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Nilay House

Varanasi, India
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This charming boutique homestay sits just a two-minute walk from Assi Ghat, where the river Assi meets the Ganges, making a popular spot for pilgrims.
With both single and double options available, its attractive, air-conditioned rooms are defined by handmade decorations and vintage paintings as well as an array of books, magazines and snacks. Elsewhere, there’s a balcony for sunkissed contemplation and a tearoom serving meals and homemade cakes and a small shop specialising in local handicraft, while staff are on hand to offer insider travel tips for the surrounding region.
Nilay House - Luxury hotel
Nilay House - Luxury hotel
Nilay House - Luxury hotel
Nilay House - Luxury hotel
Nilay House - Luxury hotel

What we love

    • An in-house shop sells cute notebooks and handmade stamps.
    • It’s well located for reaching the riverside.
    • Nilay House also offers seven-day spiritual retreats.

The style here is heartfelt and handmade rather than ultra luxe.

With just four rooms in total, it’s an intimate affair, but all the more charming as a result.

For those travelling in family groups, it’s worth noting that there are just double and single rooms available, with minimal facilities for younger children.
Nilay House champions local arts and crafts, while its shop also stocks products from local brands and designers.
Nilay House is a two-minute walk from Assi Ghat in Varanasi.

What our travellers say

We went to Sri Lanka as a three-generation family of three. The superb trip was organised by Samanthie and the team and it's difficult to see how it could have been bettered.
Roy Wood (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
Red Dot organised the most wonderful 3-week holiday for us. Samanthie built a trip around the amazing sights we had requested visiting, together with her own suggestions and a wide mix of hotels, which gave us the flavours of both traditional Sri Lanka and the sleek, stylish contemporary version of the country. Our Driver made the whole experience incredibly special for us.
Alie C (February 2026) Read the whole review here Trip Advisor
I can’t thank Cherylle and the Red Dot team enough for their meticulous planning of our family holiday to India travelling through Rajasthan over Christmas. As a family of all adults, every suggestion from daily activities to hotel choices was simply perfect. We travelled through Delhi, Ranthambore (an unforgettable tiger safari!), Jaipur and Agra and I truly feel we experienced the very best of each destination while moving at a relaxed, well thought out pace
Daisy Stanton (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
My partner arranged a holiday trip at fairly short notice to Sri Lanka with Red Dot on a recommendation, Samanthie was so patient & helpful with her suggested itinerary which we followed with some minor amendments. On arrival at Colombo we met Manjula our chauffeur/guide who was absolutely brilliant!
Andrew S (February 2026) Read the whole review here Trip Advisor
Dulmini and the Red Dot Team arranged a fantastic trip for us around Assam and North East India. Faultless service. I cannot recommend them more highly.
Martin Thomas (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
Wonderful company. Our holiday in Sri Lanka was perfect. Local knowledge made all the difference
Sandra Nicholson  (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
We looked up, and communicated with umpteen tour operators. Though Red Dot seemed to have offices in Sri Lanka and the UK, they seemed to have the best reviews. We were fortunate enough to correspond with Cherylle, who not only assured us of the safety of our friend, but created a personalised, and flexible, itinerary which we could not have done ourselves.
Jayant Banerji (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
A 14-day tour with Red Dot Tours was the perfect antidote to the bleak UK winter. After a glowing recommendation from a friend, we contacted Red Dot Tours and were not disappointed. Our consultant, Lahiru, curated a seamless itinerary. Throughout the planning phase, Lahiru was incredibly responsive; the final itinerary—delivered via a user-friendly 'Guest Portal'—was impressively detailed, covering every hotel stay and excursion.
Phil Blair ( February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
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