INDIA HOTEL

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New Delhi, Hotel Imperial
Designed by Bromfield, one of Sir Edwin Lutyen's associates, it was placed on the prestigious Queensway, now Janpath. A mixture of Victorian, old colonial and a playful dosage of informal art-dec'o. The pillared verandahs, dining rooms, tea lounges, beautiful garden and swimming pool with King palms became the venue of many a celebrated encounters between British and Indian aristocracy gentry.

Bharatpur, Laxmi Vilas Palace
This pretty late 19th century palace is set amidst landscaped gardens, just outside the town. Run by a small hotel chain, the building combines Mughal and Rajput architecture with winding corridors surrounding an inner courtyard. The rooms have colourful frescoes and a blend of traditional and colonial furniture. Also has a beautiful swimming pool.

Bharatpur, The Bagh
Is a heritage hotel set in 12 acres two hundred year-old garden in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. The hotel's fourteen rooms are located in three different residential complexes. A restaurant, banquet hall, coffee shop, library and a gym, all situated in a verdant orchard, allow guests to enjoy solitude and companionship in restful indoor and outdoor spaces. Each of the Bagh's fourteen rooms is unique. Spacious bathrooms, luxurious fabrics, fine furnishings and the amenities of modern technology let the weary traveler retreat and recoup after a day of sightseeing and bird watching.

Bikaner, Bhanwar Niwas.
A stunning early 20th century, family runs haveli, in the heart of the old town. A small entrance leads into an exquisite courtyard, which is overlooked by two storeys of arched verandahs. The grand interiors boast beautiful painted walls and it is replete with a mixture of flamboyant Indian and European furniture. The comfortable bedrooms are large, a little dark, and centre on the courtyard. It is accessed from Shekavati, Jodhpur, Khimsar, Nagaur and Osian.

Bikaner, Lallgarh Palace.
This late 19th century red sandstone palace was one of Sir Swinton Jacob's most impressive creations and is an almost perfect example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. The ruling family retain their residence in one wing whilst. Welcome Heritage run the remainder of the building as a hotel. A sprawling property with several huge rooms and fun to explore. Sadly much of the property has a rather neglected air and the service is slow. Access as above.

Delwara, Devigarh.
This glorious 18th century, hilltop fort-palace has recently been completely restored and is now a luxurious hotel with magnificent views of the Aravali Hills. It is a large, rambling place with suites around the garden or in the main palace. Unlike many heritage hotels, a very modern look has been adopted for this fort's interiors. The concept of a contemporary design housed in a traditional building works well. Ideal for visiting Nathdwara or Eklingi and easily accessed from Udaipur and the Kumbhalgarh area.

Devgarh, Deogarh Mahal.
The beautiful, rambling, hilltop Deogarh Mahal dominates a delightful, small town and lies in the Araveli Hills, dotted with majestic forts and lakes. It is owned and run by the ebullient, local ruling family and the rooms have been decorated with immense love and care. They are on different levels and are spread all over the place. Deogarh is renowned for its miniature paintings and is well situated for visiting Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur, Nathdwara and Eklingi. It is accessed from Jodhpur or Udaipur.

Jaipur, Alsisar Haveli.
Tucked away in the middle of Jaipur, this delightful, small haveli has been beautifully restored and ingeniously added to by descendants of the original owners who run it as a small and cosy hotel. It is very pretty with inner courtyards, pillared porticoes and a pretty garden. The charming bedrooms (some quite small) are decorated in Jaipuri block printed fabrics and the walls have colourful murals. When exhausted from sightseeing in Jaipur, retreat here to relax by the pool.

Jaipur, Samode Haveli.
Owned and run by the Samode Royal Family who maintains their residence here, this is a gem of a place, hidden away in the old city of Jaipur. With just 20 beautifully decorated rooms, each different by way of shape, color scheme and painted walls, it comprises various rambling wings and floors. The exquisite frescoes in some rooms in the haveli have to be seen to be believed and, although often frequented by groups, it remains a lovely place to stay.

