Hotel · Varanasi · Uttar Pradesh
Hostelavie Varanasi
A 2-star riverside hostel in the Shivala area, a short walk from Assi Ghat and Chet Singh Ghat Palace.
- Rooftop terrace with Ganges and town views
- Free breakfast and sunrise boat tour included
- 24-hour reception and free Wi-Fi throughout
8.5
Great
231 reviews
Booking.com 8.5 · 231 reviews
About
Hostelavie Varanasi
Hostelavie Varanasi sits in the Shivala neighbourhood, about a 5-minute walk from Assi Ghat and the Ganges. The 2-star property offers simple rooms and dorms, a communal courtyard, and a rooftop terrace where guests gather for sunrise and sunset. Free Wi-Fi works in rooms, and the hostel arranges boat rides at a fixed price.
The property is a non-smoking building with a 24-hour reception, currency exchange, car hire, a restaurant, and a game room. Breakfast is included, and guests have access to a shared kitchen. The check-in window runs from 10:30 to 17:00, and check-out is between 09:00 and 10:00.
- Non-smoking property
- Free internet access
- 24-hour reception
- Currency exchange
- Car hire
- Restaurant
In brief
What works, what to weigh
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Strengths
5 reasons to book- Rooftop with Ganges views — Guests consistently praise the rooftop terrace for sunrise and sunset views over the river and the town.
- Fast, reliable Wi-Fi — Unlike many guesthouses in the area, the Wi-Fi works in rooms and is quick, according to several reviews.
- Free breakfast and boat tour — The included breakfast and sunrise boat tour add clear value, with guests calling them highlights.
- Helpful, friendly staff — Multiple reviews highlight the professional, courteous, and accommodating staff, with one name-checking Atul.
- Clean and comfortable rooms — Rooms are described as clean, tidy, and well-kept, with cheerful decor.
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Worth weighing
4 to weigh- Narrow approach lanes — The hostel is located on small, congested lanes, which some guests found slightly inconvenient.
- Limited check-in window — Check-in is only between 10:30 and 17:00, which may be tight for some travel schedules.
- No pets allowed — The property does not permit pets, so travellers with animals need to look elsewhere.
- Breakfast described as decent — While included, the breakfast is called 'decent' and 'enough to fuel up' rather than exceptional.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Family Suite
Family Quadruple Room
- Sleeping arrangements for 4 persons
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- Non-smoking property
- Free internet access
- 24-hour reception
- Currency exchange
Food & Drink
- Restaurant
Activities
- Game room
Transport
- Car hire
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 8.5/10 from 231 reviews
Booking.com · 8.5 · 231 reviews
8.5Verified guest“A wonderful stay over several nights. The staff were professional and the check-in/out was smooth. Rooms were clean and the location was great. The decorated courtyard had a lovely vibe, and my room opened onto it. The rooftop offered a beautiful view of the Ganges and the town. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the free breakfast and sunrise boat tour were highlights. I'd stay again.”
8.5Verified guest“Perfect location close to the Ghatt, easy for tourists. Being on the ground floor was convenient for access. Nice restaurants are a 5–10 minute walk away, letting guests sample local food.”
8.5Verified guest“Three nights here exceeded my expectations. Clean, western-style hostel, and unlike previous places, the Wi-Fi actually worked in the rooms and was fast. The rooftop was perfect for sunrise, and they even served dinner up there. They offered fixed-price sunset/sunrise boat rides, so no haggling needed. Great value with breakfast included, and the common areas were awesome for meeting travelers. The colorful decor gave it a fresh look.”
8.5Verified guest“A pleasant stay with extremely helpful and courteous staff. The ambience was calming and mesmerizing. I even made friends from Spain. Despite the slightly inconvenient location on small congested lanes, the experience was worth the price.”
8.5Verified guest“Convenient location away from noisy areas. Friendly, helpful, and respectful staff. Free laundry service. Nice, clean rooms. Good breakfast and rooftop dining.”
8.5Verified guest“A fantastic few days. The hostel is beautifully designed with plenty of space to relax after exploring the old town. The rooftop was my favorite for sunsets. Free laundry was a bonus. The 4-bed dorm was clean and quiet, though a bit cold—staff brought extra blankets. Breakfast was decent. A lovely boutique-style hostel with friendly staff.”
04 — Location
Getting around Varanasi
The property sits in Varanasi.
Getting oriented: Hostelavie sits in Shivala, about a 5-minute walk to Assi Ghat and the Ganges. The area is lively but the hostel itself is on a quieter lane.
Nearby sights: Chet Singh Ghat Palace, an 18th-century fortress-style structure, is a 6-minute walk away. Panchganga Ghat is about 6 km north.
Eating out: Guests mention several good restaurants within a 5–10 minute walk, perfect for sampling local cuisine.
Boat rides: The hostel offers fixed-price sunset and sunrise boat tours, eliminating the need to haggle with boatmen.
B-3/97 Shivala Nearest Panchkot Raj Bhavan, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221001, India
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 10:30-17:00
- Check-out
- By 09:00-10:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 17 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 10:30 to 17:00, and check-out is between 09:00 and 10:00.
Are pets allowed at Hostelavie Varanasi?
No, pets are not allowed at the property.
Does the hostel provide breakfast?
Yes, a complimentary breakfast is included with your stay.
Is there a sunrise boat tour?
Yes, guests can join a sunrise boat tour along the Ganges, and it's included in the stay.
What is the Wi-Fi like?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and guests report it is fast and works in the rooms.
Is there a rooftop terrace?
Yes, the hostel has a rooftop terrace with views of the Ganges and the town, popular for sunrise and sunset.
Does the hostel offer laundry facilities?
Yes, free laundry service is available, which guests have noted as a bonus.
The bottom line
Hostelavie Varanasi earns its strong rating through a combination of a prime riverside location, reliable Wi-Fi, and genuine hospitality. It's a smart base for exploring the ghats, especially for travellers who value a rooftop view and a well-run hostel with a few basic comforts.
8.5A dependable, well-reviewed riverside hostel in Varanasi
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