Jodhpur's blue city is one of India's most recognizable sights, having appeared in recent movies such as The Fall and The Darjeeling Limited. Its iconic Meherangarh Fort acts as an amazing viewing spot for the blue city, its majestic grandeur the perfect monument to Jodhpur's imperial past.
The bulk of the new city of Jodhpur, however, is chaotic, busy and overcrowded, and by the time my friend Dora arrived there last March, we were thirsty for some peace, quiet and relaxation.

I'm going to be concise: if you come to Jodhpur, you have to stay at Ratan Villas. A former private home built at the turn of last century by members of Jodhpur's royal family, the lodging features an open-air dining terrace, world-class meals, beverages and service and a peaceful, gated courtyard that makes you forget you're smack dab in the middle of a huge metropolis. The family ownership of the Villas fosters a hospitality and warmness that evokes five-star luxury--and prices. As a room here will only set you back about Rs. 1000 ($20), it's easy to feel you've won the lottery several times without having ever bought a ticket.