Mahalkhas Palace

The rooms are large, with lovely high ceilings, and very comfortable, with everything you need. All the meals were delicious in the main dining room, and we loved having evening tea outside in the pretty garden. The staff were warm and attentive, and the palace has an eye catching city view, relaxing verandahs, and an evening chai wala. It's a tranquil oasis, run by a family. The property is inside the fort, which sits at the edge of the local market, so it was easy to walk around both and explore the many monuments and temples. We finally got to stay at Mahal khas for three nights and wished we'd booked longer. Our first visit, three years earlier, was just one night on the way from Jaipur to Agra, and we loved it so much we always wanted to return. Do stay more than one night. We hope to come back!

There's plenty of parking, and the location is near the city centre and main tourist attractions. The restaurant serves good food, and there's a bar as well. Rooms are spacious and well maintained, and the staff are professional, courteous, and friendly. It's a nice heritage style place to stay in bird paradise Bharatpur, and I'd recommend it for a family outing or a business trip.

We had a lovely lunch in the verandah inside the old palace. The food was excellent, and the staff greeted us warmly and served us promptly. We also saw guests arriving and relaxing in the open court; there are rooms to stay in as well. We found Mahalkhas Palace Restaurant on the map after a trip through Keoladeo National park. It took a while to get there: once inside Lohagarh fort, the place is tucked in a by-lane. The signs were good, but the main gate was shut and nobody was in sight. Don't expect a gleaming palace, as the outside isn't kept in the best shape. It has a lovely feel and great staff, though.

The people are very polite and keen to help, and breakfast is a little above average. This heritage property feels more like a guest home than a hotel. Room service isn't available from 10pm to 6am, so keep anything you might need in the room during those hours. Toiletries are basic in brand and quality. If you have an unexpected health problem, a nighttime need could be difficult. I'd choose it only if staying in a decent looking palace is the experience you're after.