Jaisalmer Resort

Jaisalmer accommodation splits two ways: havelis crammed inside the living fort, and desert camps an hour into the dunes. The Jaisalmer Resort takes a third position. It sits in a quiet hotel precinct on the Mohangarh Road side of town, and the hotel's own pitch for that location is the practical one.

We are situated in a hotel precinct away from the hustle and bustle of the town but remain only a short walk to Jaisalmer Fort and the marketplace.

Walking distance to the fort without sleeping inside its crowded walls is, we'd argue, the sensible way to do the Golden City. The property has run since 2015 under Sia Hospitality, and the precinct buys you what the fort lanes cannot: room to spread out, and a swimming pool with lifeguard cover during operating hours.

Rooms built for two

The two main categories are compact and modern rather than heritage pastiche. The Luxury Room runs 25 square metres with a resort view, contemporary decor, plush bedding, a flat-screen television and a workspace. The Superior Room is slightly larger at 28 square metres, faces the city, and adds an in-room refrigerator. Both take two guests, and the amenity list covers air conditioning, Wi-Fi throughout, an electric kettle, hair dryer and welcome drinks; the hotel even lists itself as pet friendly, rare in Rajasthan.

Fed, married and camped

The restaurant carries the day from a lavish breakfast through to dinner, with menus built on locally sourced ingredients alongside international dishes. The hotel hosts weddings, meetings and corporate events in dedicated spaces. And because this is Jaisalmer, the desert is on the menu too: the sister property Sia Resort & Camp puts guests among the dunes of the Thar for cultural performances and starlit nights. A pick-up and drop service, fitness centre, wellness centre, laundry and private parking round out a hotel that aims at comfort rather than theatre.