We stayed for 2 nights and were treated like royalty. Our room overlooked what in rainy season is a lake, but what was mostly market gardens when we were there. This gives it a bucolic feel, and a great quietness except for the voices of farmers and the cries of birds . The rooms, which were decorated by the Maharajah's wife, are lovely. The food was very good, and overall the service was impeccable. We were a bit worried that there would not be enough for us to do there (we were the only guests) but the staff took us on a nature walk, and the manager showed us around the superb old fort and the old town, which was interesting, and without the hassle of Pushkar where we had spent the previous night. This really is a lovely place to stay - and well worth a trip from Puskhar or Jaipur.

We stayed at this charming hotel for two nights. We had spent five hectic days in Jaipur before reaching here and therefore welcomed the quietness of this hotel on the banks of a placid lake.

This hotel was originally a summer retreat built by then Maharaja of Kishangarh on a piece of land wedged between the old fort and the lake. every room is differently sized, planned and decorated. The durbar hall and adjoining terrace serves as a lounge and we had evening tea there. There are a no. of other terraces which we felt could be better used for sit-outs to enjoy the views of the lake. The manager is very hospitable and friendly. If you want to eat in the hotel, you need to order in advance. Go to this place if you are looking at spending quality time with companions or yourself, don't expect service like a regular 5 star hotel.

The fort is well worth a visit as also the old town which is just outside the hotel. We ate hot jalebi-gathiya in a sweet shop which was super!

The earlier one review is accurate.

Phool Mahal Palace is an extraordinary place. No doubt it is stunning when there is a lake in front of it rather than market gardens. As it is at present it is a bit shabby and tired-looking but it has loads of character. It is, however, a palace.

We were the only people staying there and were extremely well looked after by the charming staff. Our room was characterful and huge. The terraces overlooking the lake/fields are marvellous and the great deserted fort looms over the palace.

The manager Mr Purohit took us on a tour of the fort which was memorable - a place that once had four hundred staff now with two security men and two priests in the temple. Lots of fading frescoes and reminders of its glorious past.

We also had a tour of the town and felt extrememly comfortable and welcome everywhere we went.

The hotel waiter Kamal is a huge asset with his great charm and concern for the comfort of the guests.

It was a quirky and characterful place to stay and was one of the most memorable in our two months in India.

A friend and I decided to stay at the Phool Mahal Palace in Kishangarh, Rajasthan, as it was off the beaten track, and we really benefited from our choice.

First the hotel. For the last 5 years there has been a serious drought in the area, so there is no longer a lake lapping the sides of the hotel - however, this does not detract as much as you'd think as enterprising locals have turned the lake bed into verdant fields (see pic). The room we had was huge (111), on the first floor, extensive view, two double beds, large bathroom. It was simply but attractively fitted, and very clean. There were also some wall paintings.

We had a good meal in the restaurant. There is a resident artist who is slowly painting all the walls in a traditional way with scenes from Krishna's life. He also has a small studio from which he sells his miniature and other paintings, including copies of photographs sent by tourists! There is also a massive, comfortable lounge room.

The hospitality we encountered was in part from all the staff, and in large part from the hotel manager, who took us on a tour of the attached (partly derelict) fort, and then the old town, where we were able to meet people, sample the street food, and learn about life in a bustling small town in Rajasthan.

Although we only stayed one night, it was memorable.