During my initial visit to Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh, in 2006, I was immediately taken by the Asian Plaza Hotel. I remember walking up the hill from the bus stand where we managed to find parking and standing in the middle of the Main Square. The lights from the hotel sign were calling me to step in. So I did. The experience was so good that when we arrived again in 2009, I knew Hotel Asian (As it is referred to) was the only place to lay my bags.

Mcleodganj, a short distance from Dharamsala, is chock full of budget guest houses, HPTDC hotels among other upscale hotels. None of them have the superior location as Asian Plaza. Located right in the main intersection of the Main Square you are in the thick of the action. From the front steps you have a birds eye view of the main roads, shops and shoppers. From the guest rooms you have spectacular views off your private balcony of the Himalayan mountains.

The guest rooms are large, neat and clean, and offer full time running water. Ask for a balcony room if hotel staff doesn’t show one to you upfront. The usual amenities at this price point are here such as laundry service, room service as well as a rooftop restaurant. Since 2006 the TV’s have been upgraded to LCD flat screens adding a bit more floor space for luggage storage.

Parking used to be available inside a small garage attached to the building. However with the construction of a huge new parking garage down the road from the bus stand it appears that is the go-to spot.

View of Main Chowk from hotel

You really have to haggle for a discount as with all hotels in Mcleodganj. Once we were checked in on my most recent visit, one of the hotel staff mentioned if we had worked the front desk gal even harder she would have come down more. The published rate for the room I took is Rs 2400 which was offered, reluctantly, for Rs 2000, tax included.

The hotel staff, outside of the front desk, are terrific. The group of guys they have employed there are genuinely a good bunch. While exploring Dharamsala one of the guys saw us on his day off and stopped to say hello. He was on his way to a wedding in his village but stopped to chat. On the day we checked out another one of the guys we came to know after 3 nights needed a ride to Dharamsala and we were happy to offer. Super guys, super place. Hotel Asian Plaza, a two time winner for me, is where to stay in Dharamsala and nearby.