The splendidly enchanting desert-fortress city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India is an exotic mirage rising from the golden sands of the Thar Desert. There’s so much to explore within and outside the walls of the ‘Golden City.’ There are majestic Havelis, royal palaces, traditional handicrafts, and, of course, the gorgeous Sam sand dunes. The best hotels in Jaisalmer are steeped in Rajasthani heritage and culture. Some even offer glimpses of the magnificent fort, while others lend a touch of luxury as well.
However, travelers are increasingly staying within the vicinity of the 9th-century fort for an experience that is as unique as it is enthralling. Smaller guesthouses in original, older structures are usually the best hotels around Jaisalmer Fort. Furthermore, they’re a throwback to an era gone by and make you feel like a local. So, explore the land of vibrant Rajasthani culture by staying at these amazing 11 best hotels in Jaisalmer, India. In addition, they’re perfect for travelers with all kinds of budgets.
The Gulaal
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Not only is the luxury boutique Hotel Gulaal housed within the walls of an ancient Haveli, but it also offers a bevy of modern, luxurious facilities and lots of space. Moreover, it’s a mere 20-minute walk from Jaisalmer Fort and it’s rooms even offer spectacular views of the same. The name ‘Gulaal’ signifies the colored powder used to celebrate Holi, the festival of colors, and is, thus, hallowed.
The boutique hotel is tastefully embellished with traditional furnishings, but it never goes over-the-top. A sprawling, verdant garden and outdoor pool area are easily the beating heart of the age-old setting. Two open breezy courtyards with traditional ‘jharokhas,’ and intricate jali work offer glimpses into royal Rajasthani architecture. Flower bowls everywhere lend an equally regal romantic aura to the place. Don’t forget to head to the candle-lit rooftop restaurant that delivers authentic and lip-smacking Rajasthani cuisine. Moreover, it even has a massage parlor onsite that allows guests to revel in contemporary luxury.
The staying arrangements here make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Guests can choose from 8 deluxe-class rooms, 12 luxury ones, and 4 grand suites. The rooms are typically huge Haveli ones and are furnished in a mix of old-world and modern furnishings.
Suryagarh
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If you’re looking for a secluded Rajasthani experience, then Suryagarh is one of the best hotels in Jaisalmer. The golden Thar Desert surrounds the imposing stone oasis-fortress, which sits atop a hill on the Jaisalmer-Sam highway. What’s more, it’s just a 20-minute drive to the heart of the city.
There’s no better place to experience Rajasthan’s culture wholly. For one, guests are garlanded and given a unique welcome with traditional music, dances, Indian sweets. Plus, the resort often hosts cultural shows and dances as well as arranges camel safaris and sand dunes tent dinners. Apart from the experience, the setting is equally magical. Vast verdant grounds are sprinkled with vibrant floral flooring, water bodies, stepwells, rocky sculptures, and alfresco seating. At night, the entire place shines in the golden radiance of the stone that Jaisalmer is famous for. Likewise, Surayagarh has a bevy of amenities, including an indoor swimming pool (Neel) and a billiards and cards room (Tash). There’s also a bar (Draksh), a restaurant (Legends of Marwad), a coffee shop (Nosh), a fitness center (Akhara), and a spa (Rait, which means sand).
Guests can choose between basic rooms and plush suites, both of which feature traditional architecture and furnishings. Most of them feature living areas, arched columns, tiled balconies, and modern bathrooms. For top-end indulgence, book the Jaisalmer Suite which comes with a terrace and splash pool that overlooks the desert landscape.
Damodra Desert Camp
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‘Glamping’ has become a very popular luxurious way of experiencing the beauty of the Sam sand dunes. One of the best in rustic luxury is the Damodra Desert Camp. It’s a 40-minute drive away from Jaisalmer and sits right on the edge of the sand dunes.
Unlike other camps in the area, Damodra Desert Camp with just 10 Swiss tents is distinctly peaceful. The setup is embellished with traditional Rajasthani artifacts, giving it the look and feel of an ancestral village. The camp showcases only Rajasthani dances and puppet shows as entertainment and keeps the atmosphere classy to boot. They specialize in authentic Indian cuisine while offering an option for continental breakfast at the same time. What’s more, they even offer camel safaris away from the crowds and stargazing at night.
