The next Palace Hotel was in Bikaner. The Lalgarh Palace Hotel architecture was completely unlike Castle Mandawa. A sprawling building coated in red sandstone with several grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions. This mega-mansion Palace was built between 1902 and 1926 with a mixture of Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles by Maharaja Ganga Singh in memory of his father, and was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, a British architect…View image.

Keep in mind that the State of Rajasthan was formed in 1949 and merged into the Dominion of India from a cluster of 22 princely states known as Rajputana. These 22 states were never united and often fought among themselves as well as enemies, building fabulous fortunes, forts and palaces along the way. Princes, kings, Rajahs, Maharajas, whatever you choose to call them, sure knew how to build. Ergo…palatial heritage hotels that we common folk can stay in.

Seriously cowed by the exterior and almost afraid to enter, we made our way in escorted by servants into the reception area. I had recently read an article about upgrading to suites with the point being to tour and see what suites are available before discussing costs especially in grandiose places. What’s the worst that can happen? It will be out of your price range. And even if it is, you’ve had a chance to see where the “rich and famous” sleep. By the way, the Bikaner Royal Family lived in a portion of the palace while the rest was converted into the Heritage hotel operated by them. The concierge led us along one of the long corridors lined with hunting trophies, old prints and etchings towards the suites.

The Lalgarh Palace Hotel has 56 fully equipped, Historical Suites, Superior and Standard rooms. We looked at two different suites. The additional cost wasn’t much (if my recollection holds true, another $20 for the one night there), and we thought…”Why not! How often do you get to stay in a Palace.”…View image… A small word of warning, if old “British Raj” style of decorating isn’t your cup of tea, you won’t enjoy the room ambiance. Veddy…veddy…Raj. This suite was “nice” but a hovel compared to the suite we upgraded to in Jodphur. Now that, was a suite as you’ll see later in this series.

Not much time to enjoy all the Palace Hotels we stayed in. A fast cup of tea while watching peacocks strut on the lawn. (Peacocks are the noisiest birds.) A short walk through rooms with pillars, fireplaces, colonnades, and even the 4th largest library in the world. Guests eat in humungous dining rooms meant for banquets and there are an assortment of activities if you do have the time. Would you like to play croquet? Take a camel safari? Consult the resident astrologer? Have dinner on the sand dunes? No problem.

We had sightseeing planned in the town of Bikaner, the largest city in the Thar Desert.