When you build a palace like none other, not just anyone is invited to stay. Since 1904, only a few have been deemed worthy of a higher order of hospitality – princelings, Europe’s pre-eminent bluebloods, King George V and Queen Mary, a handful of statesmen; a few of the notable architects of history. The world at large had been shut out of the Laxmi Niwas Palace. You may now actually go a step further. Gaze at hand-painted friezes and gold-laden walls.

The Laxmi Niwas Palace is located 2.5km from Bikaner Railway Junction and 1 km from the Bikaner Bus Stand. It is 254 km from the nearest airport in Jodhpur and 325 km from Sanganer Airport in Jaipur. Featuring ornate furnishings, rooms come with a desk, seating area and electric kettle. The en suite bathroom has a shower and free toiletries. Manuhar Restaurant serves Chinese and local traditional dishes, as well as a daily breakfast. It also arranges for theme dinners, set 10 km from the village amid sand dunes. There is also a lounge and bar serving domestic and international liquors. Guests can make arrangements for activities that range from Rajasthani folk music and dance performances to desert trekking. It also has a business centre and conference rooms available.