Tucked in the honey-hued heart of Bikaner, this stately townhouse once belonged to the city’s last reigning Maharaja, His Highness Narendra Singhji. With just about 80 bespoke rooms across four elegant floors, it blends Art Deco flamboyance with local Rajasthani heritage. Each step—from its courtyards to the rooftop infinity pool—feels like a private passage through time.
Boutique scale (~80 rooms)
Historic or iconic architecture (former Maharaja’s residence, Art Deco style)
Adults & families (pet‑friendly)
Infinity pool (rooftop)
Private spa & sauna (“Clinic – The Spa”)
Unique location (urban desert heritage)
Guest-only cultural experiences (themed dining, royal storytelling through design)
Mornings here begin slowly, almost ceremonially. The first desert light filters through carved jaali screens, painting lace-like shadows on the terrazzo floors. Stepping into the courtyard, you might hear the coo of pigeons mingling with the scent of marigolds that garland the entrance. Breakfast is laid in Pearls & Chiffon, the dining room that feels half Parisian salon, half Rajput drawing room—china teacups, silver cutlery, and poha with pomegranate seeds sitting beside fresh-baked croissants.
By late morning, the heat gathers. Guests slip into shaded lounges with jewel-toned sofas, where staff glide by with tall glasses of rose sherbet. Others wander through the themed dining rooms, each narrating a fragment of the Maharaja’s life—regal, solemn spaces balanced by playful, Gatsby-like corners.
Afternoons belong to the rooftop pool. From here, the water dissolves into Bikaner’s ochre skyline, with Junagarh Fort faint in the distance. The desert air is still and heavy, broken only by the chime of a camel cart below. Lounging with a book feels timeless—half in the past, half facing the horizon.
As dusk falls, the hotel shows its theatrical soul. Guests may join a literary dinner, where each course tells a story—Portuguese explorers, the Maharaja’s youth, or desert legends. Candlelight flickers across mirrored walls, and the clink of wine glasses takes on a conspiratorial intimacy.
Later, the courtyard glows with lanterns. Pets wander lazily between tables, digestifs swirl in crystal glasses, and the desert breeze finally cools the sandstone walls. Conversations drift upward, toward the ink-black night sky, leaving you with the sense that tomorrow will carry just as many whispered stories.
Try the chaat for breakfast (especially kachori/samosa) – a signature experience.
Watch the sunset from the rooftop infinity pool – magical atmosphere.
Choose a 2nd-floor room – opens onto the courtyard, the most charming setting.
Book the Prince Room if you want something larger and more elegant.
Dine at Gaushala restaurant or Pearl & Chiffon – some of the best food in Bikaner.
Visit during Holi or the Bikaner Camel Fair (January) – hotel hosts special celebrations.
Ask the chef for specials – unique Rajasthani dishes like Haldi ki Sabzi stand out.
Explore Bikaner’s heritage streets and Jain temples with a guided tour arranged by the hotel.
At Hotelagio we hand-pick only stays that feel truly one-of-a-kind. This property made our list because of these rare details:
🏰 A townhouse turned time capsule — it’s not a converted palace, but a personal residence of the Maharaja, layered with history and personality.
🎨 Whispered storytelling in design — each room reflects a phase in his life, from flamboyant youth (Prince rooms) to statesman-like sobriety (Republic suites).
🌿 Surprise beneath the sun — the rooftop pool is both a private plunge and a city stage under stars.
☕ Whimsical gathering spots — think bougainvillea-shaded alcoves and a café winking with Alice‑in‑Wonderland flair.
🐾 A royal welcome for pets — dogs like Bugsy and Toby roam freely, and the hotel’s warmth extends to four-legged friends.
This isn’t a paparazzi playground; it’s the kind of address celebrities use when they want privacy, atmosphere, and great food at midnight. Over the years, a quiet stream of film and fashion names have passed through its red-sandstone arches:
Kabir Bedi marked a wedding anniversary here, sharing a video thank-you for the royal thali dinner and the “spectacular setting”—a small, very public nod to a very private evening.
Punjabi superstar Sonam Bajwa checked in; the hotel itself posted that they were “honoured to host” her—complete with a cameo by the resident dogs who tend to steal the scene.
Sobhita Dhulipala shot a Khush Wedding cover story on location—the magazine credits list “Location: Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner”, turning the courtyard and salons into a cinematic set. khushmag.com
Beyond famous faces, the property keeps turning heads in serious travel media—another reason tastemakers book it:
Featured on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2025, which calls it a hedonistic cabinet of curiosities (and name-checks the red piano with “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien”). Condé Nast Traveler
Listed by the MICHELIN Guide Hotels (via Tablet Hotels), noting the eclectic interiors and rooftop infinity pool over Bikaner’s old quarter. MICHELIN Guide
Picked by the Financial Times in “Five fabulous desert escapes,” recommending it for a desert-adjacent, city-palace stay. Financial Times
The allure here isn’t red-rope glitz; it’s the feeling that you’ve slipped into a well-kept secret—where the staff know when to top up your glass and when to look the other way.
For couples: A whisper‑quiet romance in candlelit courtyards, shared dips in the rooftop pool, and the intimacy of a hotel built from personal legacy.
For families: While elegantly intimate, it’s welcoming to families and pets. Suites offer space, and kids will delight in the playful nooks and curious objects hidden around corners.
For business (or creative retreats): With thoughtfully quiet corners, underground spa, and richly textured rooms that tell stories, it’s an inspiring haven for a small intellectual or creative gathering.
📍 Location: Bikaner, Rajasthan, India — ~5 km to Junagarh Fort and Lalgarh Palace
🛏️ Rooms: ~80 rooms across four floors—categories like Residence, Prince, Regimental, India, and Republic suites
💸 Rates: From approx. US $105/night—luxury starting point, varies seasonally
👩❤️👨 Best for: Couples, design lovers, those craving meaningful heritage
🏷️ Style: Art Deco townhouse revived as a boutique heritage stay
| Check In | 2:00 pm |
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| Check Out | 12:00 pm |
Member Since 2025
