The Mewar Haveli isn’t really a haveli (mansion) in the traditional sense of the word, it’s a three-storey building converted into a hotel. In operation since 2005, this “traditional hotel” is run by two brothers and is situated in the bustling old city of Udaipur. There are only 11 rooms – all of them with air-conditioning, TV, 24 hour hot and cold water and toilets en suite.

The décor (done by the brothers themselves) is a mix between traditional and kitsch – cotton handloom sheets mix with little pieces of décor art, and the paintings in each room (done by local Udaipur artists), are all different. The hallways are also decorated with these paintings – most of them featuring busty Rajasthani girls in the arms of their lovers, some heavily detailed mirror work art and hanging lanterns. All in all, its spotlessness is the thing that gives it the most appeal.

Once you get off the bustle of tourist shops and vendors into the lobby, you’re thankful to escape into your little room – be it standard, deluxe or superior, and if you have a lake-view room – you can leave the windows open and listen to the faraway call from the mosques, doves cooing, and all the sounds that Udaipur has to offer at night. A great place if you want to walk about and explore Udaipur by foot, and if you’re looking for a cheerful, at the same time, not-too-heavy-on-the-pocket kind of place, you will enjoy Mewar haveli!