What to know before you go:

— Laxmi Niwas Palace was built by a royal of the Bikaner dynasty around 150 years ago. It is set in vast grounds

— No Wi-Fi in the room

— This is an incredible property

— The best part is evening dinner with folk music

About the property:

Those who fancy the times of monarchs and their pompous ways should try Laxmi Niwas Palace, a grand heritage hotel in Bikaner. They give you the treatment and the atmosphere to feel conceited and that too, quite unapologetically.Laxmi Niwas was once inaccessible to common man. Only names like King George V and Queen Mary could enjoy its flamboyance. But now, you can be there to smell, touch, feel and taste its superlative splendour. The antique accents, hand-painted friezes, gold-laden walls and the blossoming lawns are waiting to spellbind you!The rooms and suites of Laxmi Niwas are exquisitely designed. For instance, the Historical Suite, which is also known as Karni Vilas, has been left untouched for you to revel in its primeval glory.The restaurants, Swarna Mahal and Hari Mahal, serve keenly cooked traditional Rajasthani dishes as well as other regional cuisines. Lal Maas, the mutton cooked in gulmohar flowers, is something that you must try.Leisure is what you would call your business at Laxmi Niwas. From a lovely bookshop to an ambient Billiard Room, there’s quite a lot to keep you entertained. But the best part is certainly the Spa, which offers various exotic treatments to invigorate your muscles - Ayurvedic Kerala massage, Bamboo Reed massage and Hot Stone Therapy.Besides all the pomp and show at Laxmi Niwas, you can step out to savour varied Rajasthani experiences, such as a visit to the National Camel Research farm, where you can taste ice-cream made from Camel milk and take camel rides on the dunes. Also, you can explore interesting sites like Junagadh fort and the Bhandasar Temple.