Jas Vilas

Jas Vilas was built as a family home by Jaswant Singh, who was a brigadier in the Indian army. It's been a hotel since the turn of the 21st century, but has kept its homey feel, and the owners still live on-site. Guest enter via a paved driveway lined with leafy potted plants, beside a lush green lawned garden. There's an airy, open feel throughout, and you're likely to spot guests relaxing outside of their rooms on wicker chairs. Hallways on all levels overlook the pretty rear courtyard, which is loaded with colorful plants, while the charming dining room looks onto the trim garden in the front. There are traditional Rajasthani touches everywhere -- beautiful, intricate patterns swarming up pillars and ceilings, and dark hardwood arched windows and doors. If it wasn't for these, you could be forgiven for thinking you're in the Mediterranean somewhere -- especially with the stone balconies covered in climbing bougainvillea. Guests are mostly couples from all over the world looking for a little peace in the busy city.

Jas Vilas is located in a residential neighborhood toward the west of the city center and major historic sights. A few shops and local businesses are nearby, as well as a couple of schools. The benefit of being outside the center is the quiet -- especially in the evenings. It's a five-minute drive to the train station, and a short hop downtown -- about a 15-minute drive in a taxi. Cab rides can be unpredictable, though, as traffic is often bad. Budget up to 30 minutes to reach Hawa Mahal, and about the same to City Palace. Amer Fort, north of town, takes 40 to 55 minutes to reach by car. The airport is a 40-minute drive from the hotel, though this again depends on traffic. 

Rooms have a traditional Rajasthani style, that includes decorative Indian hardwood furniture like impressive four-poster beds and large mirrored wardrobes. They're spacious, with chandeliers hung from their high ceilings, and details like hand-painted floral borders add an extra layer of charm. Amenities include air-conditioning, mini-fridges, safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Most rooms have either double or twin beds. Extra beds can be arranged on request, and some ground-floor rooms are wheelchair accessible. All have an outdoor sitting space along the open hallways and overlooking the pool, though there are no private balconies in most units. Top-floor Heritage Rooms feature huge beds, extra living areas, and private balconies. Bathrooms are relatively spacious, with large counters and double sinks. They include showers, toiletries, towels, and hairdryers. 

Features aren't as numerous here as at the chain hotels found downtown, but there's a lot to like about the extras on offer. Jas Vilas has a pretty outdoor pool set in leafy, secluded gardens. There's table seating at one end, plus a few deck chairs dotted around. Seating is available on the poolside lawn and out in the front garden as well. The restaurant serves a well-liked menu of freshly prepared Indian meals throughout the day, which can be taken in the dining room, outside on the poolside terrace, or in the outdoor seating space near each room. The buffet breakfast features continental items like cereals, fruit, and toast, and is included in rates. Other services include an inexpensive laundry service, free Wi-Fi, money exchange, and free pick-ups from the train station. Unusually for a small boutique hotel, there are access ramps throughout the ground floor.