Raas

This contemporary design hotel, an oasis within Jodhpur’s Walled City, contrasts beautifully with the centuries-old surroundings.

• Almost all rooms offer views of the Mehrangarh fort
• The hip, loungey vibe at the restaurant
• The gorgeous spa, which offers Ayurvedic treatments as well as Thai massage

Seven red sandstone buildings (three built, four original) come together to form this design hotel. Because of its location within Jodhpur’s bustling Walled City, the feeling is immersive, though light sleepers should be aware that chanting can be heard from a nearby mosque several times a day beginning at 5:30am; for this reason, the hotel provides earplugs in each room.

The exterior looks like a modern jaali (screen), allowing streams of light throughout the property. Of the 40 rooms, 36 have views of Mehrangarh fort; the remaining four overlook the hotel’s courtyard garden. All rooms come with balconies though, ideal for breakfast or afternoon cocktails. Walking into the understated rooms, the eye travels immediately to the juxtaposition of the modern interiors with heritage touches, especially in the three Heritage Suites.

Of the hotel’s two restaurants, dinner-only Darikhana is set up as an alfresco terrace (though there is some seating indoors too). The restaurant’s view of the illuminated fort (go before 9pm when the lights are switched off) and the menu of Rajasthani dishes, from yogurt kebabs to Tandoori lamb, make for a lovely meal and evening. A menu of international dishes from paella to pad thai is also available. Most of the vegetables and herbs used in dishes are grown in the on-site garden.

A different experience than the region’s palace hotels, Raas is a great fit for couples or friends looking for something a bit more modern.