ehrosenberg
Google
Overall, breathtaking valley views, world-class warm hospitality, delicious food, and sense of place make this one of the best luxury hotels I've ever stayed at.||I've been to 43 countries, but I'll never forget Gangtey Lodge. It was the highlight of my entire week-long Bhutan trip (which says a lot because Bhutan is such a magical country).||As I was warned when I arrived, the only problem I'd have was that I booked for only 2 nights. I'd recommend guests to stay for 3-5 nights since for the rest of my trip I regretted leaving so soon.||Honestly, I have *nothing* bad to say about Gangtey Lodge.||This hotel is ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small families with older children who appreciate nature and spirituality. Still, I don't think it's a good fit for larger tour groups since the vibe is quiet and boutique, and there's less common space to gather.||I stayed 100% for free using 105k Hilton points per night via Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) and still got all the same included amenities of paying guests such as half-board. Just make sure to contact the hotel before booking with points since availability with Hilton isn't accurately displayed, which I think is an issue caused by SLH and Hilton's recent partnership.|||HOSPITALITY|The staff are so warm, thoughtful, and proactive in everything they do. From offering you a heated neck pad when you sit on the terrace, to singing a lovely welcome song, to lighting the fireplace and preparing the room for your arrival, there's so much attention to detail that you just don't see elsewhere.||The General Manager Gustini brings the utmost level of professionalism and thoughtfulness to the hospitality experience. She has elevated service to an art form. The fact that she has decades of hospitality management from Aman Resorts, widely seen as #1 in the world for boutique hospitality, clearly shows.||She also proactively connected me to the GM of another hotel I wanted to visit and is overall very informative and helpful.|||ROOMS|First of all, the valley views from the rooms are absolutely stunning. The fact that there's a bathtub outside the bathroom and next to the window really heightens the experience.||Overall, the rooms are so warm, comfortable, and cozy with the fireplace (that the staff will light for you whenever you ask), melding traditional elements with modern touches. The heated flooring was a very nice touch! There's a lot of really thoughtful design that went into the room layout.||I did have to do some work and take some calls, so the staff brought me a chair, and I worked from the bathroom counter. The wifi was solid, and while the setup sounds awkward, it was actually perfectly fine.||There's no separate spa area, but they'll do the spa treatments in your room. Since I didn't book any treatments, I can't comment on anything other than the complimentary 5 min. shoulder/neck massage they gave in the main lodge at check-in, which was a nice welcome.||There are 12 rooms overall spread across 2 wings (each with 2 floors) on different sides of the main common lodge area.|||DINING|As a vegan, Chef Bernard went far out of his way to attend to my needs, checking on me throughout my stay. While I never got to meet her/him, the pastry chef made some really tasty vegan cakes, cookies, and chocolates for me. I couldn't get enough of the avocado chocolate cake at breakfast - so good!||I don't drink alcohol, but I ordered a few mocktails, and they were all well-done and customized to have no sugar.|||ACTIVITIES|The included options of visiting the local shedra (Buddhist college) for evening prayers with 200 monks and playing traditional bamboo bow archery and darts were awesome. Special thanks to Tashi for leading these with warmth, knowledge, and patience.||I didn't get to try the mountain bikes or get dressed up in local dress, but I'd definitely do these things next time.||Also, I chose to do off-property activities with my own guide. Hiking through the serene valley, seeing the black-necked cranes (season Oct-Mar), and visiting the local monastery are must-do's. I'm sure Gangtey Lodge can facilitate all these activities and more if you ask.