We (family of two adults and three kids) stayed one night in January. We only wished we had stayed for longer. We were greeted on arrival by the delightful manager ELizabeth who immediatley made us feel at home. We went for a quick hike up the famous rock and had a stroll around the village. Also had massage in the garden and delcious dinner. Kids made friends with some other travelling kids so we had a grown up dinner table and kids dinner table. All in all a great experience.

The initial impression is of a beautifully restored historic building in much the same way as an old Spanish Parador. It is an oasis of tranquility in rural Rajasthan and the rooms are very tastefully furnished with anitque furniture. It was cold in January and the provision of hot water bottles was a nice touch.

However, the whole experience was spoiled by the overbearing management and overly attentive staff. There were only a handful of guests present during our stay and the constant, repetitive and unecessary attention of the staff (e.g. being asked the same question by three different wait staff in the space of a couple of minutes) was annoying. The set dinner menu was one of the most expensive we had in Rajasthan and not particularly good.

On arrival, before we had a chance to get our bearings, we were given a hard sell for 'guided tours' around the village or up the nearby hill where the path was clearly marked.

Finally what annoyed us the most was the management's behaviour on paying by credit card. The receipt was presented in GB Pounds an Indian Rupees. I explained that I wished to pay in the local currency and was assured that it would be charged in this way. On reading the receipt more closely it was apparent that this would only be the case if the customer actually annotated the receipt accordingly which I duly did. Guess what? The credit card statement arrived with the amount charged in GB Pounds. OK it was only a small amount but the difference was about 1.5% so would have been significant had it been larger.

It is possible that the fault lay with the card processing company but having been assured by the management it would be charged in Rupees and that they hadn't pointed out the need to signify your choice I do feel they fell down badly in their performance.

This heritage property, exquisitely restored and cared for, is an oasis of calm, beauty, and hospitality in the desert. Located in an interesting town, it has every amenity without pretension. There are courtyards for napping and reading, responsive service if you'd like tea or coffee or your laundry done, and a staff eager to arrange activities. Though it's not inexpensive, it's entirely worth it if you value amenities like reliable electricity, plenty of hot water for showers, a comfortable bed, peace and quiet, and excellent food in the attached restaurant, where breakfast is included.

We'd been horse-riding in the desert for two weeks, camping part of the time, and this was a really welcome break from the rigors of Indian travel. The staff are exceptionally kind and accommodating. Wireless internet worked most of the time.

Perhaps most important, it's stunningly beautiful - even in winter, the plumeria and bougainvillea were blooming, and we were greeted on arrival with the traditional marigold garlands, a hot towel, and a fresh lime soda.

Aaaahhh.

This hotel was a class above others we stayed at during our journey through Rajasthan. The rural setting in the shadow of the Narlai rock outcrop is highly unusual and pleasing. Within the hotel is truly elegant and tastefully maintained and decorated. There was an attention to detail here above that of other hotels. The evening meal on the roof top beneath the stars was ambient and pleasing. Our rooms were beautifully furnished and presented. Guided walks and horse riding was laid on for us and our children which added tremendously to the experience. In conclusion, go out of your way to spend some time here and then stay one night more than you planned.