When it comes to accommodation, you’ll have no complaints. The tents are immaculately plush and feature air-conditioners and heaters for the winter. Individual patio sit-outs are perfect for enjoying your morning cup of coffee or gazing at the desert sky. With room service and deluxe linens, it is one of the most luxurious experiences you’ll ever have.
Killa Bhavan
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Engage in some old-world romance at the Killa Bhavan, a hotel carved out of three bulwarks set right on the fort walls. The place oozes a Franco-Indian vibe and is easily one of the best hotels in Jaisalmer fort.
Vividly colored rooms and elegant, traditional Rajasthani furnishings make up the wonderful ambiance of Killa Bhavan. Guests can choose from eight traditional rooms outfitted with comfortable contemporary furnishings. However, the hotel offers a lot more than just accommodation. There’s a whole host of recreational facilities offered, including jeep/camel safaris, Ayurveda, meditation, and even yoga. Plus, the sunset views from the three rooftop terraces are killer. From there, you can also see stunning views of the fort walls, the town, and the desert beyond. The hotel is admirably eco-friendly and even features a rainwater harvesting system. Also, the owners are helpful, warm, and hospitable, so you’ll feel right at home.
Exploring both the fort and the rest of the town is easy since most of Jaisalmer’s top attractions are within walking distance. Moreover, the heritage hotel even offers complimentary pick-up from the railway station and a shuttle to a popular midtown spot.
Mud Mirror Guest House
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Wouldn’t you like to stay in a heritage property that sits atop the 900-year-old Jaisalmer Fort? Welcome to the Mud Mirror Guest House, which itself is a 300-year old property. If you don’t mind basic facilities and love to embrace the history of the town, then the Mud Mirror Guest House is one of the best hotels in Jaisalmer fort.
The guesthouse, which is built from mud and sandstone, is an incredible blend of historical art and ancient lore. Perhaps its most striking feature is the picturesque terrace which also offers Wi-Fi and communal space. It’s a fantastic place for enjoying the scenic expanse of the landscape or simply enjoying an evening beneath the stars. The guesthouse itself has just four ensuite rooms, making for a cozy enough atmosphere for guests. 24-hour room service and complimentary Wi-Fi make for a very relaxed stay. All rooms have large windows that offer panoramic views of the city.
Overall, Mud Mirror is an excellent and secluded escape from all the bustle, and the perfect place to explore Jaisalmer in peace.
Hotel Helsinki House
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Who wouldn’t want to live in a traditional haveli-turned-heritage hotel near a lake? Hotel Helsinki House on the edge of Gadisar Lake offers incredible views of the monsoonal lake, the city, as well as the desert.
Known as Jaisalmer’s little oasis, the boutique hotel set in a sandstone building. Rooms options include standard and deluxe double rooms that exude warmth off their sandstone walls. Moreover, they feature comfy king-size beds, marble bathrooms, ornate carvings, and traditional wooden furniture. However, the hotel’s most magical spot is its rooftop restaurant. The enchanting alcove features views of both the fort and the desert and makes for a hell of a dining experience. If you book a 2-night experience stay, the hotel even offers free sightseeing, desert camel safari, jeep ride, and a cultural program, apart from others.
If that wasn’t all, the hotel is a mere 20-minute walk from the beating heart of the city – Jaisalmer Fort.
WelcomeHeritage Mandir Palace
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One of the best hotels in Jaisalmer effusively blending traditional and modern hospitality and character is the WelcomHeritage Mandir Palace. The 18th-century heritage hotel boasts a plethora of modern amenities. Plus, it actually has the Jaisalmer royal family residing in a part of it!
Carved out of golden sandstone in Indo-Saracenic style, the Mandir Palace boasts exquisitely ornate canopies, terraces, and ‘jharokhas.’ Its architecture features the dominant Rajput style, with a few Islamic patterns that came in via caravans from Persia and Afghanistan. Likewise, the guest rooms, particularly the six suites, are truly special as they all belonged to the former rulers. In fact, the Golden Suites date back to 1770-1850, while the Surya Mahal Suites date back to 1914. Besides, the Italian-designed and updated air-conditioned suites all feature contemporary furnishings and facilities. So, staying at the Mandir Palace is luxury with a bit of culture thrown into the mix.
In addition, the heritage hotel even has a landmark, the Badal Vilas tower, and a small museum onsite which history and culture lovers will love. The fact that its rooftop restaurant features unobstructed views of the Jaisalmer Fort is an absolute seal-the-deal factor.
