A trip to Jaiselmer would be incomplete without a couple of nights at Hotel Killa Bhawan. It has incredible charm and character; it is a complete stunner to be precise. Well this is not surprising given that it is not often that one gets to stay on the ramparts of a medieval fort (800 years old) - that too one that counts among the very few 'living' forts in the world.

The place is designed very aesthetically, with artifacts (mainly old metal pots and urns and art objects, embroidered fabrics and camel paraphernalia) installed all over the place. In fact you have old (and traditional) heavy metal pots in various corners that are used as trash bins!

It is small hotel (8 rooms if I am not mistaken) with a personalized touch. Staff are extremely courteous, friendly and helpful, which made our stay that much more special.

Killa Bhawan serves very good breakfast on the rampart terraces, from where you get awesome views of the fort as you enjoy breakfast. Now you can't beat that, can you?

Being a small establishment, they however don't serve lunch or dinner on site. For that you need to either go to their cafe (a very good one where we had delicious Rajasthani food) located very near Patwa Haweli, or can go to one of the numerous other good restaurants in close vicinity of the hotel.

The hotel arranged for a very good guide, Mr. Lallu, who was very knowledgeable, competent and and very likable. He showed us the fort and the small town below the fort. If you are looking for a good guide, Lallu is your man.

Killa Bhawan also has a handicraft shop which has some really good and high quality stuff. I would recommend a visit.

In case you are looking for opulent luxury and indulgence, you might be better off somewhere else. But if you are looking for elegance, comfort, warmth and real character, Killa Bhawan is the right place for you.

Many thanks Bhanu and team for our memorable stay. It was simply magical and we look forward to going back, next time with our daughter.

If you think of a desert city as bleak, think again. You feel the magic of Jaisalmer, the Golden City, land of the Bhatti princes, born of the moon, as soon as it comes into view. The fort, rising from the mighty rock like a giant sand castle, parapets, balconies, and terraces included, crowns the city. The beauty of the living fort, the havelis, and the Jain temples, all carved from the same honey gold stone, will leave you breathless. And what better place to stay than a hotel in the fort built in 1056 AD. The Killa Bhawan hotel has all the soul of the fort and all the comforts of a luxury hotel. We knew we’d made the right hotel choice from the moment our host, Bahnu, welcomed us with a warm, “Relax, you’re home.” We were even more sure as we watched him wave goodbye to us from the city gates. Our flight was canceled because the mists rolled in from the “snows in Kashmir.” The tiny airport had canceled fights the day before and most likely would again the next day, so we weren’t sure how we would rework out plans. However, Bahnu and his staff at the hotel found us a driver and hotel in Jodhpur and handed us hot grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches wrapped in foil, along with spicy chips, chocolate cookies and cold bottled water for the trip…a canceled fight has never been so easy. It was this hospitality that we experienced daily in the city and especially at Hotel Killa Bhawan. The hotel and its café, just a short tuk-tuk ride away, will exceed all your expectations. If this isn’t the best hotel in Jaisalmer, I’ll kiss your thali.

This beautiful and characterful hotel was our first stop in India after Delhi and by far my favourite of all our destinations. The setting is sublime and Bhanu and Manish run it to perfection. Nothing was too much trouble and they made us feel really special. They are super-informative on everything and provided amazing breakfasts on the hotel roof. Our bedroom was the one I reserved and after the desert evening we were upgraded to an even better room. I love that each room is different and there are numerous sunny terraces for sitting and relaxing, including Indian day beds. All the staff are very helpful, hard-working and discreet. They always do their utmost to please. I would definitely recommend this hotel and will return without a doubt. I have recommended it to several friends already. Thanks again Bhanu and to all your staff!