Taj Palace Houseboat

Never ever think of staying at this houseboat. The owner (a female) is the least mannered person I came across throughout my Kashmir Trip. These are the people who tarnish the image of Kashmir in the eyes of tourist. Be ready to shell out your money every time you want to reach or step off from the houseboat as you have to take paid shikara ride which the owner will lure you to be cheapest one. The female (Alina) at the reception is decent but the female owner, who is only approachable through call, is the most disgusting person. She will argue with you for every little things. Your stay at the houseboat will the worst nightmare as there is no basic amenities like hot water, clean bedsheets, electric blanket, and good wifi coverage. The owner will give lame reasons for whatever complaint you have. I was charged 400 extra forcefully just because I made the mistake while booking online. I was taunted for booking online because as per the female owner, online prices are cheap. ( as if I have set the price myself). Surrounding of the houseboat is complety filthy and full of trashes. The interior itself is of colonial era but the price for the same is of 22nd Century. If you want to spoil you Kashmir trip, go ahead and stay at this houseboat and be ready to face arguing lady owner until you checkout.

Only pros food is okay Rest all cons - Badly maintained, dirty, not well lit damp cold with cobwebs at places in the room - No electric blanket or running hot water in toilet, rooms become freezing in the night - The room door didn't close properly from inside - wifi never worked after repeated attempts - Steps broken , injured self Overall seems to be a very old HB, no upgrade done other than so called useless wifi,no facilities, very poorly maintained - not at all recommended

We stayed in a three-bed room for one night in April 2022. It was bad to begin with. We were told we will be given the front room, but given one at the tail end of the boat. The front was being reconstructed and I wasn't told about him when I had spoken to the owner on the phone. The meals were terrible. Rajma was water and we were given only bread and butter as breakfast. I ordered an omelette which was laden with only oil. There was little hot water and when I informed the owner he got me some in a bucket. I paid 3500 for the room and I feel cheated to say the least. I'm never going back here. As someone who travels often, I prefer honestly. Charge me for what you claim to provide. I will be happy to pay but this was beyond disappointing. I'm deeply sore.

We went in April and were told we will be given lake facing view but given one at the tail end of the boat. The boat infrastructure is quite old. We could not even sit in the porch as it was being constructed and we were not informed about it. There was a little hot water and we were provided some in a bucket when asked. Food was not good, watery or oily like crazy. It was a less than average stay and I paid 3500 for a three people room. Disappointing.