Hotel Ghanerao Castle Ranakpur

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.

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

On my recent trip with Vegan Travel Asia, we did a 12-day tour across Rajasthan. Everywhere we stayed added a special measure of adventure and fond memories. When we arrived at the Royal Castle in Ghanerao, we stopped, blew the horn and someone came to open the gate through the castle walls. Once inside the massive courtyard, the architecture of the castle stood impressively in front of us. This was just the beginning. The room where I stayed was massive, with a large sitting area with double-height ceilings, a separate bedroom, a hallway that ran the length of the rooms, with lattice work and shutters providing privacy from the outside. And then a large, comfortable bathroom with a large, separate, step-down shower room. The castle was decorated throughout with amazing antiques and pieces of furniture with historical significance. The food in the restaurant was made with only locally raised and produced food. And we had the pleasure of spending an hour with the queen, and learned all about her wonderful work with charities, women's causes and other philanthropic endeavours. Staying in the castle was pure magic. I frequently rested with my thoughts trying to imagine what it must have felt like to be around when the castle was originally built over 500 years before.

I've given this hotel a very good, because of its heritage, character & ambience, not because of it's facilities. It is stunningly beautiful, fabulous architecture - real 'faded grandeur', flaking paint, crumbling plaster, little winding passages and staircases, hidden nooks & crannies with interesting artefacts and a lovely courtyard. I believe some rooms were refurbished very well, but mine (14) was in the 'before' category. It had a rather grubby outdoor seating area, an old indoor seating area, very hard bed, with thin mattress on plywood, no hot water, kettle, TV or safe, but amazingly, really good wifi (better than the so-called business hotel we stayed in the night before!). The area outside the dining room was a lovely place to sit & watch the sun set with a drink. The evening meal was basic, but good. The breakfast was poor - no buffet, just toast & omelette brought to your table. It was so exciting and 'exotic', that I excused all of it's faults, but I'd say it needs some work doing if it's going for the luxurious market, However, for the budget traveller it's an amazing opportunity to experience staying in an old palace, full of character & beauty.

Unique, authentic and beautiful castle away from the hassle. The rooms each have their own personality and are tastefully decorated. I love the place, which is as charming as it is elegant… special experience… a magical place to ressource yourself…

This has been the best stay we booked. Right from the staff to the food everything was great. We had my niece 1st year birthday celebration here the staff made sure to help us with the cake & decor. On 31st evening they planned a special folk performance by the locals which was the highlight of our trip. An amazing place for friends and family in midst of a jungle. Kudos to the entire staff Shahrukh and everyone for making us feel comfortable. Thanks.