Druk Hotel

It is all about location with the Druk Hotel, as you are literally at the center of town, overlooking the main square of Thimphu. As you will probably spend most of your time in Bhutan in rural settings, the blend of having bustling markets, small restaurants and city life on your doorstep might actually be welcome. The Druk is also great value, so if the budget doesn't stretch to the Taj Tashi or Amankora you can opt for the Druk which is perfectly fine for a few nights.

There are 67 rooms and suites in the Druk, and have been updated to a good standard. The rooms are somewhat small in size, but the suites are really rather large. Expect classic Bhutanese fixtures and fittings, with hand woven carpets and bright, vibrant colors defining the rooms, from a mix of gold, red and green. All bathrooms feature a free-standing bathtub which is ideal for a long soak after a day-walk in the mountains. All rooms have LCD TVs, room service, WiFi, mini bar and a nice selection of toiletries (which you don't always get in lead-in hotels in Bhutan).

Moving downstairs, and you will find the restaurant which offers a mixture of international and Bhutanese cuisine. If you want, the Taj Tashi is only a short walk away, so you could opt to stay here and eat at the Taj. There is also a cozy cocktail bar called Hi Jinks, a mix of shabby-chic and old-world charm (think of sitting on a comfortable leather sofa, glass in hand). There is also a small fitness center, sauna, steam room and they offer massages.

Don't expect the world with the Druk - it very much offers what is says on the tin at a good price. Being in the center of town, you might well hear the odd wild dog bark at night, and if you are a light sleeper then the Druk is not the hotel for you. The staff are polite and friendly, although don't expect the world from them. Overall, the Druk offers excellent rooms for the price it charges and a great location if you like to wander out and see local city life.