Deogarh Mahal

This beautiful hotel is set at the end of a busy street and when you arrive you are greeted with rose petals and drums. Our room was tastefully decorated with a large balcony and great views. The staff were so helpful and couldn't do enough for us. My dietary requests were catered for and the food was delicious. In the evening we were entertained with traditional Indian dancing and music. Unfortunately we were kept awake until the early hours due to a wedding taking place next door. It's wedding season in India now this was an occurrence which we witnessed in other places.

A slightly strange place and we enjoyed our time there very much. The multi-level bedroom and bathroom was slightly odd; the quirky electrical supply was a constant mystery; and the cushioned day-beds in a cubby hole (in addition to the main bed) was a charming first for us. Large restaurant with coloured windows which looks lovely when the light streams in.

We had been allocated a deluxe suite which was very spacious consisting of 4 rooms plus a semi outside terrace with a hot tub, though we didn't use this. The decoration was amazing with 18th century frescos and inlaid mirror and tile designs. There was even a hidden stairway leading off one of the rooms. The slight disadvantage was that the doors were low so we had to remember to duck. This is very much an original 18th century building so don't expect modern style rooms but we did have air con and ceiling fans. A real positive is that you can spend hours exploring or getting lost in the maze of passageways, narrow stair cases and roof terraces. The view from the roof is stunning and a great place to watch sunsets. To help you explore the property there is a very interesting audio tour by William Dalrymple. The key shaped pool was lovely to cool off in after a day's sight seeing. Breakfasts were good and taken inside but evenings meals were served on one of the multiple roof top terraces with a choice of either buffet or al a carte. The buffet food was good especially the Indian breads which were made over a log fire by two ladies. The staff on front desk were exceptionally helpful and pleasant. All in all it was our favourite hotel during our 18 day tour of Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle. Another plus was the freedom to explore the village and lake area without hassle and all the locals seemed very friendly.