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About Hotel Ambassador by ACE Hotels

Your Quiet Room in the City

The Ambassador is an upscale, stand-alone hotel in central Kathmandu located in the lively Lazimpat area. It is owned and managed by a local homegrown hospitality brand-The ACE Hotels. It is perfect for guests wanting to explore the city without going too far. Close to Thamel's bustling alleys and Durbar Marg's upscale shops, the hotel provides a private retreat from the city's rapid growth. Having six on-site dining options at Hotel Ambassador implies a rich culinary experience and also caters to both leisure and business guests.

With contemporary design and local craftsmanship, the Ambassador creates a unique urban atmosphere. The hotel boasts 72 rooms, each featuring triple-glazed windows to enhance comfort, energy savings, and soundproofing. Accommodations cater to diverse guest needs, with the expanded room offerings reflecting Kathmandu's evolving identity, blending modernity with local heritage. In summary, the Ambassador is a luxurious and peaceful escape at the heart of Kathmandu.

The Journey of Hotel Ambassador

A Tale of Vision, Legacy, and Transformation

1954

1961

1963

1978

1986

2013

2017

The Radish Field Dream

Siddhi Bahadur Shakya, a venerable Buddhist Newar jeweler, had spent nearly seven decades mastering his craft. But as he approached his twilight years, he yearned for something beyond his traditional life. He set his sights on Lain-Chaur, known as the “Radish Field,” a plot of land intriguingly close to the Royal Palace, the opulent Rana residences, and the British Residency. This purchase was more than just an acquisition; it was Siddhi Bahadur’s bold leap towards elevating his social standing.

Unfortunately, Siddhi Bahadur passed away soon after, leaving this iconic yet underestimated piece of land to his eldest son, Basanta Bahadur Shakya, then just 35. Little did anyone know, this inheritance would sow the seeds of a legacy that would flourish for generations.

Royal Turn of Events

Spring of 1961 brought a royal spectacle to Nepal. Queen Elizabeth embarked on her first state visit, and King Mahendra was keen on making a grand impression. He chose his elegant Chevrolet Impala limousine to chauffeur the Queen from Sheetal Niwas in Maharajgunj to the British Embassy in Lazimpat. But there was a hitch—the hotel’s grounds and a particularly sharp turn near the embassy posed a challenge for the limousine’s route. In a swift and unexpected move, a section of the hotel’s south-facing tip was carved out to ensure the royal procession went off without a hitch.

A Visionary’s Gamble

Lazimpat, evolving from “Lodging Path” due to its diplomatic residences, was a hub of international activity. Basanta Bahadur, orphaned and with a family of 15 to care for, had a keen eye on Nepal’s nascent tourism potential, and decided to build a ten-room bungalow in the radish field. His decision was met with skepticism, given that his family already resided in Asan Tole, the bustling heart of town. However, Basanta’s foresight was undeniable. The bungalow, designed with western-style architecture, aimed to attract foreign officials and diplomats. Its first resident was Mr. Bell from the British Residency, and young Yogendra Bahadur Shakya, Basanta’s son, often served as his father’s translator during interactions with the tenants.

Embracing Change

Fast forward to 2013, during Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai’s tenure, a citywide road widening campaign necessitated significant changes. The Hotel Ambassador, under the leadership of Yogendra Bahadur Shakya, grandson of Siddhi Bahadur, faced a critical decision. Instead of merely breaking the existing structure, and continuing with a bandaged building, Yogendra opted for a complete rebuild, embodying the belief that “Every Change is an Opportunity.”

Rebirth of an Icon

By 2017, the Hotel Ambassador re-emerged as a 72-room iconic edifice, standing proud with its unique blend of traditional Nepali elements and contemporary design. Special attention was given to triple-glazed windows, ensuring it remained a “Quiet Room in the City” despite its bustling location. The exquisite interiors were crafted under the meticulous eye of Rahul Shakya, Siddhi Bahadur’s great-grandson, merging the rich heritage of the past with the dynamic spirit of the present. From a radish field dream to a symbol of elegance and resilience, the Hotel Ambassador’s journey is a testament to visionary foresight, unwavering dedication, and the embrace of change.