Standard Accomodation

Standard Accomodation

“Standard accommodation” in Bhutan generally refers to 3-star hotels. Due to Bhutan’s “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy and the historical Minimum Daily Package Rate (which, while changed for the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), still influenced tourism infrastructure), there has been a strong emphasis on maintaining a certain quality for tourist accommodation.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from standard accommodation in Bhutan:

1. Star Rating System:

• Bhutan has a National 5-Star Rating System for hotels.
• Traditionally, tour operators were required to provide guests with a minimum of 3-star accommodation.
• Recently, the Department of Tourism has extended the system to include 1-star and 2-star categories, and hotels below 3-star are now allowed to cater to tourists if they meet minimum standards and are certified. However, the majority of “standard” tours still lean towards 3-star properties.

2. What defines a 3-star (Standard) Hotel in Bhutan:

• Cleanliness and Comfort: You can generally expect clean, comfortable, and tastefully decorated rooms.
• Basic Amenities: Rooms typically come with:
  • Comfortable beds
  • En-suite bathrooms with hot water (though plumbing might sometimes have quirks or hot water availability might be limited to certain times of the day, especially in more remote areas).
  • Television
  • Telephone
  • Electricity (though power outages can occur, especially in more rural areas).
  • Free Wi-Fi (though connectivity and speed can vary).
• Heating: Central heating is not always available, especially in older or more remote properties. Heaters (electric radiators or traditional bukhari stoves) are generally provided, but it’s wise to pack layers and warm clothing, especially for cooler months.
• Dining: Meals are often served buffet-style, offering a variety of simple Western, Bhutanese, Indian, and sometimes Chinese dishes.
• Service: You can anticipate a warm welcome, friendly service, and a generally comfortable and restful environment after a day of sightseeing.
• Location: Standard hotels are widely available in main tourist destinations like Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. As you travel further east or into more remote regions, the options become more limited and can be more basic.

3. Beyond Standard (Luxury and Budget):

• Luxury (4-star and 5-star): These properties offer a higher level of comfort, amenities, and often more refined dining experiences (à la carte menus, fine dining). They might include spas, yoga classes, traditional hot stone baths, and archery demonstrations. International chains like Amankora, COMO Uma, Zhiwa Ling, Le Meridien, and Taj Tashi fall into this category. They are primarily located in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, with a few in other regions like Gangtey.
• Budget (1-star and 2-star / Guesthouses): These are more basic, offering simpler facilities and sometimes shared bathrooms, though they must still meet minimum standards set by the Department of Tourism.
• Farm-stays & Home-stays: These offer a unique cultural experience, allowing you to stay with a local family in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. Facilities are very basic, often with mattresses on the floor, and may lack internal bathrooms or continuous running water/electricity. Hot water can be provided in a basin. These are increasingly popular for those seeking a more immersive experience.
• Camping: For trekkers, tents and necessary camping equipment are provided.

4. Cost of Standard Accommodation:

• Prior to the revised tourism policy, accommodation was included in the Minimum Daily Package Rate (MDPR).
• Currently, with the change to the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), the cost of accommodation is no longer bundled and needs to be arranged separately.
• Standard 3-star hotels in Bhutan can range from USD 60 to USD 100 per night, though prices can vary based on location, season, and specific hotel. For example, some sources show average 3-star hotel prices in Thimphu around ₹ 4,126 (approx. USD 50) per night, with cheaper options available, and 4-star hotels around ₹ 9,742 (approx. USD 117).

When planning your trip to Bhutan, your tour operator will typically arrange your accommodation in certified hotels that meet the required standards, usually aiming for 3-star properties unless you specifically request an upgrade to luxury or a more basic/homestay experience.