Zostel Rishikesh (Tapovan)

A Memorable Stay at Zostel My recent stay at Zostel was nothing short of wonderful, and I'd like to highlight a few key aspects that made it so enjoyable. First and foremost, the staff's hospitality was exceptional. Mr. Rahul at the reception deserves a special mention. From the moment I checked in, he was incredibly friendly and welcoming. He went above and beyond to ensure I had all the information I needed about the property and the surrounding area. His warm demeanor and helpful nature truly set a positive tone for my entire visit. The food at the Zostel cafe was another major highlight. I was consistently impressed by the quality and flavor of every dish I tried. The menu offered a good variety of options, and everything was prepared with care. Whether it was for a quick snack or a full meal, the cafe provided a delicious and satisfying experience. Finally, the cleanliness of the rooms was impeccable. It's clear that the Zostel team takes great pride in maintaining a high standard of hygiene. My room was spotless, and the common areas were also kept neat and tidy. This attention to detail made me feel comfortable and at ease throughout my stay.

We stayed 3 nights at Zostel Tapovan. We'd booked a deluxe twin room and when we arrived had to ask specifically for the beds to be separated and made up. The overall cleanliness of the room left much to be desired, especially the bathroom. There is hardly any water pressure, so we had to have a bucket shower. Most of the electrical outlets do not work including the hair dryer in the bathroom. The remote controls all need new batteries. Despite staying 3 nights, they never replenished drinking water and we had to ask for more toilet paper. However, the most irritating part was the noise. We were on the 4th floor and every night there was loud live music, pushing of chairs on the floor, constant banging, we couldn't sleep. We were told the rooftop bar/restaurant was only open until 11, but the noise went well into the morning hours every night. On our final night our neighbours were listening to loud music, singing, slamming doors and there was no concern or action from the hostel staff. It's not cheap and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I feel like they are trying to portray a high end hotel, but behaving like a backpackers. You can find much better value for money elsewhere.

This was one of my best experiences ever, the rooms were clean, the staff was very friendly and helpful. I stayed in a 6 room female dormitory and my stay was amazing, I made some good friends. Their cafe on the rooftop was amazing, loved the food and the vibe. I would definitely recommend this to solo traveller specially female ones, it is very safe and one of the best hotels in Rishikesh.

I stayed here for 4 days with my friends, expecting a good vibe and a relaxing experience, as the place is known for its atmosphere. However, this time the stay was extremely disappointing due to the behavior of the receptionist, Rahul. He was rude, unprofessional, and confrontational every time there was a minor issue or misalignment. It really ruined the overall experience. I would not recommend this place to anyone unless the management addresses this seriously and replaces such unprofessional staff. A beautiful property deserves better front desk handling.

The property was well-maintained and clean. The café offered a wide variety of food options. The room was spacious and equipped with all essential amenities. The common area was a great place to relax.

This stay was truly enchanting, with breathtaking views and a serene nighttime vibe. We lucked out with a last-minute booking in a spotless six-person dormitory, complete with AC and a sparkling clean washroom. However, the lack of an elevator was a workout — especially since the food court is on the fifth floor. By the time you reach your room, you might have already burned off the delicious meal you just had (silver linings, right?). The staff did mention plans for a lift, so fingers crossed for that upgrade. Speaking of food, every dish was a hit — worth every step of the mini mountain trek. Overall, a delightful experience with top-notch service and stunning scenery. Perfect for a relaxing escape (and a leg day workout).

This place came to me as a saviour. I’ve known and stayed at Zostel earlier but this was a first visit to tapovan and little did I know how space and safety is paramount here. After switching two pathetic hostels I landed here and took a sigh of relief. Clean. Big. Hospitable. Amazing staff. All kind. Cleaning every day. Nothing is dirty or has a stench. The rooftop is an even better vibe. Rahul and team are absolutely great. I’d stay here again without second thoughts.

Pros——- 1. Went solo but met amazing group of people here. 2. Garden and rooftop cafe is a perk. 3. Good and happy vibes. 4. Friendly staff. 5. Well-furnished dorms, spacious, ventilated. 6. Good view from balcony. 7. They organised a walk to Sai ghat. Told interesting stories. Should organise more such outdoor and in-house activities. 8. Felt safe for women. Cons——- 1. Inhouse cafe is on 5th floor. Property has no lift. So climb to terrace everytime you are hungry. 2. Bad wifi connectivity in the property. Only works in the reception area. Not suitable for WFH. 3. Female dorm was stinking very badly for some reason, despite daily cleaning. 4. Drinking water tasted funny. 5. Food was on expensive side, as compared to other Zostels. 6. Common areas and seating spaces should be cleaned better and more frequently. 7. Blanket covers were not changed after previous guest left. Floor mats and rugs were also very dirty.