Hotel Bissau Palace

Set just outside Jaipur's Chandpole Gate on the edge of the bustling city centre, stepping into the Hotel Bissau Palace is like stepping back in time. It was built in the early 19th century as a magnificent residence for the noble family of Bissau before it was converted into a heritage hotel in 1965 where guests have enjoyed its vintage charm ever since.

The wonderful façade with Rajputana architecture leads to an arcaded courtyard which marks the heart of the palace. From here stem several reception rooms and the dining room, all preserved in their original state meaning that a stay in the hotel has the feeling of staying in a family home. Accommodating staff take care of your every need, from providing warm chai on arrival to serving a delicious India breakfast in the morning. The service is unpretentious with a family feel that makes it all the more friendly and enjoyable.

Behind the hotel is a garden with large swimming pool that is great for cooling off after a trip around the city in the heat. A rooftop terrace also offers fabulous views over the city out to the hills beyond Jaipur.

Like the rest of the hotel, the rooms offer a sense of luxury from a bygone era - rough around the edges but full of character and charm. We stayed in a downstairs room that was once a vast reception room, now complete with bed, armcharis, animal trophies and an ensuite bathroom. For those seeking slick service and contemporary luxury, the Hotel Bissau Palace is not for you. For those after something more exciting and culturally enriching, then a three night stay here will leave you with all the boxes ticked.