Hotel Suraj

I did not stay at Hotel Suraj, HOWEVER, on recommendation from family members who had stayed there, we popped in to see if we could have a look around, as they had such a great experience. Honestly, once we arrived and were greeted by Shubum the owner, we really wish had stayed at Hotel Suraj. He happily welcomed us in, showed us around the incredible 500-year-old property and told us such in depth history about the place and Jaisalmer more widely, we left fascinated! So many artefacts and pictures from his family's history within the property, it really should be a museum and him a guide! We had beers watching the sun set on the roof while chatting with Shubum and had such a lovely time. Honestly, if at all possible stay here!

To be clear: I didn’t stay here. However, I was fortunate enough to have an overwhelmingly positive experience with the owner one evening, where I had beer on his rooftop, and I was shown around the haveli. I already had somewhere to stay. So it was this family run business’ passion for their 500 year property, and their desire to welcome people to their ancestral home that prompted such generosity and interesting conversation. The haveli is nestled in the heart of the fort, and comprises of 4 spacious bedrooms, which we were shown. Each of the rooms preserving the natural character of the building, with painted murals and original built in closets adorning the walls. I’m writing this review because I was so moved by the host’s care for his ancestral home, his love of sharing it with people, and his devotion to offering tourists an authentic and value for money experience of Jaisalmer. It’s a humble home converted into a 4 room guest house, and so the amenities might look a little basic, but your stay would be more than made up for by the family who run it and the history of the building that beats within.

We arrived late in the evening but Shubhan guide us to their haveli. If you want an authentic stay with super nice people: this is the place to go. Every guest gets a free welcome tour in Jaiselmer fort from Shubhan, which was very nice. As we left he brought all our stuff downhill for us. A great stay!

If you are going to India, you should visit Jaisalmer. And if you visit Jaisalmer, you should stay at Hotel Suraj, absolutely. The Vyas family have lived within the fort in this lovingly restored medieval haveli for 18 generations. They are gracious hosts who will offer you a wealth of information about Jaisalmer Fort and current cultural context. Their generous knowledge made our stay much richer than we typically expect, even in a small hotel. Beyond that, breakfast is prepared for you alongside whatever the family are eating that morning - delicious and nutritious. And if you are under the weather (as we were, with chest colds) you'll be taken good care of with hot lemon-honey-ginger concoctions. If we are back, we will certainly stay here and we can confidently recommend that you do, too.

Staying in a 500-year old Haveli overlooking a Jain Temple in the heart of the Golden City alone makes Suraj one of my most memorable experiences in India. However the jewel in the crown of this magnificent establishment is its proprietors, the Vyas family, whose hospitality was superlative and humbling. Led by Shubham and his wise father Gokul they provided a truly unforgettable experience during the festival of Holi that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Before we arrived Shubham made sure we knew how to reach the Haveli as first time travellers in the city. He then provided a comprehensive tour of the city and surrounding area, including Patwon ki Haveli and a rooftop bar that was closed to the public. He arranged for us to purchase clothes for the Holi festival and allowed us to take part in the Holika Dahan taking place on the street just outside the Haveli. On the day of Holi itself, Shubham, draped in a spectacular technicolour jacket guided us and the other guests of the hotel around the city, immersing us in the joy and colour of his favourite festival. His infectious energy and constant generosity ensuring we had enough colour made the day really special. For our next day Shubham organised a private camel safari into the Thar desert for us which meant we were privileged to sleep under the starts with no one but the beetles and glinting moon for company. A true paradise. I would urge anyone going to book an overnight camel experience through Shubham - it will be a true highlight of your trip. One example of Shubham’s kindness that really stands out to me several months after my visit is when I set out on foot alone to buy plasters for a cut on my finger. I did not tell Shubham where I was going when leaving the hotel but he rode past on his motorbike, picked me up and escorted me to a pharmacy and insisted on purchasing the plasters for me. An incredible gesture that has stayed with me. We were so sad to leave Jaisalmer and Hotel Suraj and hope to return some day, but we remain eternally grateful for the warmth and kindness we received throughout. Truly the best in India. Dhanyavaad, Ben & Jaisila

Location is perfect to walk inside the fort. The owner of the Haveli can come with you discovering Jailsamer. His explanations are very helpful. Very good Indian breakfast with toasts if wanted. A lot of restaurants are available inside the fort, few minutes walking distance.