Cavalry Villa — Hotel in Rajasthan

Long ago, during the British Raj, Indians used to face a dogma outside many establishments

‘Indians & Dogs not allowed’. While a dog has certainly found home at Cavalry Villa, unfortunately “Indians” have not.

While the place is tagged as homestay, but there is nothing homely about it, again….only for ‘Indians’ I guess..

Earlier I thought, it is only us for some reason, who found the place beautiful buy uninviting/non-smiling/non welcoming owners and staff, but seems to be a common message after reading some of these reviews … again largely from ‘Indians’

All the above surprisingly from a decorated Army officers place & in a beautiful city of Bikaner

My message to owners will be, if your main target audiences are only “Non-Indians”, kindly delist yourself from any Indian portals or reject such bookings at onset.. to not spoil “Indians” holiday

Jotting down the property review

While the property itself deserves a 5 star, but only customer interface is 1 star, and a major spoiler, In the quest to give proper and timely service, they miss out on making the guest feel welcome

Pros -

1. Location ( Heart of City, walking distance from railway station & main market)

2. Cleanliness (new property with almost everything new, and well maintained as well)

3. Food (homely and good quality), they also called us, to check if we require lunch or dinner each day, as it's freshly cooked

4. Rooms are well kept (like in pics)

5. Beautiful hotel, almost like a heritage property in a homestay

Cons -

1. A homestay with limited staff

2. Very particular about timings

3. They cater to your requests but at a lot of insistence.(Simple requests which would be otherwise normal in a hospitality industry ).

4. There is a restriction to enter property by 11 pm (This “rule” was not mentioned in house rules on MMT anywhere… while they accommodated our request at one instance…. though after a lot of insistence)

5. Very dry vibes & non smiling staff/owners.

6. As there are a lot of crockery and antiques, it may not be very suitable for families with small & (playful) kids

7. It is has rooms on 1st floor as well, so may be a challenge for those who can't climb stairs

8. For similar or a bit higher, you can find better heritage properties

I generally do not post reviews, but in this case ( and on insistence from my parents… I am posting a pretty elaborate one)

PS : My review was not approved on MMT, so...

Review of Cavalry Villa, Bikaner

Cavalry Villa is a heritage property in Bikaner owned by an army couple, offering a clean, well-maintained environment and an authentic heritage experience. The architectural beauty and the overall upkeep of the villa certainly reflect the owners’ attention to detail. However, our experience was marred by the inconsistent hospitality that we encountered during our stay.

Upon arrival, we noticed a lack of warmth in the welcome. While we initially attributed this to the disciplined background of the army couple, our observations during the stay suggested otherwise. The owners appeared notably more polite and engaging with foreign guests. For instance, during breakfast, we noticed the lady of the house actively conversing with foreign guests in the dining room. However, when we arrived, there was no one to assist with serving the food or to check if we needed anything. Neither of the owners approached us with a greeting or smile, which felt disheartening and unwelcoming.

While the property itself is charming and well-maintained, the lack of consistent and inclusive hospitality made our stay less enjoyable. Hospitality plays a crucial role in creating a memorable experience, and unfortunately, this aspect fell short during our visit.

Despite the beauty of Cavalry Villa, the uneven treatment and lack of warmth towards Indian guests left us with a sense of discomfort. Regrettably, this experience would discourage us from returning to the property. With a more stable and inclusive approach to hospitality, Cavalry Villa has the potential to be a truly exceptional...

Nestled in the heart of Bikaner, Cavalry Villa is an exquisite military-inspired Rajasthani boutique hotel that seamlessly blends regality and luxury.

The rooms, a harmonious union of opulence and comfort, are adorned with embellished Rajasthani decor. Each detail, from the intricate tapestries to the richly carved furnishings, transports guests to an era of grandeur in true military style.

The culinary journey offered at this establishment is nothing short of a feast for the senses. The menu, a celebration of local flavors, tantalizes taste buds with an array of delectable dishes. Every meal is a gastronomic adventure, showcasing the culinary prowess of the region.

The ambiance of the hotel is a masterpiece in itself, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Rajasthan. Military aesthetics seamlessly intertwine with traditional elements, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. The hotel's commitment to preserving and showcasing the local heritage is evident in every nook and corner.

What truly sets this establishment apart is its unwavering commitment to hospitality. The owners warmth and courtesy elevates the overall experience, making guests feel not just welcomed, but cherished. From check-in to check-out, every interaction is marked by a genuine desire to ensure guest satisfaction.

In conclusion, this boutique hotel in Bikaner is a haven of indulgence encompassing luxury, tradition, and military-inspired design converge. With top marks for rooms, decor, food, ambiance, and hospitality, it stands as a testament to the art of creating an unforgettable retreat in the heart...