Walking through the spacious grounds and gazing upon Lal Durbar in Durbarmarg, Kathmandu, first built by Bir Shumsher and now transformed into Hotel Yak and Yeti, one can admire its neoclassical architecture, a style favoured by the Ranas. Upon entering, the grand hall, softly lit with pale yellow lights and adorned with portraits of prominent Rana figures, is truly captivating, fit to win an award.

And over the years, Hotel Yak and Yeti, which was established in 1997, has received numerous accolades. This year marked another milestone in its journey, with the hotel winning three awards at The Haute Grandeur Awards 2023.

The hotel bagged a major award at the ceremony this year, winning ‘Best Historical Hotel in Asia’. This award spotlights Hotel Yak and Yeti’s unique ability to blend history with modern luxury seamlessly—allowing guests to immerse themselves in Nepal’s rich heritage while enjoying all the comforts of the present day.

The other two awards won by the hotel are the ‘Best Business Hotel in Nepal’ and the ‘Best Conference Venue Hotel in Nepal’. The former is a testament to its commitment to providing top-notch services and facilities tailored to meet the specific needs of corporate guests, while the latter showcases its flexibility in hosting events of all sizes and occasions.

The Haute Grandeur Awards is an independent initiative which began in 2014 to honour achievements in hotel industries across the globe. What sets it apart from other similar awards is its reliance on quality feedback from guests rather than the quantity of votes by a panel of judges or the general public. With 90 categories, these awards hold a prestigious place in the world of hospitality, reaching 172 countries and seven continents.

According to the award’s website, nominations are open throughout the year, and the hotels can self-nominate via the website. Each nomination undergoes strict evaluation, ensuring that only the most deserving establishments receive these accolades.

Upon nomination, an exhaustive evaluation process begins, utilising various online platforms to collect detailed guest feedback from those who have stayed at the hotel. Several aspects are considered when rating the hotel, including the quality of rooms, dining experiences, overall service, hotel facilities, bar offerings, pricing, internet access, location, ambience, design and concept, wellness amenities, the character and unique feel of the hotel, its online presence on social media, website quality, guest reviews, and photographs.

These awards are a testament to the hotel’s unwavering dedication to enhancing guest experiences, says Monika Scheiblauer, a representative of the hotel. “We are deeply humbled and immensely proud to be recognised by Haute Grandeur with these prestigious awards. This achievement reflects our collective dedication to creating memorable guest experiences, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued guests and dedicated associates whose support has been invaluable,” she expresses, adding that each staff member is equally responsible for this achievement as everyone works very hard to maintain the hotel’s hospitality standards.