Jodhpur, Ajit Bhawan Palace.
Originally built for the Maharaja of Jodhpur's younger brother, Maharaja Sir Ajit Singhji, his descendants have now turned the palace into a delightful, family run hotel. Various themed cottages, rooms and suites are scattered around the gardens and pathways and they have all been very tastefully furnished in colourful Rajput fabrics. A comfortable place with a beautiful swimming pool and dinning room overlooking the garden.

Jodhpur, Balsmand Palace.
This magnificent, sandstone palace comprises excellent suites overlooking a large artificial lake and simple rooms set in lush gardens. Situated close to Mandore, it has for centuries been a place for royal parties but is now a small hotel, under the management of Welcome Heritage. With the addition of a stunning new pool, this is an ideal retreat for those wanting to avoid staying in Jodhpur. It is easily accessed from Jodhpur, Khimsar, Nagaur and Osian.

Luni, Fort Chanwa.
The delightful, 18th century Fort Chanwa is carved out of red sandstone with lattice - woek friezes and intricate Jherokas. It is composed of courtyards; towers and stairways leading to charmingly furnished rooms (although some are small and do not have windows facing the outside). Surrounded by the Thar Desert, one may ride out into the tribal areas. It is perfect for visiting Jodhpur, Rohet and Osian and is easily accessed from Jodhpur, Khimsar and the Kumbhalgarh area.

Neemrana Fort - Palace.
Neemrana Fort - Palace is situated on a majestic plateau, concealed in a horseshoe formation of the Aravalli ranges. This 15th century architectural gem is one of India's oldest heritage buildings. Run by Neemrana Hotels, it is a large, rambling place with beautifully decorated, Rajasthani - style rooms, scattered throughout the premises. There is not a huge amount to do in the immediate vicinity, but it is accessed from Delhi, Shekavati and Jaipur.

Udaipur, Jagat Niwas Palace.
A small, 17th century haveli on the banks of Lake Pichola but with a rather unsavoury access. Recently upgraded it into a perfectly comfortable, reasonably priced hotel. The simple, whitewashed rooms are colourfully furnished and surround an inner courtyard. Many have lake views and the airy rooftop restaurant has views of the City Palace.

Jaisalmer, Fort Rajwada - 5* Ethnic
Looking over the fortress of Jaisalmer there lies a 5-acre legacy of royal interiors and gardens, professionally designed masterpiece by the world-renowned opera designer, Stephanie Engeln. A museum of traditional paintings, murals and sketches made by contemporary artists guide you through extensive corridors into the vivid reminiscence of 18th century Empire. Together with its separate pool and inner courtyard the residents survey a garden that captures the very essence of a private oasis.

Udaipur, Taj Lake Palace
This palace built in 1754 by Maharana Jagat Singh is regarded as one of the most beautiful Palace Hotel in the World. The mere sight of this white wonder rising from the torquoise waters of Lake Pichola is mesmerizing. The rooms of the hotel add to the romantic setting and give a taste of the regal splendour of a bygone era.

Udaipur, Fatehprakash Palace
Feel the warmth of royal hospitality, which envelopes as you walk along the corridors lined with large paintings of the Mewar school that flourished in the 17th through 19th century. The tree-lined Dovecote, with its lake-front rooms, has become an integrated extension of the palace. Today the Durbad Hall and Gallery Restaurant have added a characteristic touch of class to this hotel. Sunset view Terrace, overlooking the shimmering Lake Pichola, serves sumptuous meals and light refreshments throughout the day.

Orchha, Sheesh Mahal.
The early 18th century Sheesh Mahal is now owned by the state government and the palace stands between the Raj Mahal, at the end of an open-sided courtyard. Whitewashed and stripped of its antiques, the building retains little of its former splendour and is a simple hotel. Ideally situated, with spectacular views, it is an easy stroll to the monuments in town and those lining the Betwa River. Orchha is accessed from Jhansi, Gwalior and Khjuraho.

Kawardha, Palace.
Situated in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, this isolated retreat is surrounded by the Maikal Hills. Built in the 1930's, it is an elegant building, constructed of Italian marble and stone, with grand staircases and traditionally decorated rooms. The Royal Family resides here and is your hosts. It is a place to come and spend time exploring as the town has some interesting temples and the surrounding tribal lands are fascinating to visit on a short trek. It is accessed from Raipur, Bilaspur or Kanha National Park.