Absolutely agree with the previous review – this place is extraordinary, and still a well kept secret. We were the only paying guests, the only other people a small party of the Jodhpur royal family (who own it) who were completely charming and made us feel like guests at a private house party! The place is a perfectly preserved Anglo-Indian Art Deco gem, complete with Bakelite ashtrays, Lloyd Loom chairs, hunting trophies, wind-up gramophones and piles of ancient board games. We really did expect an Indian version of Hercule Poirot to arrive at any moment . . . Our room (poolside wing) though authentic was a tad tired looking but the sheer style of the experience as a whole made up for any shortcomings there. We stayed in beautiful heritage properties all over Rajasthan and tried to vary them in terms of scale, style and grandeur, but this place wins the prize for uniqueness. We got an excellent deal through Asia Rooms.

Sardar Samand Palace, located in the middle of the countryside but still quite close to Jodhpur ( about 1 h 1/2 by car), is probably the best kept secret of all the heritage hotels in the area ! This former hunting lodge was built completely in Art Deco Style in the 30's for the Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur. Located in the middle of a huge property, the " lighthouse looking " main building ( where the private appartments of the royal family are located ) towers high above a huge lake cruised by a large variety of birds ( cranes, ducks, flamingos, kingfishers etc... ) There is a nature trail that goes downhill and follows the lake side. If you are a nature lover, Sardar Samand Palace is the perfect retreat for you ! Wildlife still abounds in the form of elusive Indian gazelles and blue cows. And the area is somehow reminiscent of some places in the Australian bush or East Africa. Staying there was, for me, like travelling back in time to some very happy childhood memories.The Art Deco furniture and decoration have been carefully kept and the atmosphere in this place is totally different from what you might expect in other hotels in India. Here, you can really forget the rest of the World and be happy ! The staff is very helpfull, discreet and nice. They all went out of their way to make my stay one of the most enjoyable experiences ever ! Thank you !