In November, I had the opportunity to attend a wedding in Jaipur, India, hosted at Alila Fort, Bishangarh. Staying in one of India’s old forts/castles had always been a dream of mine, yet, if you are anything like me, I had always wondered whether it was worth the hefty price tag. Here’s my view following my experience.
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Castles and Forts in India: A historical overview
India is awash with beautiful historical architecture, from wonders of the world like the Taj Mahal to smaller forts and castles dotted throughout the country. Some are still in use as religious sites, and others have been converted in hotels and resorts that can be enjoyed by budding travellers. What unites them all though is their magic, rich history, and beauty.
About Alila Fort
Located in the Aravalli Hills just outside Jaipur in Rajasthan, Alila Fort is the only true “fort turned hotel” in India, and boasts hundreds of years (235 in particular) of history. Traditionally a warrior fort, it blends both Mughal and British influence, offering a glimpse into Rajasthan’s rich historical background.
The fort has been extensively renovated and transformed into a comfortable modern lodging, owned and operated by the Hyatt chain.
What I liked
If you’ve ever imaged what a venue that blends fantasy and opulence looks like in real life, look no further. Alila Fort is a marvel, beautiful day and night, with magical charm, luxurious comfort, and timeless history to discover. The rooms themselves are large, spacious and very comfortable, and amenities to be enjoyed.
Whether you are walking through (and getting lost in) the Fort hallways, swimming in the beautiful outdoor pool, admiring Jaipur’s views, or enjoying Alila Fort’s culinary delights, you won’t be disappointed.
Things That Could Be Improved
Despite its many beautiful aspects, the fort does feel somewhat eerie (perhaps that is to be expected, however, of a 235 year old building). This is compounded by the fact it is not easy to get around, and going from areas like the reception to the main dining room requires you to take sets of stairs (or lifts) in separate parts of the fort.
The other big con of the resort is that it is split across the main fort, and luxury tented villas located in the resort grounds. As a luxury villa guest, getting to the main fort was very difficult. If you did not want to walk up a 100m hill each time, you had to call a buggy (which they had a limited number of and thus sometimes took 20 minutes to get there).
So, is the ‘Fairytale Resort’ worth it?
Whilst Alila Fort was undeniably beautiful, and a very comfortable stay, I would not necessarily go as far as recommending it as a fairytale castle/fort stay. Its service and room split across the main fort and grounds definitely let it down such that the stay feels less magical than what someone wanting a dream-like holiday would hope for. Despite this, the experience experience of staying in a castle/fort (whether in India or outside it) is one of a kind, and should not be missed! The beauty, magic, and history you are surrounded with is inspirational and a bucket list activity for sure.
