बीकानेर

We pick this over Laxmi Niwas Palace because Narendra Bhawan is a more recent conversion—last decade versus 1904—which means the plumbing works and the infinity pool is operational in April when Bikaner hits 40°C+. Reviews consistently cite 'awesome service' and 'delightful' stays. It was the actual residence of Bikaner's last reigning Maharaja, Narendra Singhji, so the provenance is real even if the restoration is newer. The on-site art museum adds a half-day without leaving the property.

At ₹4,500–10,000/night, this is the only property in the dossier where a guest called it 'favorite hotel in all of Rajasthan' and praised the food in the same breath. The on-site guided heritage walks and overnight desert stays mean you're not paying extra to third-party operators for Bikaner's two headline experiences. For solo travelers or couples who want a Rajasthani courtyard aesthetic without palace-hotel pricing, this is the call.

2km to Junagarh Fort on foot—that's a 25-minute walk or a 5-minute auto. No other property in the dossier puts you this close to Bikaner's primary draw. The rooftop pool with city views is relevant in April when temperatures are 40°C+ by noon. Owner engagement is hands-on, which means you're getting itinerary input from someone who knows the city rather than a front-desk script.

This is the only property in Bikaner's orbit sitting on a lake inside a 6,000-acre wildlife sanctuary. It was Bikaner's royal hunting lodge before HRH converted it in 1976. Sunset tea on the lake with peacocks is not a metaphor—it's the actual format of an evening here. If you're choosing between Bikaner's palace hotels, this is the one that's genuinely elsewhere. The 30–35km distance from the city is a feature if you want isolation; it's a problem if you're trying to cover Junagarh Fort and the