The Gulaal

Wonderful and so large and luxury room, kind service, very good breakfast with nutella, perfect dinner on the beautiful terrace viewing the fort and with our particular requests always accomplished, clean and relaxing swimming pool and good and not expensive massages. After 20 days in Rajastan, this boutique hotel deserves the higher valutation and more. The best! Thanks to the "so kind" manager and to all the Gulaal waiters and workers!

The only terrible thing is that after two days we had to go away to continue our voyage.

Homey, luxurious, peaceful, personal touch The most incredible hotel... location just close enough to walk to the fort, yet far enough at the end of a quiet street, so as not to be disturbed by traffic and "tourist trap" unpleasantness. Owner was just amazing, very hospitable and gave good advice about what to see and what to avoid, once he understood what I was aiming to achieve during my time in Jaisalmer - I've travelled the world in the past 25 years and this place just nailed it! Kids were very sad to leave. Their desert safari was extremely tailored/personalised - no crowds/group bookings...we had the Thar desert to ourselves, with our own driver, jeep and cook. Rooms are very spacious, bathrooms large, and rooftop dining was excellent. I missed not having a gym, but that's manageable for a 2 day stay given that they had a swimming pool. I wouldn't trade this place for any other - having stayed at 5-star properties in Jaisalmer and other cities in Rajasthan (and other cities in India). Many hotels that charge 2-3 times more than the Gulaal, try hard to deliver the experience that the Gulaal has somehow managed to do so well. I hope I can go back to Jaisalmer and stay at the Gulaal again someday. A real gem of a place.

Great food, awesome view, helpful staff. Clean and accessible.

The Gulaal is a stunning hotel and a great basis from which to explore Jaisalmer. Visitors are strongly recommended to avoid booking hotels inside Jaisalmer Fort, as the heavy water use inside the fort caused by these hotels is causing serious damage to the historical site. The Gulaal is a perfect alternative. From its location you get stunning views of the fort (view them from the good rooftop restaurant in the evenings!), and the staff can arrange a tuk-tuk to the fort entrance for 70 rupees (less than one pound) - it takes only about five minutes. The rooms are very spacious and beautifully appointed, and the hotel itself has been put together with great care in traditional style - it really is a wonder to wander through the inner courtyards, and admire the local handicrafts and furniture. The pool is small but lovely and the staff are very friendly (ask them to bring you a cooling drink at the pool after a hard morning's sightseeing!)