We are a mother and daughter travelling on our own, we were a little nervous about coming to Srinagar. There was no need to be nervous, the Mascot the owners and staff looked after us so well, we actually felt safer here than anywhere else we had travelled and it’s became our favourite destination. The mascot houseboats are beautiful and on the best lake, facing towards the mountains, the beds were comfortable and everything was very clean. The staff were amazing, our waiters Azard and Nazir were on hand always and took such good care of us. The chef was also lovely and his food was delicious, a choice in meal size would be good though, the meals were huge and we were only able to eat half of what was put on the table. The staff organised a three hour shikara ride to Dal Lake with delicious tea and cakes for our journey. We loved the floating markets, watching the day-to-day life of the locals and we got some amazing photos. They also organise a day trip to and we went up in the gondolas, also an unforgettable experience. We threw food for the Eagles from the top of the houseboat which was also very special. The whole experience was amazing, I think one of the most lovely things was how friendly the locals were, people waved smiled at us everywhere we went. When we return to India, staying here again will be on the top of our list.

There was nothing not to like.

I recently had the pleasure of staying at Mascot Houseboats on Nigeen Lake, and it was truly a delightful experience. The houseboats are beautifully carved wooden boats that exude charm and character. They are easily accessible from ghat 1, and a free shikara service is available from morning till night, making transportation convenient and hassle-free. The service at Mascot is exceptional, with waiters stationed in each boat who prepare and serve all meals, snacks, and tea. The food is delicious and feels like a home-cooked meal. I particularly enjoyed the lotus root curry and apricot curry, which are local seasonal specialties and were both incredibly flavorful. Staying on Nigeen Lake was a peaceful and serene experience, with spectacular views all around. It offered a quieter stay compared to the bustling Dal Lake, which was exactly what I was looking for. The highlight of my stay was the 2-hour wetland tour, where I got to experience local lake life and wildlife that thrives in the heart of the city. It was a truly memorable experience that I would highly recommend. Despite choosing the cheapest room option, I felt like I was receiving first-class service. The staff and management at Mascot Boats were incredibly welcoming and always ready to chat about the history and richness of Kashmir, adding to the overall experience. The wifi in our boat was low at times, however this did not bother us as our surroundings kept our time full. Do expect power cuts every now again, but that it to expected across the Kashmir region, and the staff make sure to keep essentials like hot water available. Overall, my stay at Mascot Houseboats was fantastic, and I can't wait to return with my family. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a unique and memorable stay in Kashmir. - Zain and Euri

We had initially stayed at Mascot Houseboat on March 29th and had kept our options open to see where to stay again in Srinagar in a few more days. The outstanding hospitality didn't let us think further and we booked again at Mascot for 2 more nights. Ths staff, rooms & ambience were simply superb and the location on Nigeen Lake was calm & perfect ! I did have the opportunity to meet the owner, Mr. Tuman who was very helpful with some requests that I had had. I would definitely recommend Mascot Houseboats to my friends and family. Here's an extra bit of info, You can reach Mascot Houseboats by both road and shikara.

No wifi in our room, but this wasn't a big concern for me. New toiletries were not replaced on our day of arrival, but the staff gave us replacements as soon as we'd asked for them.

Beautiful lobby area and kind staff. Room was also great but shower heat did not work well in the Emperor Suite. Food was satisfactory.

Airport shuttle should be included in the room rate as it is very difficult to find the property on your own. Instead of taking us to various spots around town to shop for pashmina or rugs, they took us to the hotel gift shop. We paid close to $400 / night which was way too expensive. $250 USD per night would have been more reasonable.

Really pleased to have chosen Nigeen Lake, and specifically Mascot. There are many, many, tired old houseboats around, and Mascot clearly stands out as "a cut above", it's in very good condition and benefits from a rooftop viewing lounge, absent on many other boats. The ambience on the boat is refined but cosy, and the team looking after us were top-notch, out steward was immediately receptive to all requests, courteous, experienced and efficient. The cook consistently produced very tasty home cooked dishes. It's worth noting that the bedrooms could use new carpets, and the bathrooms could be freshened up, although everything was fully functional. Our host Mr Showkat was a real gentleman, and his whole mantra was hospitality, guest satisfaction through focus on quality. He organised day trips using trusted personal, and could do this at short notice, allowing us to better adapt our itineraries with the weather, an important consideration this late in the season (November). He has also built a showroom in the garden behind the houseboat, where if you request, he will show you guys collection of finest quality Kashmiri textiles. He's a firm preponent of the new GI government Quality Assurance tags, so you know exactly what you're buying. Mascot Houseboats....a truly superb experience!

A genuine Kashmir Lake houseboat experience had been on our bucket list for a long time and our wonderfully relaxing sojourn was the perfect prelude to attending a lavish Indian wedding , another rare bucket list privilege . Nothing was too much trouble for Shafi and his team , we were instantly made to feel part of a family with a long proud history of hospitality . Can’t recommend highly enough . Shukuriya to all and continued best wishes with your friendly professional enterprise . As boutique hotel operators ourselves on this site , it was marvellous to be on the receiving end of such kind consideration. Warmest regards Sheree and Paul Villa Mallorca Mt Martha Melbourne Australia

having to leave😎

The houseboat location on the serene Nigeen Lake is great for those looking for a peaceful relaxing stay, away from the crowded Dal Lake. I also liked the classy and traditional Mascot houseboat decor. Most importantly, the care and concern showed by Showkat and his staff made our stay as a mother-daughter pair a truly memorable one. They helped us book gondola tickets for Gulmarg, recharged my Kashmir SIM card, cooked delicious Kashmiri food, educated us on carpets and pashminas, and arranged reliable shikara and car transport. A big shout out to Imran our driver who is honest, articulate and took great care of us driving us in Srinagar, Gulmarg and Palhagam.

Nothing.

It is a beautiful and clean property located on the most serene part of lake nigeen. We had a large room for our family of 4. It was spacious and well decorated. After 4 days in the snow of sonamarg and being surrounded on and off by crowds, it was great to be in a peaceful serene houseboat

Mascot was the highlight of our Kashmir trip. The houseboat is beyond beautiful. The owner Mr Shaukat, took time to meet us and bonded with us over insightful conversations. The Mascot experience was stunning - with comfort, beauty and excellent customer service. when we were very cold at night, we were sweetly given a hot water bottle. The breakfast and dinner was delicious and fresh. The shikara ride was ethereal. Full marks!

Nothing to not like

It is a very beautiful houseboat at a nice quiet place at the lake. The staff was nice. The food was rich and tasteful, there was an air condition heating and a hot shower.

The wifi was not working in my room. The staff allowed the souvenir seller to abuse me inside the houseboat dining hall.