent is decreasing. In high season, a month's stay costs only 1000 INR. Such a low price, however, is an indicator of very modest conditions.
Accommodation – cheapest Old Manali Looking for accommodation, most tourists choose the quiet Old Manali. To the right of the bridge leading there are several inexpensive hotels. Unfortunately, they take their charm away from the increasing number of modern and much more expensive dormitories. Staying in a Double Room at Rising Moon and River-side Guest Houses costs money 120 INR.
People looking for silence should go left after crossing the bridge. Walk to the New Bridge View Hotel, offering rooms with shared bathroom too 30-40 INR and slightly larger rooms too 50-100 INR. A bucket of hot water costs money 3 INR.
One of the better hotels in the area is Veer Paying Guest House (2410). A night in a room with a private bathroom costs money 50-70 INR, a bucket of warm water 5 INR. Meals can also be ordered on site. The nearby Di-plomat Guest House offers much more expensive, albeit less attractive rooms. The advantage, however, is the beautiful views of the mustard fields and the mountains.
Closest to Old Manali is Hotel Krishna (3071), run by a nice family. Rooms with shared bathrooms cost money 50 INR. Currently, the hotel is being expanded.
Manali One of the cheaper hotels in the city is located on the outskirts of the city center, Sukhiran Guest House. Overnight in a dorm room costs 20 INR, and in a double room 125 INR.
Heading northwest of downtown, we will come to the Kalpana hotel, one of the oldest in the city. You pay for accommodation in the old part of the building 150 INR (room with private bathroom and hot water), newer rooms are rented for 200 INR.
Accommodation – average category
Most mid-range hotels are located near the main street. Virtually every building standing here is a hotel. There are tariffs at the reception; rooms cost approx. 300-400 INR, and after the season 100-200 INR. The most popular places in this part of the city include. Rock Sea, Diamond, Cloud sheet, Chelsea, Same, Shiwalik, Paradise Palaces, Hill View, Mona Lisa i Park View.
At the HPTDC-run Rohtang Manalsu Hotel (tr2332) double rooms are priced at INR 300-50p, and a night in a four-bed room costs money 350 INR. An unquestionable advantage is the wonderful panorama of the area.
The most interesting hotels and guesthouses are situated away from the center. Hotel Tourist (2297), right on the road leading to Old Manali, offers rooms with a balcony, You have a bathroom and hot water too low, as in Manali, the price 400 INR (after season 200 INR).
A bit further, on the same street, the oldest guesthouse in the city is located, John Banons Guest House. The building was formerly the seat of the Rajah. Accommodation costs money 225-450 INR. There is only one single room for rent, some of the double rooms are located in the added segment of the hotel. The same prices are valid all year round.
Accommodation – the most expensive
The most expensive hotel in Manali is the Holiday Inn (2262, fax 3312), 3 km south of the center, on the left side of the river. The price for a stay in a double room with full board is 2800-5000 INR. After the season, prices drop by 30%. The high cost of accommodation guarantees all the comforts.
Hotel Shingar Regency (2252), in the western part of the city, it has double rooms too 1390 INR. It is a bit cheaper on the left side of the river, almost 1,5 km from the center, Manali Ashok (2331). The cost of staying in a double room with a separate living area is from 700 do 1000 INR. An additional attraction are the wonderful views of the snow-capped peaks around Manali. Discounts are available after the season 40%.
Gastronomy
Manali has well-developed catering facilities. Mount View Restaurant is located on the main street. In winter, you can warm up here by the stove standing in the middle. Chinese and Tibetan dishes predominate – we recommend thalumejn soup; the atmosphere is enhanced by music. Closer to the center, on a side street, let's find the Mayur Restaurant (2448). Tourists going for dinner here should reserve a table in advance. One of the tastier dishes is the tandori waved trout 35 INR.
A lot of people come to the slightly smaller Mona Lisa restaurant, famous for its tasty dishes (especially the trout) and good music. Chinese Room, at the post office, specializes in Chinese dishes, Indian and continental.
In the same part of Manali there are two more recommendable restaurants. The first is Swamis Madras, serving only vegetarian dishes. Tasty thali cost you here 30 INR. Opposite Sukhiran Guest House is Moc Restaurant, offering, among others. chicken momo too 30 INR, macaroni singapore for 34 INR and chicken bitches too 55 INR.
One of the few places, in which the atmosphere of old Manali has survived, is Peter's Restaurant, near the Bank State of India. This one is a bit run down, although still a very popular place, mainly visited by tourists heading for the mountains. You can buy homemade jam here, peanut butter, wholemeal bread and muesli. For 100 grams of cheddar cheese have to be paid 70 INR. The words “If you want to take drugs, do it in the woods, not here".
For tourists looking for cheap restaurants, we recommend the traditional dhaba restaurants, clustered on the main street, opposite the tourist office. Kamal is distinguished by a large selection of tasty dishes.
There are also some fairly good restaurants in Old Manali. Ish Cafe is considered the best, by the river, oraz Shiva Garden Cafe. Delicious cinnamon rolls are baked in German Bakery (12 INR), dark bread (18 INR) and a pretty good croissant too 6 INR.