I felt like a princess laying in the four-poster canopied bed in my spacious suite, with vast marble and tile bathroom and private dressing area. In reality, I was a guest staying in one of the suites at http://www.harimahalpalace.com/, a heritage hotel in Jaipur. I sat and enjoyed a cup of coffee in the sitting area with a view of an old-fashioned tiled fireplace (though more for ambiance than function).
Visitors looking for traditional Rajasthani atmosphere will love this grand, yet intimate hotel. Foyers and sitting rooms are antique-filled with exotic portraits of maharajas and other royals. The staff is kind and attentive. Breakfast is served in a delightful open air courtyard, which is also a great place for sipping a Kingfisher beer in the early evening. Guests who have had their fill of the intense Indian sunshine can swim comfortably in the enclosed pool. My preference was to sit on one of the pretty wrought iron benches on the expansive lawn and watch the birds. At night the palace entrance is romantically lit. Dine indoors or out (make sure you slather on the mosquito repellant if you prefer the latter).
For a change of scenery, you can walk right next door to the Spice Court restaurant or go shopping in the small nearby complex. Look for Cottons, a boutique that carries pretty block-print scarves and kurta tops. I always have room in my bag for one more scarf...
Book ahead if you plan to stay—there are only five heritage suites and 6 royal suites. Rooms start at about $135.
Oh, and if you see the owner, Dr. B.P. Singh, say hello. He's an interesting man and a Germplasm expert (as in seeds and plants, not germs).
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