Carving an undeniable identity amidst the dense, chaotic fabric of Thamel, the Aloft Kathmandu features an elevated location atop a shopping complex and a distinctly modern appearance with rhythmic shifts in material and color. Bobby Mukherrji Architects designed a modern-contemporary narrative for the interiors, carefully infused with a local flavor.

This attempt at contextualization is evident in the ballroom, whose ceiling design recalls the vernacular built tradition. Part of the Marriott Group, this successful hotel leverages its design to create an appeal that extends to both international tourists (mostly trekking enthusiasts) and local audiences alike. The main lobby, located on the fifth level and accessed via a 'transitory' lobby on the ground floor, features a sprawling footprint orchestrated into a bar (that transforms from a coffee bar to a spirits watering hole), recreation facilities, and a food pick-up counter, meticulously ticking all the boxes for a young demographic.

The all-day dining space features vibrant flooring and several interactive kitchens, adhering to the overall aesthetic. The crowning glory is the roof-top, which incorporates a heated pool, a pool bar, a lounge bar, and a striking 360-degree view of the city and, on clear days, the distant Himalayas. This floor is often the scene of vibrant, pulsating events. The compact, well-appointed guest rooms weave brand-prescribed features with Nepalese-inspired art, successfully combining contemporary design strengths with unique vernacular charm.