Reviewed by
Mary-Anne Denison-Pender
This 375-year-old fortified desert home of the descendants of the Rathores lies on the banks of a small lake teeming with birdlife, just south of Jodhpur. The Singh family still reside here and run the hotel, restored in traditional Rajput style and filled with historic trophies and delightful details. You enter through painted gates into a rambling, low rise building which has various wings surrounding grassy courtyards and a pretty landscaped garden, as well as plenty of breezy verandas and private retreats. The welcoming central courtyard with its garden and bougainvillea has been completely restored, with marble floors, a traditional arched veranda and a small marble fountain in the lawn.
Surrounded by the scrublands of the Great Thar Desert, this is a quiet place of great charm and character, steeped in family history. But there is also plenty to do - the Jeep, camel or horse safaris into the desert and tribal areas are highly recommended. With Jodhpur just 45 minutes away, Rohet Garh also makes the perfect rural retreat from which to explore this historic city.
Surrounded by the scrublands of the Great Thar Desert, this is a quiet place of great charm and character, steeped in family history. But there is also plenty to do - the Jeep, camel or horse safaris into the desert and tribal areas are highly recommended. With Jodhpur just 45 minutes away, Rohet Garh also makes the perfect rural retreat from which to explore this historic city.
Highs
- This is a friendly place that offers personal service without compromising your privacy
- The spacious rooms have pretty frescoes, beautiful bedcovers and hanging chairs
- The terrace with its lake view is just the place to recline
- The family are passionate about their heritage and meet each guest in person
- Spa with very good Ayurvedic massages
- There are Jeep safaris to Bishnoi villages, and wonderful horse-riding out in the desert. Or maybe stay the night at Rohet Garh's sister property, the swanky Mihirgarh
Lows
- The beds can be rather hard
- It can be noisy if groups are staying
- Management is a bit slow if the family isn't there for some reason
- Staff tend to serve buffets when big groups are there, although a table d’hote menu can be requested
- There isn't much lounging area by the pool itself, but there's a sun terrace overlooking the lake and a rooftop terrace and bar
Best time to go
The peak season is October to early April, when it's warm and dry. May and June are just too hot for many. July and August are the monsoon months and bring muggy, humid weather and a profusion of insects, though the showers are normally brief. Note that the mornings, evenings and nights can get chilly in December and January.
Our top tips
Don’t forget to save some time for lounging on the sun terrace, which is covered with comfy mattresses and low tables. It's the perfect place to sit and sip a drink in the evenings, or for lazing during the day.