Opulent rooms in 11th-century fortress, rooftop views, great service
On Fort Kotari Para, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan 345001, India Get directions
"The fortress city of Jaisalmer rises majestically out of the Thar Desert like the fantastical backdrop to an Indiana Jones film. Once an important part of the camel caravan trading route, Jaisalmer is still a living humming medieval city, its twisting alleys packed with ambling cows, scooters and traders selling the famous local silver. Like the intricately carved Jain temples dominating the heart of the 11th-century fort, the city’s 99 defensive turrets, bridged by impressive walls, are all carved from the local sandstone - giving Jaisalmer its nickname of the ‘Golden City’. The wealthy Jain merchants who financed the fortifications also built handsome mansions (havelis) for themselves, some of which are wonderfully preserved. Garh Jaisal is one of them, and one of a lucky few hotels tucked within the ramparts. Its contemporary interiors are in direct contrast with the ancient surroundings. Owner Mukesh took 7 years designing the chic Indo-French style interiors, opening in August 2006, but the atmospheric nooks and crannies of the original building, built into the walls of the city, remain. The 7 homely rooms are bursting with colour and cosy corners; the rooftop terrace a perfect place to linger over a chai and soak up the incredible views. Close to the magnificent Sam sand dunes and Gadi Sagar lake, its allure lies in the fact that it’s off the beaten track, yet surprisingly easy to get to. Highs Rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Thar Desert and Jaisalmer Healthy Western-style breakfast with freshly squeezed OJ – served until noon so you can maximise your lie-in The decor: rooms are a starburst of colour Chic hand-block printed cotton robes, each one unique, and your beautiful bed quilt can be bought and taken home Private car transfers can be arranged to anywhere in Rajasthan Lows You may get other (non-resident) tourists coming in to marvel at the view from the rooftop - a bit off-putting when you are having your breakfast There are no twin rooms and no pool - not the hotel for die-hard sun lizards Jaisalmer Airport only operates commercially Oct-March, and flights are infrequent - the next closest airport is 6 hours away Jaisalmer Fort is in need of extensive preservation, but profits from your stay go towards restoration" - Hannah Roberts
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