Rohet Garh

Charming, family-run fort in the small village of Rohet with a homely atmosphere and traditional Rajasthani style

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.

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
• When we revisited in 2008 we had a very good Ayurvedic massage in the spa
• There are Jeep safaris to Bishnoi villages, and wonderful horse-riding out in the desert. Stay the night at Rohet Garh's sister properties, the tented Wilderness Camp or 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