Best Hotels in Pakistan
The hotel situation in Pakistan is much like what you can expect from other South Asian countries: there are hotels, hostels, and guesthouses for every type of budget. It is possible to find a $2/night room that looks like it has not been cleaned in a decade and there are also ultra-luxury 5-star hotels on the other end of the spectrum.
In recent years Pakistan has also seen a boom in the development of unique cottages, eco-lodges, and atmospheric cabins as well – which have elements of local culture integrated into the construction.
Personally, I tend to go for an option somewhere in the middle of the road when it comes to budget.
Whatever your ideal accommodation is, this list of the best hotels in Pakistan has something for everyone including the hotels that I have enjoyed personally over the years.
At a Glance: The Best Hotels in Pakistan
Mountain Story
One-of-a-kind cottages with stunning views of the Hunza valley, Rakaposhi Peak, and one of the few places in the area with a true mountain lodge vibe.
Backpackers Hostel & Guesthouse Islamabad
This hostel and its hosts will make you feel right at home and the communal space is truly a place to meet new friends and get to know people.
Islamabad Serena Hotel
This is without a doubt Pakistan’s most illustrious hotel where your every need will be catered to. The facilities are world-class and the service even more so.
Hotel Red Line
This is as close as you can get to the airport without sleeping in the departure lounge. The hotel is basic and convenient with easy access to the airport.
Pearl Continental Hotel
A 5-star stay that is a destination in itself. The property has everything from a cinema to tennis courts and horse riding, all the bells, and whistles of a fancy hotel stay. .
Breakdown: The Best Hotels in Pakistan
Let’s take a closer look at the good, the better, and the budget-friendly hotels around the country. Some are smack bang in the middle of the largest cities and others overlook remote valleys in the north.
Whatever you are looking for, you are bound to find it in Pakistan and these are some of the best hotels to look at.
Mountain Story Resort
$$$ | 4-star | Mountain Views | Restaurant On-site | Sun Terrace
I had been coming to Hunza for years before I discovered Mountain Story. Now it is rare that I venture to Hunza without staying here for a stint. On multiple occasions – staying for 1-2 weeks here to get work done in between adventures has been great.
My friends and the masterminds behind Mountain Story – Atif and Asma – have created something truly special here. There is just a vibe to Mountain Story that you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Each cottage is thoughtfully designed with homey details, a wood-fire heating stove, and comfy beds. The grounds of Mountain Story have a different look each season too – with fruit trees and poplars showing different colors depending on the time of year.
The cafe area is a great place to relax, plow through emails (if the wifi is working well that day), or just chill out and sip Americanos. There is even a wood top bar where occasionally beverages stronger than chai have been known to pass across (suspenseful music plays as you ponder that thought).
Between the great staff, delicious food, and stunning views – there is not enough space in this section to describe how cool Mountain Story is. If you have a bit of extra funds in your budget – stay here for a few nights – you won’t regret it.
Islamabad Serena Hotel
$$$ | 5-star | Lots of Security | On-site Restaurant | Rooftop Pool
The Serena Hotel in Islamabad is the most expensive hotel in the country but with its reputation for excellent service and luxury living, this is no surprise. Your stay starts off with a free airport shuttle, arriving in style. You will quickly make your way to the glamorous rooftop pool or head to the spa for some relaxation time.
Curl up in their plush bathrobes and enjoy the massive rooms, stylishly decorated with lavish furniture, dark wood details, and regal fabrics. The rooms also come complete with minibars, satellite TV, and air-conditioning.
In the mornings, you can start your day right with a filling buffet breakfast (truly, it is so good) and the restaurant serves elevated local dishes and a mixture of western cuisine the rest of the day. The service is impeccable and you will struggle to find anything more luxurious anywhere in the country.