1st Gate Home – Fusion Resort
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The name says it all – if you’re looking for an authentic heritage hotel with a modern touch, look no further than the boutique 1st Gate Home-Fusion Resort.
The Fusion Resort, or rather those who choose to stay here, couldn’t have asked for a better location. The hotel lies just outside the walls of Jaisalmer Fort, and its rooftop restaurant boasts strikingly gorgeous fort views from quite up close. The restaurant is quite famous for its delish Indian and Italian fusion food, hence the name of the resort. Furthermore, guests can also relax in a lounge bar that plays live music and dishes out fabulous cocktails. Plus, the hotel even arranges for heritage walking tours for guests if they are interested.
That being said, the accommodations at the Fusion Resort are even better. Guests can choose from eight stylish rooms that feature restored teak floors and are swathed in warm golden tones. For a well-rounded experience of the Golden City, choose the 1st Gate Home Fusion Resort for putting your feet p.
Hotel Shahi Palace
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Are you on a tight budget but still want a fabulous Rajasthani experience in your place of accommodation? Then, you and your wallet will love the Hotel Shahi Palace. Nestled in the old city just two streets from the Jaisalmer Fort, it is probably the most popular budget hotel around.
The heritage hotel lies in a gorgeous stone-carved structure. The 16 rooms are designed from the traditional Jaisalmer sandstone, with each room having a unique charm and ambiance. They range from cheaper, communal ones with dorm beds to deluxe rooms to a superior one with fort views. No matter the kind of room, the furnishings beautifully combine old Marwari style and contemporary comforts.
However, its relaxed and friendly atmosphere and the common amenities are a highlight here. The best one is undoubtedly the bonfire evenings on the rooftop. Moreover, the rooftop restaurant with alfresco seating features splendid fort views, whether its day or night. Finally, the Hotel Shahi Palace also runs excellent desert and camel safaris for those guests who’re interested.
Mystic Jaisalmer
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Rest your head in style and comfort at the Mystic Hotel, which is easily one of the best hotels in Jaisalmer near the fort.
This value-for-money boutique hotel is centrally located and is within walking distance of the fort, the market, as well as Gadisar Lake. Travelers can choose from a variety of rooms, including ones with fort views, and all of which are spacious and feature gorgeous Rajasthani furnishings.
Dig into delectable Rajasthani food as well as continental food of your liking at the newly-redesigned rooftop cafe. Their cleverly-named tea/coffee lounge ‘Chaisalmer’ (chai translates to tea) serves up a range of snacks that you can enjoy on a hammock in the balcony. Plus, Mystic Jaisalmer also offers camel safaris, desert experiences, and honeymoon packages too.
Fort Villa
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Have an unforgettable experience staying at Fort Villa, one of the best hotels in Jaisalmer fort. The high-end heritage hotel is located at the southwestern corner of the 9th-century fort and promises luxury right within its walls.
To begin with, exquisite 19th-century haveli architecture welcomes you to Fort Vila. The structure boasts Indo-Venezian touches and is sprinkled with the traditional treasures of the Thar Desert. Furthermore, the accommodation is equally lavish and royal. Guests can choose from two kinds of suites – royal and heritage. Each of the rooms features intricate golden sandstone carvings and traditional Puri paintings from Odisha. Additionally, they’re equipped with modern comforts of an ensuite bathroom, soft, luxurious linen, and a kettle.
The heritage hotel does equally well with the common spaces. A terrace restaurant dishes out delicious Rajasthani and continental cuisine so you can enjoy to your heart’s content. The alfresco seating makes the atmosphere all the better, especially with views of the city and the desert beyond. During winters, the outdoor fireplace is a great place to enjoy quality conversations with fellow travelers while digging into wholesome and yummy food.
Recommended Food Tours in Jaisalmer:
- Jaisalmer Street Food Walk: What better way to dive into Jaisalmer’s food culture than to go sampling a range of tantalizing Rajasthani street food items?
- Royal Jaisalmer Food Crawl: Jaisalmer is known for a range of royalty-like food items. Enjoy tasting them on a 2-hour guided walking tour.
Recommended Activities In Jaisalmer:
- Heritage Walking Tour in Jaisalmer: See all the famous attractions of Jaisalmer on an engaging and informative walking tour with a local guide.
- Billion Stars Experience in the Desert: Enjoy a trip around the great Thar Desert, the deserted village of Kuldhara, and camel safari before ending the day sleeping under the stars in luxury.
