Hotel Ghanerao Castle Ranakpur

Very unique hotel in Ghanerao. We were treated like royal residence of this castle. Although the furnishings are a little rough around the edges, the overall experience was excellent. Waking up in the morning after an afternoon at the pool and delicious meal for dinner was quite surreal. The rooms are a real step back in time.

My friend and I travelled through Rajasthan for 5 weeks, last year. We visited many different cities and small townships staying in some very exotic places. I can say without doubt that our stay at Ghanereo Royal Castle was the best. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel very welcome. Our two rooms were both fantastic; we each had a large sitting room separate bedroom with very comfortable bed and linens and a large bathroom. The original thick brick walls and beautiful velvet drapes and heavy wooden doors and window shutters made for a gorgeous, luxurious suite. Just stunningly beautiful and unique. We chatted to the castle owner over a lovely lunch....he was a fountain of knowledge, such an interesting gentleman. In the afternoon we had a swim in the pool where exotic birds seemed to be everywhere. Later we took a guided tour through the village where the local people were super friendly and invited us into their homes to meet family. And that night dined in the courtyard next to the pool where the hotel manager joined us to eat. The food was authentic and beautifully cooked with a good variety of dishes. The next day he opened up the small shop in town for us to peruse. He works in collaboration with a group of local women artisans who create clothes and crafts to support themselves and their families. The ladies all turned up to say hello. It truly was a very special day. And a wonderful hotel.

Un palais des mille et une nuit Ce château est vraiment très beau, grand et avec son cachet d'origine. Le personnel est très attentif et charmant.

Ghanerao Royal Castel est un immense vieux fort, alangui dans un village à demi-déserté. En partie décrepit et en partie réhabilité il offre l'occasion de plonger dans ce que pouvait être la folie des grandeurs des Maharadjas. Tout est fait pour rappeler comment vivaient les gens à l'époque. Des labyrinthes de couloirs, de cours, de pièces diverses, de petits salons, de temple à se perdre... C'est vétuste, mais tellement dépaysant. Décoré et meublé avec des photos, des meubles d'époque, c'est aussi un véritable musée qui permet à l'imagination de faire le reste. La chambre se situe dans un appartement/suite à deux chambres identiques, avec salon privé, bureau et rack pour les bagages. Deux bouteilles d'eau à disposition. Elle est raffinée, confortable, décorée avec goût. Elle dispose d'un petit balcon avec cousins qui donne sur la cour principale du fort. La salle de bain et le linge sont propres. Cosmétiques de courtoisie. La piscine est en contrebas. Dans une des cours, un salon bar avec canapé et téléviseur. Dans l'une des cours, le temple privé du fort. Le dîner est servi dans la salle à manger: Assiettes de tomates concombres oignons, jeera aloo (pommes de terres aux graines) Dahl, riz, papadum, mattar paneer (fromage à la sauce tomate), Bhindi Masala (masala d'okra) , crumble. Le petit déjeuner est servi dans la salle à manger: chapati à la farine de pois chiche, bananes, beurre, confiture, toast, pastèque, masala omelette, poha (riz cusiné aux graines de grenade) Un des rares hôtels où les personnes qui portent les bagages n'attendent pas dans la chambre jusqu'à ce qu'on donne un pourboire. Vu la taille du fort on s'y sent un peu seul, mais c'est tellement reposant à côté des villes et des cars de touristes. On peut visiter le village qui est très intéressant à découvrir. Le gardien accompagne pour aider à trouver les points essentiels du village. Le village est à moitié abandonné, par des familles qui sont allées faire fortune ailleurs. De nombreux havelis en mauvais état, mais aussi de nombreuses maisons modernes vides. Reste la vie quotidienne de ceux qui n'ont pas les moyens d'aller faire fortune. L'inde authentique.

I visited the hotel as part of a trek with Horse India. It was like riding into the past arriving through the gates of this huge homestead. If you want an authentic experience not 'tweaked' for tourists this is your spot. You are staying in the home of the original family and it was nice that the owner came to explain the history of the castle and how he was trying to run it now and save the heritage. There is a beautiful roof top fountain area where local drummers came to entertain us. The staff served us as if we were family. As a solo traveller my room was so large I felt a tiny bit intimidated but that is not a complaint! The bathrooms and amenities were all perfect and it felt like we were in a Disney movie

This royal castle is probably one of the most wonderful and authentic places we ever stayed in … but, unfortunately, it is not properly maintained and service is extremely poor (close to non-existent). This place urgently needs a deal with a hotel chain or other investor.