Nimaj Palace

We were there in November 2018. There was only our group of 4 and our guide as guests. Our room was very, very large but in a wing with abandoned rooms next door. There are corridors and steps leading off in all sorts of directions. As an example of traditional maharaj constructions it's impressive. As it is off the beaten track there is little tourism and limited funds to invest in the rehabilitation of this massive site. Too bad it really must have been something in its heyday. The staff tried very hard to provide to all our needs. The visit of the local villages and temples was most interesting and worthwhile. The place was clean but in need of love and attention but nothing was really wrong.

This hotel is a genuine historical building as opposed to a modern one built to look old and as such is a very interesting place to stay. There's no wifi in the rooms but if I remember correctly it works in the restaurant (sort of). The food was OK, with very friendly service. The rooms and bathrooms are enormous but could do with refurbishing. The power fails periodically but comes back on again within a few minutes so no real problem.

Spent 2 nights here to break the journey between Jaipur and Jodphur. Fortunately we were in a car as nothing larger could have got through the village streets. Once through the Palace gateway you are in a different world with similarities to the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Large old palace over 300 years old. Maintenance is obviously a problem, with much peeling paint, and some areas providing an attractive sense of semi-dereliction. We had a room off the pool area. Very large room and en-suite bathroom, but it had definitely seen better days. Wiring looked decidedly dodgy, and the air-con didn’t work. Frequent power cuts mean you need to keep your candle nearby. No TV or Wi-fi, which was fine, but not being able to pay by credit card was more of a problem. Due to the currency crisis we didn’t have much cash, but the manager provided a member of staff to queue up with us to get some money out of the local ATM. Tip: best to send your wife as they let women push in at the front of the queue. We were the only English guests. On both nights small parties of French visitors arrived before the evening meal, but were gone by breakfast. Steep flight of steps up to reception and dining area. Lovely breakfasts and evening meals with a show by local dancers and singers, and fireworks beforehand. Fantastic location. Can simply walk out of the gates to be immersed by the village atmosphere. No tourist shops/restaurants here. Interesting old Hindu temple within the grounds. Manager and staff all very helpful. We went on a jeep tour of the local villages with the manager which was very informative. A real opportunity to visit the homes of shepherds, potters etc. Not the most luxurious hotel we stayed in but certainly one of the most memorable. Well worth a stay.