Imagine yourself in a royal indian dream with all it's bohemian art and across the nomadic trail. Located right in the old fort where an entire city lives, Killa Bhavan defines the integral balcony of the same fort - with the best views, soft beds and colourful boho-chic interiors, it was an experience to simply watch the chaos of the city from it's silent, rewarding balcony sipping tea. Also, ask for Bhanu, the manager her for any information about the city and it's culture. A wonderful host with a lot of experience.

This elegantly furnished small hotel built into the walls of Jaisalmer Fort is impeccably appointed and remarkably convenient given all the logistical restrictions. Have to wait for hot water and take a tuc-tuc to the hotel since the narrow streets will not accommodate cars, but that's part of the charm. Felt like a Rajasthan princess staying here and hated to leave. The service is outstanding and the family of brothers and who run the hotel and other enterprises could not be more helpful.

We had an amazing stay at Hotel Killa Bhawan from Dec 9-10. Everything was perfect and seamless right from the time we made the booking until the time we departed.

Bhanu, the hotel manager, and his brother Manu run the place meticulously. Everyone speaks good English, and we didnt have any trouble at all.

We took Room No. 9, which had an amazing terrace overlooking Jaisalmer City in the foreground, and the Old Royal Palace on the left. The room itself was tastefully decorated in Rajasthani/Jaisalmeri style. It had a comfortable walk-in closet/dressing/luggage room. The toilet had its own hot water geyser (ie water heater) which gives ample supply of hot water. Our only complaint was that the shower pressure was a little weak, but hey, this is a heritage property and a fault like this can be easily forgiven. The hotel does provide a bucket n scoop to shower the traditional way, which we did.

The hotel contains many cute and totally Instagrammable corners where you can relax or click pics to make your friends envious. We could have easily spent a day just in the hotel itself, and also did.

Bhanu himself took us on a heritage walk of the city. This was an invaluable experience and a great use of time since Jaisalmer Fort and City has many small, twisting lanes hiding the real gems of Jaisalmer. We saw the Jain Temples, an old cannon, several small havelis, the main Patwa ki Haveli, and the regular neighborhood. On our request, he brought us to a first-class Silver jewellery maker who has been featured in a book on Thar Desert jewelry-making by the director of the Fowler Museum of UCLA. Ladies can definitely find a piece or two for themselves here. Prices are reasonable. He also showed us an antique shop which had countless curios, including Rajput shields and weapons. Do take this tour if you can! You won’t regret it! (Approx 4 hours, chargeable at Rs 1,200 per group. Our afternoon took about 6 hours including lunch and the side visits to the jewelry shop and antique shop).

The breakfast in the morning was right on time, and exactly according to our orders that we placed the night before. Fresh cut fruit, freshly-pressed tangerine juice, omelette and toast (Western for me) and aloo paratha (Indian for my partner). We enjoyed the meal on the terrace and it was just perfect.

The hotel is also walking distance to a wonderful Italian/Indian restaurant called 1st Gate Home Fusion. It is on the roof top terrace of a hotel with the same name, and has a really nice night view of the Fort. Go early to snag the best seat. Prices here were reasonable. (Approx Rs 3,000 with a bottle of Sula red wine, one order of bruschetta and one delicious 12-inch pizza. Skip the Pannacotta; it tastes more like a hard jelly) The menu has both Italian and Indian dishes.

Stay at Hotel Killa Bhawan for a truly Jaisalmeri experience. From the Fort to the hospitality, you truly won’t regret it.

We hope to return to Jaisalmer and will definitely stay here again next time.

Thank you Bhanu-ji and team!