For corporate road warriors - the 4-5* hotel room is usually a boring featureless experience which can be in any country at any time. Combine that with soul destroying corporate travel policies - you’re lucky if you get breakfast. Staying in Airbnb is an option but it’s a bit too hit and miss for me.
So this time I revolted against the option of staying in the gift city and decided to stay in this heritage. Landed at stupid o clock from Abu Dhabi and checked in at 5am. The Bakelite switches, the bellboy carrying my suitcase up the narrow wooden stairs, and then this extraordinary room (it’s actually cheaper than staying in the gift city hotels!). It’s a converted royal bungalow deep inside the old city.
I was too shagged to see much and grabbed some shut eye. Was woken up by the typical early morning India city sounds of mynahs, crows, vividh Bharti, horns beeping, a cow mooing, and a mother vociferously shrieking at her progeny in Gujarati about some heinous crime. You just wake up with a nostalgic smile no? And then life got so much better.
Beautifully restored, the jharoka windows were beautiful. The wardrobe was decorated with wooden pietra dura work and lions feet. The tapestries were exquisitely detailed and I fell in love them. The chandelier was so beautiful and whilst I doubt it’s that old, it’s clearly based on Mughal glass. Remind me one day to talk about it. This Indian art is not that well known and very little survives. Then you have the door with the wooden jambs, a cast iron hasp with a whacking big thick brass padlock (no electronic key shite here). A terrace seen from the window where long somnolent summer holiday mornings would be spent listening to the bees before the sun and Ma’s bellowed imprecations would drive you out of the terrace bed.
A reasonable breakfast of fruit, poha, masala omlette, and aloo paratha served in a casserole. You can’t get any more Indian than casseroles. And I spotted an old tin basin and ewer in the corner - one with a soap dish and filter integrated.
Place is highly recommended. I’m looking forward to the next...
Read moreDiwan’s Bungalow – A Standout Heritage Stay in Old Ahmedabad
Let’s get straight to the point: Diwan’s Bungalow is a 150-year-old heritage property right in the thick of Ahmedabad’s Old City, and it delivers a unique blend of historic charm and business-friendly convenience. The property’s architectural details—classic wooden furniture, expansive verandas, and period décor—have all been thoughtfully preserved, but you still get the essentials: reliable air conditioning, updated bathrooms, and the kind of modern touches business travelers expect.
Location-wise, you’re in the center of everything. Major markets, quick access to the railway station, and plenty of options for dining or meetings are just steps away. That’s a huge plus if your trip balances work and exploration. There’s a catch, though: the city’s energy is always present. Street noise—honking, traffic, the usual city buzz—can run late into the evening. For light sleepers, it’s worth coming prepared or requesting a quieter room.
On the tech side, Wi-Fi is complimentary, but the signal strength isn’t consistent throughout the property. If you rely on a strong connection for video calls or urgent work, this could be a minor frustration. Investing in a mobile hotspot or the hotel upgrading their access points would be helpful.
Service? Really impressive. We arrived well before standard check-in, and Mr. Mahendra Chaudhary’s team welcomed us without hesitation or extra fees. That level of flexibility and hospitality is a real asset for business travelers who often deal with odd arrival hours.
Bottom line: if you value distinctive, heritage-rich accommodation with genuine service and central access for business or leisure, Diwan’s Bungalow is a smart choice. There are minor drawbacks—city noise and spotty internet—but the overall experience and atmosphere far outweigh them. I’d recommend it to travelers looking for more than just another...
Read more⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Peaceful Heritage Gem in the Heart of Ahmedabad
Staying at Diwan’s Bungalow by jüSTa Hotels & Resorts was truly like stepping back in time while still enjoying all the comforts of the modern world. Nestled right in the middle of Ahmedabad’s bustling city, this beautiful heritage property feels like a peaceful oasis — calm, quiet, and full of old-world charm.
The bungalow has 8 unique heritage suites, each one thoughtfully restored and tastefully decorated to reflect the history and culture of the bygone era. My suite had beautiful antique furniture, high ceilings, and intricate architectural details that made me feel like I was part of a royal story — yet with every modern comfort thoughtfully in place.
What really stood out was the warm hospitality of the staff. From check-in to checkout, every interaction felt personal and genuine. They go out of their way to make you feel at home, which perfectly complements the cozy and intimate vibe of the place.
The in-house restaurant, Dalan, deserves a special mention. The food here feels like a warm hug — fresh, homely, and full of authentic flavors. Whether it’s a hearty Gujarati thali or simple comfort food, every meal is served with so much care that it truly feels like dining in a traditional home rather than a hotel.
Despite being located in the heart of modern Ahmedabad, the bungalow manages to stay blissfully peaceful. The moment you step inside, the noise of the city fades away, replaced by a sense of calm and nostalgia. It’s the perfect stay for anyone who wants to experience the heritage and culture of Ahmedabad in an intimate, serene setting.
I would highly recommend Diwan’s Bungalow by jüSTa to travelers looking for a stay that’s authentic, soulful, and beautifully preserved — a place that doesn’t just offer a room, but a true slice of history and heartfelt...
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