G’day all. Today it’s a look at what was really a great place to stay in the Pakistan city of Bahawalpur, in southern Punjab, a few hours by bus south of Lahore. I stayed at the Hotel One there, which is a hotel chain in Pakistan with a good reputation. I had heard good things about this one and I’d seen a video review of it so I had no hesitation in booking it.

When I booked it online it was a little over $100AUD ($65USD) per night. As with a lot of hotels in Pakistan that you book online, you still pay at the hotel in the local currency. I booked in late 2022 but stay in February 2023, and in the time between booking and arriving the Pakistani Rupee had fallen considerably and I paid around $83AUD, or $54USD. All in all it was excellent value for money.

This was undoubtably the best hotel I have stayed in in my two trips to Pakistan. The only downside was the location, which was a long way from the centre of town but if I had flown in it would have been useful as the airport was pretty much next door.

Importantly, I was able to organise my touring of the area/Bahawalpur from the hotel (I visited the Cholistan Desert and Uch Shariff) and they did a great job. I was needing to do them on a budget, and they gave me a couple of options one that was well within what I had hoped to spend on the tour.

I managed to get to Hotel One from the bus station by myself. Many visitors have found that the police find them at the bus station. Security is needed in Bahawalpur and southern Punjab – not because it’s dangerous, it’s just a regulation they have. It costs the visitor nothing. But it can be a hassle especially at first when the police organise and find out what you’re planning to do. The hotel or my tour operator organised my guy which was great it made it all so much easier.

The room – well I was upgraded to the suite which was great. It was so spacious, and nice and quiet, there was a living space with couches and TV as an entrance area. Then the bedroom, a smaller side rule, and then a very spacious bathroom. The hot water was not turned on when I arrived and I thought there was something wrong with it.

Decent WiFi, very comfortable bed, desk space as well, two tvs (!) and as I have said, so much space! And then wonderful staff and management, breakfast included – in Pakistan you can expect a few local choices (mostly curry) but also toast, jam and the like which gives you something to start your day with.

The little restaurant was really good and did room service meals as well as meals in the restaurant. A mixture of Pakistani and western dishes. I was happy to eat there. Especially as eating in town would have required a police officer! It was clean, friendly, excellent service, loads of room – all you can ask for really!

Andy’s Ratings:

Location: 2.5/5

Cleanliness: 4.5/5

Noise: 4.5/5

Service: 4.5

Value For Money: 4/5

Total: 20/25 (80/100)

Thanks for popping by! May the Journey Never End!