Any recommendations? I've stayed Kathmandu Guest House before ( ten years ago) but understand its gone downhill now. It would be nice to stay somewhere decent before and after the trek.
I agree the KTM Guest House is not as good as it was (overpriced compared to comparable quality of accommodation and poor customer service).
In Thamel, Hotel Great Wall offers better standards of accommodation and is cheaper than KTH GH; $10 for a single (negotiated on arrival rather than the advertised, pre-booked rate - and in high season).
For a cheaper hotel you could consider Hotel New Florid for $3 for a single - might be on the wrong side of your "decent" but the guys who work there are good fun and showed me some colourful local life beyond Thamel. It's in North Thamel - turn left out of KTH GH, past the Garuda, right at the chowk and first left - still accessible for Thamel's delights but down a quiet sidestreet (perhaps less quiet now than in 07).
Hotel Garuda is also worth considering - midway between the above for price and quality with mountaineering connections - lots of expdition photos on the walls. You might want to avoid the rooms at the front because of noise - late night music and early morning barking dogs. Have not stayed there since 02 though.
If you don't want the vibe/noise/facilities of Thamel go slightly further north to Paknajol for some good options (according to friends): KTM Garden House and Tibet Peace Guest House. Still walkable to Thamel though.
I stayed for a night in the Tibet Peace GH last month and thought is was pretty poor - no toilet paper, one threadbare towel between the two of us, lavatory seat not attached etc. Amazed that LP give it an "author pick".
We spent the rest of our time in a hotel/guest house at the end of the lane that is opposite Shona's Gear Rental. Cannot remember the name now, but it was at the very end on the left. Quiet, very clean, plenty of hot water. Rooms were Rs900/night. There was no restaurant but to get to the GH you have to pass the Gaia resturant which did good breakfasts for less than Rs200.
There's three other GHs on the opposite side of the lane if you don't like the one we were in.
