The hype
A serene, well-maintained sanctuary where the service shines, but the food can be hit-or-miss.
Pratap Mahal - Ihcl Seleqtions
$90-170 / night
Book this if You want the Taj hospitality experience without the palace price tag, and prefer mountain silence over the chaotic hippie drum circles of Pushkar town.
Why People Love It
- Secluded 'oasis' vibe with stunning Aravalli hill backdrops
- Spacious rooms with private balconies (sit-outs) are standard
- Taj-trained staff who actually remember your name
Quick Take: It's a modern build dressed up as a palace that feels a bit isolated if you don't have your own car.
Reviewed by @raina.forte: I came here to disconnect and honestly, I didn't want to leave. The mix of heritage architecture and those quiet mountain views is incredible. My favorite part was just sitting in the courtyard listening to the folk music at night—it felt like stepping back in time.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You're a captive audience for dining unless you want to pay for a cab into town for every meal.
- You have your own car and want a secure, quiet base
- You appreciate a 'sit-out' balcony for morning coffee
- You need a reliable, clean pool to escape the Rajasthan heat
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Generally prompt and daily, though some recent reviews mention missed dusting on pillows.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. Modern fixtures mean no grime in the grout.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition overall, though recent exterior maintenance has caused some noise.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and white, but check pillows for dust if you have allergies.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of jasmine/incense; breakfast area can smell of frying oil.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Occasional construction/maintenance (check ahead)
- Wedding events in the courtyard (seasonal)
Before you book
Good to know
- The pool is unheated, so it's decorative-only during Dec-Feb
- Breakfast is often included in rates, but costs ~INR 700 ($8) if purchased separately
- Alcohol is available at Mahua Bar (rare for some holy town hotels, but this is on the outskirts)
What to pack
- Swimsuit (for the year-round outdoor pool)
- Earplugs (just in case of wedding noise)
- Moisturizer (desert air is dry)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Luxury Room with Sitout (Aravalli View) — worth the upgrade for the mountain sunset
- Superior Room King — solid baseline, still gets a balcony
Rooms to avoid
- Courtyard View rooms on the ground floor if a wedding is happening (noise risk)
- Rooms near the service elevator (can be noisy in the morning)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'd love a room on a higher floor facing the Aravalli hills for the sunset view. Please ensure it's away from any active renovation work.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it walking distance to Pushkar Lake?
Absolutely not. It's a 6-10km drive (15-20 mins) on a bypass road.
Is the pool heated?
No. It's a year-round outdoor pool, but expect it to be freezing in winter.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, but it'll cost you. ~INR 3500 per day plus a deposit. Dogs up to 44 lbs only.
Is there a gym?
Yes, a small fitness center. Functional but not extensive.
How is the internet?
Free WiFi is available and generally reliable for streaming, though public area speeds can vary.
Is the food vegetarian only?
No. Unlike many hotels inside the holy city limits, Aravali serves both veg and non-veg dishes.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for a 'sit-out' room facing the back for complete privacy from the courtyard.
- ✨
The 'Mahua Bar' is one of the few places you can get a proper cocktail near Pushkar without hiding it.
- ✨
Book the 'VIP Darshan' through the concierge if you want to visit the Brahma Temple without the hassle of touts.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'palace' is a new build (2013), not a restored heritage fort, so the plumbing actually works.
💡You can hear the peacocks calling from the Aravalli hills in the morning.
💡Room service prices are surprisingly reasonable compared to Western standards.
💡The approach road is a bypass, so it feels like you're driving into nowhere until you hit the gate.
💡Dust is an issue in the pillows/linens for sensitive sleepers due to the desert environment.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Pratap Mahal - Ihcl Seleqtions is located and what's nearby.