6 Best Hotels in Jodhpur, Rajasthan

You can live like (and alongside) royalty at this magnificent palace, one of Rajasthan's grandest hotels, where the royal treatment begins the moment you arrive: bugles sound, drums play, petals are strewn at your feet, and an ornate canopy comes up to welcome you. Still home to the titular Maharaja of Jodhpur and his family, who live in a separate and distant wing away from guests, this Taj group-managed hotel has a massive, domed lobby, lavish public rooms filled with objets d'art, and many guest rooms that, though not opulent, are in Art Deco style, with large luxurious bathrooms.

Splurge on a small suite, if you can.

There's a beautiful, astrology-theme subterranean pool that was built for the ladies of the palace, though sunbathers will prefer the one in the garden. The property has been featured in many movies and has hosted at least one international celebrity wedding.

This enchanting palace and village complex has several intriguing perks—like a pool with waterfalls and caves; a lobby stuffed with atmospheric royalty-related memorabilia, such as portraits of maharajas, spears, and heads of deer; and even a garage full of royal vintage cars available for rent. The individually styled rooms are a funky mix of contemporary designs and traditional Rajasthani fabrics and artifacts; some even have trees growing inside. The prettiest rooms are located within round hut-style thatched cottages with mud-walled verandas that have swings. Attached baths are large with tubs and loads of sparkling granite/marble. In peak season nightly outdoor dinners feature live entertainment. Horseback riding, village tours, and safaris can be arranged. While it's located a good 10-minute tuk tuk ride from the Old City, this place still puts you close to boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants.

Set in a restored 1921 home, this sprawling boutique hotel is an intricately carved sandstone structure with individually styled rooms, all of which look out over the garden. Room decor steers clear of Rajasthani kitsch and is understated with vintage furnishing, a cozy window nook, and spacious bathroom. The rooftop infinity pool is perfect to relax in (with a view of the neighborhood) or get a champi (vigorous head massage) in the garden. The in-house restaurant and bar—both called Old Loco—serve great cocktails with Indian and global cuisine. The hotel collaborates with local entrepreneurs and creatives to offer curated experiences that range from tours of top attractions to offbeat trails in and around the city.

Located on the periphery of the older northeastern quarter, with marvelous views of Mehrangarh, this pricey hotel is away from the thick of the commotion of Jodhpur, yet still offers a real flavor of the city---and the personal service is amazing. Combing a skillful blend of old and new elements, the hotel lobby and plush rooms are housed in new buildings, while the restaurants and bar are out back in 18th-century havelis. Raas has probably the only pool in Jodhpur with a sumptuous view of the fort.

Done up in pastel colors and elegant decor, this former family home-turned-boutique hotel exudes a warm, homely atmosphere. Rooms and suites are spacious, with hand-painted walls, pretty rugs, chandelier-lit marble bathrooms, and high-end amenities. There are plenty of lounges and verandas to relax in, as well as an infinity swimming pool. The in-house restaurant offers a Rajasthani thali and an a la carte menu, both featuring family recipes; international fare is also served along with a small selection of wines, beers, cocktails, and spirits.

Long a dreamy setting for royal getaways, this fine example of Rajput architecture offers a taste of country palace living at a reasonable price (unless you choose one of the suites, which are considerably more expensive than the rooms). The rooms are spacious and feature antique carved furniture and Rajasthani paintings on the white walls. The red sandstone heritage hotel is surrounded by lush, expansive green gardens on the outskirts of Jodhpur and on the banks of Bal Samand Lake. The park around the artificial lake, built in the 12th century, contains a nine-hole golf course and other activities, plus a small bird sanctuary---but watch out for aggressive monkeys. The hotel provides bikes to cycle around the area.