Mandawa Kothi — Hotel in Rajasthan

This review is long overdue but my sentiments have not changed since I was there 3 months ago. Mandawa Kothi and it's staff are absolute gems. Mandawa is a peaceful little town within Rajasthan and a trip back in time. The location within town could not be better- you can walk everywhere and see the beautiful abandoned painted havelis. Mandawa Kothi is an oasis within this beautiful town. I had the most wonderful time. The family that runs the inn and it's manager, Mayank are the kindest people. They treated me with so much care - like family. I sat for at least an hour or two and chatted with the owner's son, Piyush, and learned all about his family's history and the history of the town. I also had really conversations throughout my stay with Mayank and he was so helpful with setting me up with a guide. I was having some health troubles while there due to the very cold temperatures and dry climate and he went above and beyond to help me stay comfortable. If you are visiting in winter- Dec/Jan/Feb, I do recommend making sure you have warm layers because it can get very chilly. The property itself is just lovely. They have beautiful art all around and they've put a lot of time into making it very aesthetically appealing. That said, please keep in mind this is a small, family run hotel in a small town, not a big city, so there are some things that come along with that and I do know they are working on these things - for instance, power- there were a few times the power went out but just momentarily. I had a bit of a difficult time getting hot water but if you are there in the hotter months, its probably not much of an issue at all. It just happened to be unseasonably cold while I was there. The rooms do not have central heat, so if its cold they give a space heater and that worked fine for me. They are more than happy to stock you up with blankets and whatever you need to stay warm. The food is delicious - homecooked meals. Nothing better than that. Typing this review makes me want to teleport myself right back there. I know I'll be back one day and it will be an absolute delight to see what they've done with the place since I've been there. Please do not hesitate to stay here - you will love it and by staying, you're also supporting the very kind family who owns it and...

Hidden Gem in Shekhawati !

Mandawa Kothi is a breathtakingly beautiful and gloriously restored Kothi from the 18th Century. You really are transported to another place in time ! The Decor and aesthetic of the Kothi is magnificent, with immense attention to detail. There's a great pool to lounge next to and there's a very pretty common area to relax at . The bedrooms and bathrooms are extremely clean, spacious and colourful with comfortable beds and they give you extra pillows and quilts/duvets, bottled water, and even a heater, if you ask for them. The bathroom has a water heating system that needs to be turned on 15-20 minutes pre shower which is normal. It also has all the necessary toiletries. The highlight, surprisingly was the kitchen ! It's a home-style kitchen that's absolutely spick and span! The chef cooks DELICIOUS meals, and he is willing to teach you a thing or two, on request ! The spread for dinner was EXTRAVAGANT - Laal Maas, Dahi Baingan, Tadka Dal, Mixed Veg Gravy, Kadhi Pakora, Salad, Rice, Roti, Naan, Choorma and Gud ! For breakfast, the Chef offers you Paranthas of your choice, Eggs cooked according the preference, Cereal, Toast, Seasonal Fresh Fruit, Tea, Coffee . For anything else, please ask and they will be ever ready to provide you with anything within reason and availability. The Kothi also offers Heritage Walks, led by Mr. Atul, through the beauteous Mandawa, rich with havelis and bewitching frescoes all around. Included with the price. The Motto of the Hosts is - Come as Guests, Leave as Family. They really did take care of us as one would of their family. A very special mention and thanks to Mr. Anurag and Mr. Atul, for the wonderful experience we had at Mandawa...

It has been 2 weeks since we returned from our short spell at Mandawa Kothi, but there hasn't been a day that I didn't think of our wonderful stay there ! Rajendraji has done a commendable job of painstakingly restoring an old haveli into a fabulous little retreat - it has all the modern comforts while still retaining old-world charm that is both, endearing and nostalgic of decades gone by. In fact, the restoration has only added to the original, making it so much better.

I have no hesitation in stating that Mandawa Kothi is an oasis in the Rajasthan desert. Whether you are touring Rajasthan to see its forts and palaces of yore and need a stopover to rest, or need to simply get away from the noise and clutter of a large city, I would highly recommend a stay in Mandawa Kothi ! Its serene ambience was nectar for the soul ...with the blue of the wading pool and pigeons cooing in the background making for very pleasant evenings in the courtyard , chilled beer for company ! The small staff was discreetly present to attend to us at all times, always pleasant and helpful, with the cook laying out not only delicious food, but taking requests as well ...he made us an excellent Rajasthani meal on request. I will happily go there soon again, to climb the century old steep staircase to sit on the rooftop terrace to watch the sunset and then take in a 360° view of the town as glimmering lights come on to light up it's dusk.

Best wishes to Rajendraji and Anurag, our generous and gracious hosts ; we shall look forward to...