Ratan Vilas

A Living Legacy of Rajputana Elegance

Nestled discreetly behind high sandstone walls, Ratan Vilas whispers stories of a bygone era when it served as the private hunting lodge for Thakur Ratan Singh, the prime minister of Marwar. Unlike Jodhpur's grand palace hotels, this 12-room heritage property offers something more rare – the authentic experience of staying in a nobleman's country home, where every artifact has a story and the staff remember guests by name.

Architectural Splendor & Grounds

Original 1920s Structure: Preserved chhatris (domed pavilions) and arched verandas

Polo Heritage: The Singh family's private collection of vintage polo mallets and trophies

Lush Oasis: Two acres of gardens with rare desert roses and a century-old neem tree

Signature Spaces:

The Sitting Room with its hand-painted vaulted ceiling

Ramgarh Courtyard where peacocks stroll at sunset

Library Bar stocked with books on Rajputana history

Accommodations with Soul

Each room is uniquely decorated with:
✔ Hand-block printed linens from local artisans
✔ Antique furniture personally collected by the royal family
✔ Modern bathrooms with brass fittings (some with sunken tubs)
✔ Private sit-outs overlooking the gardens

Room Categories:

Garden View Rooms: Ground floor units opening to fragrant lawns

Heritage Suites: Featuring four-poster beds and private terraces

Culinary Traditions

Dining Philosophy: "Like eating at a Marwari noble's home"

Must-Try Experiences:

Breakfast al fresco under the pergola

Cooking classes for laal maas (fiery lamb curry)

Sundowners in the Polo Bar with signature Jodhpuri Gin & Tonic

Why Discerning Travelers Choose Ratan Vilas

Authenticity: Still family-run by descendants of Thakur Ratan Singh

Location: 10 minutes from Mehrangarh Fort, yet worlds away from crowds

Cultural Immersion:

Evening folk music by local Manganiyar musicians

Guided tours of Jodhpur's hidden havelis

Turban-tying and miniature painting workshops

Notable Guests:
Has hosted celebrity travelers like Diana Hayden and historians like William Dalrymple, who praised its "unpretentious elegance."

Sustainability Efforts:
♻️ Organic kitchen garden supplying the restaurant
♻️ Solar-heated water systems
♻️ Support for local artisan communities