Backpackers Hostel & Guest house Islamabad
$ | no star rating | Run by travelers | Fast Free Wi-Fi | Breakfast Available
Pakistan has a solid selection of budget accommodation options but for cutting costs, you are often met with very basic facilities, sometimes a little grime, and little to no extras. This hostel in Islamabad on the other hand offers you fantastic rooms; clean, spacious, and beautifully furnished.
There is also a great communal space where you can relax, read a book, play a board game, and meet like-minded travelers. You can make use of the fully-stocked kitchen but there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance.
The property is very clean and the staff are incredibly helpful. It is a great social environment and people from all walks of life come through their doors.
Pearl Continental Hotel, Bhurban
$$$ | 5-star | Close to Bhurban Helipad | Mountain Views | Restaurant
This is one of the more remote hotels northeast of Islamabad, overlooking the Kashmir Valley. It is a destination in itself and honeymooners will love all the activities available at the property.
The rooms are spacious with sofa seating and suites also include a dining area. Rooms are flooded by warm natural light, complementing the earth tones throughout the hotel. Each room also has flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms.
Some of the great couples’ activities include: playing a game of tennis, lounging by the pool, taking a horseback ride, or relaxing in the hot tub. There are multiple cafes and restaurants on-site, offering everything from light pastries to indulgent barbeque dishes.
And who doesn’t love a panoramic mountain view over their morning cup of coffee?
The Nishat Hotel Johar Town
$$ | 5-star | Close to Emporium Mall | Swimming Pool | Restaurant
This spot ranks as one of the nicest in Lahore and is situated in the upscale neighborhood of Johar Town. From the first moment you step into the marbled foyer with intricate lighting design and shiny chrome finishes, you will know you have arrived.
The rooms are modern, romantic, and spacious and some even come with large seating areas and sweeping views of the city. Everything from the bespoke toiletries to the marble fireplaces oozes luxury and elegance.
There is a modern indoor pool with loungers and a well-equipped fitness center. They offer a free airport shuttle and rooms come standard with a minibar. No detail goes unnoticed either. From fresh flowers in your room, to welcome drinks and a sendoff note. It is those kinds of small details that make this a perfect couple’s destination.
Mövenpick Hotel Karachi
$$$ | 5-star | Close to Bagh-e-Jinnah | 4 Dining Facilities | Outdoor Pool
While you might think five-star accommodation is not always family-friendly, the staff at Mövenpick Hotel will go above and beyond to accommodate your needs. The hotel is also perfectly located close to various family-friendly attractions like Clifton Fish Aquarium and the National Museum.
Larger suites are generously spaced with large sofas, dining areas, and child safety locks. Kids will also love the outdoor swimming area, 24-hour snack shop, and Italian pastry shop. Two more restaurants offer authentic Lebanese, Pakistani, and international food.
Extras like the free airport shuttle help make your trip planning a breeze. Massages can be arranged if mom and dad need a little break too! Rooms have minibars and you can enjoy room service as well as breakfast which is included in your price.
Hotel Red Line
$ | no star rating | Close to Quaid-e-Azam International Hospital | Free Wi-Fi | Family Rooms
Close to Islamabad airport, the accommodation is limited and you will most probably end up staying closer to the city center. Hotel Red Line is however perfectly situated close to the highway to reduce your travel time within the city. From here it is a 15km drive to the airports and the hotel offers a paid shuttle service.
The rooms are spacious and clean and go up to family size if you are traveling in a larger group. You can also enjoy a continental or à la carte breakfast at the hotel. The larger rooms also have a balcony with a nice city view.
The hotel has all the basic necessities and is perfect for a one-night stay before or after your flight. There are local restaurants within walking distance and you can take a cab easily to get to a wider variety of eateries.
Luxus Hunza
$$$ | 5-star | Close to Attabad Lake | Sun Terrace | Stunning Views
You can search far and wide across the country but nowhere will you find better views than at Luxus Hunza. The remote hotel is built on the edge of Lake Attabad and its vivid blue water and the mountainous backdrop are simply remarkable.
