This is an unbiased personal review of my stay experience at Gulaal Boutique hotel in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a very sought after tourism destination – not just among Indians but foreign travellers too. And often we associate the state with 2 unique characteristics – Desert & Hospitality. So when i headed to Jaisalmer – the border town and famous as the desert city of India, i was sure I would get plenty of sand, camels and desert land. All I need to ensure was to experience the hospitality symbolised by the ‘Padharo Maro Des’ adage meaning ‘Welcome to our land’.
So, after my regular travel research and reading, that I do before my every travel, I zeroed in on ’The Gulaal, a property that promised much more than what the golden city had to offer. One of the prime reasons that compelled me to book my room here, despite the higher than average price (for Jaisalmer area) was its exquisite interiors decked in the vibrant colors that define Rajasthan in the world map.
About the Location
While in Jaisalmer, my experience says you either live within the fort or somewhere around it. The Jaisalmer fort, also a UNESCO world heritage site, is one of the only living forts active in India. There are still many families residing inside the forts in their homes that belonged to their ancestors. The fort serves as the main tourist attraction and everything in Jaisalmer revolves around this place. While most hotels inside the fort are over priced and do not give the full value for money, it can be preferred if you wish to stay inside the fort and see the day and night pass through inside the fort walls. The night scenes inside the fort looks spectacular as you can see the entire Jaisalmer won spread wide open beneath you.
As much as from inside, the fort looks spectacular from outside too especially when its periphery is full lit in golden dazzle in the night. And the rooftop from ‘The Gulaal’ offers the best deck to enjoy that view.
The hotel is located well within the jaisalmer town about 2 – 3 KM outside the fort walls. It is well distanced from the railway station (as that is the most preferred mode of entering the desert town) as well as the fort and the road leading to the Sam desert.
To reach the fort, you can take an auto (for a nominal charge of 50 bucks) or if you have your day, the hotel can arrange a transport for you.
The Hospitality Experience
The two most memorable things we collected form our stay at Gulaal were – the charming hospitality of the owners (Mr. Chandan and Vijender) and the intricate beauty of the decor and interiors of the property. During a detailed conversation with Chandan, we were delighted to know the efforts put by them to create such a stay experience for tourists. Chandan has an excellent eye for detail and has himself picked and chosen the decor elements – from the haveli doors to ornate beds. The drapes and upholstery of the rooms complement the traditional haveli theme of this boutique hotel. The courtyards outside the room and balconies are pretty too making you wish to spend timeless moments in those leisurely sofas.
In your stay at gulaal, you not only carry back Wonderful memories but also heritage of the rich Rajasthani culture of rich tradition and hospitality.
While on our last day of the stay, we requested Chandan to take us through the property and he delightfully agreed to do so. He showed us the much luxurious suites that they have crafted with finesse in their first floor. All through the chat, he very proudly talked about the efforts and money they have put in to create such a hospitable abode and how he has travelled to all parts of the country to stitch together the pieces of art in the hotel – from the antique doors to the royal beds in the room. Truly that was a touching experience to hear it all from him.
The Interiors and ambience
The Gulaal is a 3 story heritage property that is built by 2 brothers within the last decade. And to experience its deep architectural decor infused in traditional indian art and cultural relics is the bets moment of your stay there. You can spend plenty of time walking in the inner balcony yards of the property with fine arts hanging on the walls, each one of them sourced to match the ambience.
Honestly, I found the exteriors more appealing than the interiors of the room. And to the best of my Knowledge, you can’t get a better mix of luxury and art in any other Jaisalmer hotel atlas among the ones within the town. The beds are made of fine wood and takes you back in time, giving you a feeling of doze that erstwhile rulers of the state would have enjoyed.
You can notice the jodhpuri safa hung from the balcony roofs that adds to the colorful theme of the surroundings in addition to the wall decors sourced from various Rajasthani prints.
Food/ Restaurant
The rooftop restaurant is another gem. It gives a direct view of the jaisalmer fort and in the evening the view becomes even more splendid when the fort is lit up shining in all its glitter. Food was really nice and gives you a mix of north indian and rajashani cuisine. There are nice canopy laid corners over the dining tables that combines tradition and modern art in a relishing way.
Tip for travellers
With this blog, I will try to add this new section to give some handy tips to fellow travellers out of my experience – :
- If you plan to book a room or suite at ’The Gulaal’, try calling them directly for the best rates than going through those myriad of internet sites. This is as per the owners suggestion directly
- The real best part about staying at Gulaal is the property itself. So do plan a complete day in itself to immerse yourself in the traditional heritage it has to offer.
- Book your table for a romantic or peaceful dinner at their terrace with a fort view lounge. Order your drinks & food slowly and let time pass in the pensive hour of night while you can gawk at the for which is separated by a mere distance and the historic silk road passing by between the both of you
- Sit by the pool side on a sunny day (preferably travel during winter time)
- Enjoy their generous breakfast spread – For all I know they don’t offer buffet but a freedom to order whatever you want from their menu (and as much you can ….shhh.)
For more details about the property, visit their website The Gulaal
And for any personal recommendations and suggestions you can anytime reach out to me. Drop in your comments if you liked this blog and do share so that it reaches more travellers like you. You can also follow my travelogues with the facebook page Travelotto
Before you leave, did you read my stay experience at Ladakh? If no, click here to know what made my stay under the stars and sky at Ladakh
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