Shanti Guesthouse in Varanasi … Not happy at all with guesthouse. When we arrived they had only one room left and it was really expensive. We took it anyway and it was extremely bad value -- the shower was caked in limescale and there were ants all over the place. It wasn't worth half the price. The hotel manager is completely unhelpful and rude and a rip off merchant. Their so-called book exchange is an excuse for them to charge a fortune for the privilege of making an exchange. The electricity was off in the hotel most of the time so we couldn't even use the air conditioning we'd paid so much for.
Aurangabad Youth Hostel in Maharashtra … Pretty sketchy place, with a decent downstairs, but terrible beds and bathrooms. I highly doubt that they are really a member of YHA. Maybe they had membership when it opened two decades ago, but it's not up to standards now.
I called the night before, and they opened the door early (6 a.m.) since I was arriving on an overnight train from Mumbai. You can walk to here from the station; it's about a 30-minute walk.
Shanti Guesthouse in Varanasi … If you want to be ripped-off this guesthouse is the place to be! They have a way of owing you money by saying that haven't got the exact change, then when you ask for it back they deny all knowledge.
Aurangabad Youth Hostel in Maharashtra … This place has very strict rules. The gate closes at 10, checkout time is at 9 a.m. (after that you aren't allowed to stay in the hostel), no non-residents are allowed in the hostel, and the "dining" room closes at 8 p.m. I spent three nights there and I was happy to leave. Highly not recommended!
Ganpati Guesthouse in Varanasi … the better in varanasi! Clean room, good welcome, happy team, wonderful view on Ganga river, quiet place!
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