Hotel Mandawa haveli

The rooftop views over town were lovely, especially early in the morning and at sunset. We also enjoyed the relaxing inner courtyard and the front courtyard before heading out. On the first floor there's a cool lounge where you can lie down, read, or journal. My partner and I stayed in the top-floor ‘Gopi’ room. The frescos and coloured windows were beautiful, turning the room orange and green in the morning. It was a gorgeous haveli in the heart of town, and we felt secure. Everything was clean. Staff were accommodating, though we had to ask twice before someone fixed the bathroom light. The bed was fine for sleeping on my back, but as side sleepers we found beds in Rajasthan much harder than elsewhere. One night a large group ate and drank in the top-floor dinner area until about midnight. With no soundproofing in these old buildings, we couldn't sleep. Still, it was an excellent stay and a beautiful cultural experience for both of us.

The food was simple but tasty, and the service was pretty good. We loved our beautiful room, with frescos on the walls and stained glass, and the Haveli itself was one of the most beautiful hotels I've stayed in. Being right in the city means you're close to everything, though it stays loud throughout the day. If quiet matters more, I'd choose somewhere about 3 km from the city centre, but there aren't havelis that far out. It's a tradeoff.

The rooftop and games room were lovely, and the beds were comfortable. Our room was spacious and the price very reasonable. Staff were attentive, and the food was good, especially breakfast, which was a feast. We were lucky to meet the owner, who told us about the building's interesting history and his clear passion for restoring the area's heritage. The architecture is amazing, and it's hard to want to leave this unique hotel. I'd recommend it to anyone.

The staff's kindness made the stay feel both welcoming and personal, and the food was delicious. This heritage haveli is surrounded by hand-painted frescos and intricate artwork, so I felt immersed in Rajasthan's cultural past. The building shows its age, which adds to its authenticity. If you're after somewhere with a story and a soul, as well as a place to sleep, this is it.