Each room has views from the bed and even from your bathroom and has a private terrace where you can lounge in a comfy chair and soak it all in. This remote location also lends itself to plenty of fun activities like hiking and fishing.
The hotel provides an exceptional level of comfort and no detail goes unnoticed. There is breakfast available and you can also unwind in the large recreational space or on the sundeck next to the water.
The closest airport is quite some drive away though, 53km to be exact. But the hotel adds to its 5-star reputation with a paid airport shuttle for extra convenience.
The Best of the Rest
The Grand Palm Hotel
$$ | 4-star | Near Qaddafi Stadium | Swimming Pool | Fitness Center
Four-star accommodation doesn’t often come at this incredible price point, and when it does, you better grab it with both hands! The Grand Palm is in a great central location in Lahore close to all the major attractions.
The hotel has a massive list of amenities giving you even more bang for your buck. There is a large indoor pool with a poolside bar and a fitness center for guests to use. You can also enjoy a generous continental breakfast in the morning and the restaurant serves delicious traditional meals all day.
The rooms are chic with contemporary design elements and exceed in the comfort department. There are even extra services you don’t often find, like babysitting services, and the all essential, free airport pickup.
The Grand Palm Hotel
$$ | 4-star | Near Qaddafi Stadium | Swimming Pool | Fitness Center
Four-star accommodation doesn’t often come at this incredible price point, and when it does, you better grab it with both hands! The Grand Palm is in a great central location in Lahore close to all the major attractions.
The hotel has a massive list of amenities giving you even more bang for your buck. There is a large indoor pool with a poolside bar and a fitness center for guests to use. You can also enjoy a generous continental breakfast in the morning and the restaurant serves delicious traditional meals all day.
The rooms are chic with contemporary design elements and exceed in the comfort department. There are even extra services you don’t often find, like babysitting services, and all the essentials, free airport pickup.
Rose Palace Hotel
Rose Palace Hotel is in Lahore, a short walk from Liberty Market and Pace Shopping Mall in Lahore. The hotel has rates as low as $28 for large rooms that are exceptionally clean. They are decorated with vibrant velvet linens and bold wallpapers, a welcome relief from clinical white and beige hotel rooms.
There are family rooms large enough for four people, each with a small kitchenette. Other rooms come standard with a minibar. The fitness center is one of the winning features of the hotel and their breakfast is highly rated too.
If you have always dreamt of sleeping in a round bed straight from the swinging 60s, this is your chance. Ask for the executive room to make your vintage fantasies come true!
Esquire Hotels & Apartments
If you are traveling with a large group of people this hotel is perfect. Apartments can house up to six adults comfortably (more on request) and come with fully-equipped kitchens.
There are also deluxe suites for four people and plenty of other room configurations.
It is located in Rawalpindi, Islamabad’s neighboring city. You can reach Giga Mall and AyÅ«b National Park in less than five km and the neighborhood around the hotel is one of the more affluent in the city.
They have a great breakfast that can be served in your room and a restaurant on site. You can also use the fitness center and make use of the airport and city shuttles at extra charge.
Wrapping Up: Best hotels in Pakistan
Pakistan has a massive variety of hotels and some more remote locations only offer very basic accommodations. But there are still plenty of hotels that offer luxury accommodation where all your needs will be met.
Choosing to stay with a hotel chain such as the Serena or Continental Hotels will guarantee you quality service and conveniences. Some boutique stays, like Mountain Story in Hunza, will also go above and beyond to make your stay memorable.
Put Pakistan mostly caters to budget travelers who are looking for short overnight stays before hikes or travels to more remote areas. These can often be misleading from internet images so stick with properties like Backpackers Hostel & Guesthouse Islamabad who have an excellent reputation amongst travelers of all walks of life.
Pakistan is a marvelous country to explore, both in the cities and in the rural areas. Make sure to pick the best possible stay to make your trip comfortable and memorable.