Testimonials
Date of Posting: 26 June 2011, Posted By: Shangri-La Hotel Testimonials
Judging by the trends in Nepal tourism during the early 90s, Racael and Duncan Baker could see there was promise for upscale accommodation even along the popular trekking routes. Closer to the trails and preferring the ambiance of Pokhara, they set up shop there. Even as the Shangri-La Village was just coming up, they knew theirs would be a partnership made in the Himalayas.
In 1992, Ker and Downey started with 3 luxury lodges in the foothills of the Annapurnas, We wanted to make sure clients who come to trek with us are comfortable whether on the trail or before or after the trek. So when we saw the Shangri-La Village come up in Pokhara, we knew it would be perfect for our clients. And even before the construction was complete we promised them our business. The casual elegance of the Village fit right in with the style of our lodges: beautiful and comfortable yet with a relaxed atmosphere. Soon they began trekking with us.
Over the years the Shangri-La management became like family to us. We began using the Kathmandu hotel for some our groups who gave us very positive feedback. They loved the service and of course the garden. When Duncan and I found we were spending up to a third of our time in Kathmandu, even we couldn’t resist staying at the Shangri-La!
Date of Posting: 24 June 2011, Posted By: Ker and Downey
André Lüthi has been to Nepal 25 times. So far. His love affair with Nepal was the driving force behind his decision to found Globotrek in 1989. Based in Berne, Switzerland, Globotrek specializes in trekking tours to the Himalayas. As managing director, Lüthi can now come to Nepal even more often than before.
“Namaste, welcome back sir, how are you?” Words that make me feel right at home every time when checking in at Shangri-La, my own little paradise in Kathmandu. What is it that brings me and my trekking groups, with whom I have come to discover the fascination of the Himalayas, its diverse culture and wonderful people, back to Shangri-La time and again? Why am I staying here as a business traveler or with my family and why do I recommend Shangri-La to our clients and everybody else who wants to know where the best place to stay is? Is it the friendliness of the staff? Or could it be the wonderful garden? Or maybe it’s the rooms, which are modest and at the same time appealing and luxurious? Most likely it is a combination of all these factors and much more. It is also the indescribable atmosphere that builds a bridge between the Himalayan ‘way of life’ and my innermost feelings.
May Shangri-La continue to be a place of peace and reflection for future travelers and adventurers. To all the people who have contributed their share to create this wonderful and unique refuge, I offer a hearty dhanebad.
Date of Posting: 24 June 2011, Posted By: André Lüthi
Mick Chapman led his first group, all of two people, trekking into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary in 1977. Today thousands of trekkers, mainly from Australia, have enjoyed the beauty of humble beginnings into one of the world's largest adventure travel specialists. Worldwide, Peregrine, where Chapman is Himalayan Operations Manager, chooses only locally owned hotels with character. which is why he opts for Shangri-La.
In the early days, before Shangri-La was built, our trekkers werw happy with the basic accomodation available in Thamel. It was all part of the experience. But times changed and today, adventure travel doesn't mean having to rough it. Our groups are happy to enjoy basic facilities on the trek but there is no better way to begin and end the experience than at the comfortable, casu, al and relaxed surroundings of the Shangri-La hotels. A quality hotel doesn't have to mean the sterile environment often seen in many of the international 'chain' hotels, especially in Nepal. Shangri-La, for Peregrine, embodies Nepal, local design, space, friendly smiles, freat foor and a beautiful garden. Choosing to be part of the Shangri-La family was and easy decision for us and judging by the feedback from our clients, who have stayed at both the Kathmandu and Pokhara properties, their expectations are far exceeded.
We look forward to continuing our relationship with Shangri-La and we wish you all the best for your Silver Jubilee celebrations.
Date of Posting: 24 June 2011, Posted By: Mick Chapman
Les Clark is a regular long stayer in Nepal. He spends time here on projects related to national parks planning and tourism. Clark's firm is based in New Zealand but he finds himself in Nepal, frequently as a guest at Shangri-La.
I love Nepal and I am lucky my work brings me here. I can be here for months at a time. And I've noticed that Shangri-La has always been a popular choice among long stayer like myself who can be involved with a project for two months or two years, The hotel has the right sort of balance for all.
Everyone loves the garden! It's my haven when I want to escape the Kathmandu bustle. In the evenings you can't find a more pleasant place to think and write, basically wind up the day. The long serving staff are extermly friendly and have a knack for making me feel right at home. And when you spend as much time away from home as I do, it's something that is very well appreciated. It's also a freat place to hold workshops, seminars and meetings. People from all walks of life feel comfortable here.
Date of Posting: 24 June 2011, Posted By: Les Clark
