Hotel Thamla Haveli

Mr. Mahendra at reception was courteous and helpful with arranging things, and the owner, Mr. Rishiraj, even took the time to speak with us by phone, a thoughtful gesture. We stayed two nights in a spacious room right by pichola lake, with views of the lake and Gangor ghat. We spent much of our time at the viewing point. The linens were good, the bed comfortable and the bathroom fairly clean. The restaurant food was average. I also mentioned a couple of room improvements to the owner: a kettle with basic tea and coffee supplies, and a cupboard rod for hanging clothes.

The stairs are the main thing to be ready for. The hotel has three storeys, with its restaurant on the fourth and fifth floors, and there is no elevator. We stayed in a spacious Lakeview Room with a lovely balcony. There was an initial smell in the bathroom, but staff sprayed freshener when we told them. They also brought a dental kit and footwear on request. Google Maps took us to the right place, though the Uber location was wrong. The team also let us check in early when we asked. Breakfast and dinner were included, but they're ordered from a set menu rather than served as a usual buffet. Breakfast options included Aloo Paratha, Bread/Masala Omelette, tea and coffee. For dinner, each person could choose a soup, starter, main and dessert. The included dishes were all vegetarian, with non-veg charged separately. Service was a highlight, especially Bhanwar Patel's help with our very early checkout.

Getting a car arranged can be difficult because the roads are narrow, so rickshaws are the way to go. The hotel may be able to arrange one if you ask ahead. We liked the room, the location, the lake view and the service, and I loved the Chicken Biriyani.

I felt safe travelling here alone as a woman, and the rooms were very clean and comfortable. I ended up extending my stay because of the warm Rajasthani welcome and respect I found at Thamla haveli and in the city. The managers, Mr.Rishiraj & Mahendra ji, helped me explore local attractions and arranged safe transport. Everyone was polite and helpful, and their honesty and sincerity really showed the spirit of Mewar. Staying in a heritage haveli was such a memorable experience. I look forward to coming back to Thamla.