Such a beautiful property, it really takes your breath away.

The stunning lobby, with eclectic artwork and furniture – a perfect mix of the old and the new, the elegant and the funky.

We were welcomed with a high tea, an assortment of cocktail samosas, kachoris, sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee. Oh and strawberries dipped in chocolate.

Tea companion who wasn’t really into the tête-à-tête.

A red grand piano that is covered in gold calligraphy by artist Kriti Monga. So dramatic it makes you wish you could play.

Lounging area with a panel of textiles by Ekaya.

Billiards table, terrifying stuffed leopard not in frame.

The serene, beautifully appointed rooms. The attention to detail was most impressive.

My dinner the first night was crumbed cottage cheese steaks atop a bed of ratatouille with parmesan crisps and spinach. There was also, as always, a pizza ‘for the table’. Delicious, like all the other meals.

The hospitality shown to us, and the care with which we were attended to by all levels of staff was exemplary. Even if there was something we needed changed or fixed, a complaint, it was addressed right away. I will definitely be going back and can only imagine Narendra Bhawan to gain many more loyal guests as days go by.

Richly and delicately restored, Narendra Bhawan offers guests a taste of royal living.

The lobby, reception, and other common areas were decorated with extraordinary details with a delightful mix of old and new.

Vibrant colours, eclectic curios and fine arts adorned the hotel.

The breakfast was divine with a large and diverse spread. Imagine having Churros in Bikaner for breakfast? We loved it. The pièce de résistance, however, was the dinner we had at their beautifully done private dining room.

Staring with Narangi Paneer – a common tandoori paneer but with the delicate flavour of orange.

Then was a kebab made from jimikand (yam), most delightful, followed the dal-batti-churma, again worth the calories.

The main course comprised of delicately flavoured curries with paneer, aloo and gatta with a palak-methi saag along with bajra rotis and warqi paranthas.

The dessert included local specialities and badam halwa.

It wouldn’t be amiss to say that we were treated like royalty, and after this dinner felt like it too.

Narendra bhawan is a beautiful experience to say the least; we spent a weekend in splendour. The hotel was a feast for the eyes with a lot of attention to detail.

The food was excellent and an important aspect of any getaway – here it was elegantly presented and very refined.

We had many cuisines and they did not disappoint in any! Whether it was an Italian dinner or high tea, each was complete both in experience and in taste.

One almost forgot we were sitting in Bikaner, the bar was raised so high. While some aspects of the rooms are still a ‘work in progress’ they leave no stone unturned in their hospitality. Much like the treats that just appeared for us whenever we sat down to a meal, or the manner in which they were served. I wish you some churros in Bikaner too.

Narendra Bhawan, Karni Nagar, Gandhi Colony, Bikaner 334001, Rajasthan. Call them at +917827151151.