The one that stayed.
Mark Twain wrote that Benares is “older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend.” Our small part of it has been kept by one family since 1938.
Since 1916.
The building went up in 1916, raised by a Bengali saint as a stately riverside residence. In 1938, Sundar Das Lakhmani bought it from a departing British officer and opened its doors to travellers as a small bed and breakfast. The Lakhmani family has kept it ever since.
We are not the grandest hotel in Banaras, nor the loudest. We kept our kitchen vegetarian out of respect for the Ganga, and kept a light on for travellers, decade after decade. We are the one that stayed.
Built on the river
Raised by a Bengali saint as a stately residence near Girjaghar Crossing.
The Lakhmani family
Sundar Das Lakhmani buys the house from a British officer and opens it to travellers as a quiet bed and breakfast.
Room to grow
The property expands, adding the multi-cuisine 1916 Café and a function space for gatherings.
Still in the family
Generations on, the Lakhmani family keeps the doors open to travellers from everywhere.
“We strive to ensure your stay in Varanasi is filled with peace, joy, and unforgettable memories.”
— N. Lakhmani
A few steps from the eternal city.
A 10-minute walk from Kashi Vishwanath, at Girjaghar Crossing on the Ganga.