Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

This rambling 17th-century haveli occupies a prime spot on the lakeside next to the City Palace. It’s a typical whitewashed Merwari mansion, centered on a glass-mosaic courtyard from which flights of external steps climb up the sides of the building to suites on the upper floors.

If you can, book one of the lake-facing rooms, most of which have raised jharokha balconies where you can gaze across the water while reclined on block-printed bolsters. The rooftop restaurant ranks among the best in the city, both for its north Indian tandoori cuisine and location; and the staff – in their traditional turbans and uniforms – are unfailing helpful.

Our opinion

A budget hotel with oodles of character, good food and great views.