Varanasi’s cheapest hotel with a swimming pool, Surya has standard three-star Indian rooms, but a modern makeover means the luxury rooms in particular have been tightened up a bit, with stylish new furnishings, upholstery and balconies.
Value here is palpable, as all is built around a huge lawn area that includes a colourful lounge-style bar and cafe flanked by a gorgeous, nearly 200-year-old heritage building (the former stomping grounds of a Nepali king), where the excellent Canton Royale is housed. There's also the good (but smoky) Mangi Ferra bar and the Aristo Spa.