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Where to Stay in Bikaner

Where to Stay in Bikaner

Bikaner Rajasthan, India Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Luxury/Heritage Hotels

    Opulent former palaces or grand havelis, with fine dining and cultural experiences. Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bhanwar Niwas, and Narendra Bhawan.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Contemporary hotels with standard amenities, comfortable rooms, and in-house restaurants. A balance of comfort and value.

  • Budget Hotels & Guesthouses

    Simpler, often family-run accommodations with basic facilities. Good value, often near the Old City or train station.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartments

    Limited options, mostly private rooms or apartments listed on platforms like Vrbo. Book early for this type.

Unique Local Accommodation Types

  • Heritage Hotels (Haveli Hotels)

    Meticulously restored traditional Rajasthani mansions. They blend historical charm with modern amenities.

  • Desert Camps

    Seasonal (October-March) tented lodging outside Bikaner, mainly for camel safaris. Include cultural performances and traditional meals.

  • Homestay and Community-Based Tourism

    Some guesthouses a homestay-like experience. True community-based tourism for countryside locations less developed here.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    Informal camping opportunities rare. Organized desert camps are the only practical outdoor option due to the desert environment.

Neighborhood Guide

Bikaner's neighborhoods offer distinct ambiances and conveniences.

Old City Junagarh Fort, Kote Gate

Pros
  • Immersive cultural experience
  • Walkable attractions and local eateries
  • Embedded in Bikaner's history
Cons
  • Can be noisy and congested
  • Less friendly for vehicle access
  • Older accommodations

Station Road / Sadul Ganj Area

Pros
  • Modern and commercial atmosphere
  • Easier vehicle access, often quieter
  • Convenient for transit near railway station
Cons
  • Less traditional Bikaner feel
  • More generic urban environment

Lalgarh Palace Area

Pros
  • Regal and secluded ambiance
  • Proximity to heritage properties and museums
  • Generally peaceful and quiet
Cons
  • Further from main city bustle
  • Transport required to reach markets

Safety & Proximity

Safety Considerations

All areas are generally safe during the day. In the Old City, be mindful of crowds. After dark, use taxis or auto-rickshaws. Always confirm your accommodation is well-lit and secure.

Proximity to Attractions & Transport

Old City excels for Junagarh Fort. Station Road offers rail/bus access. Lalgarh Palace Area sits near Lalgarh Palace and Ganga Golden Jubilee Museum.

Booking Strategies

Thoughtful booking secures your preferred lodging at a fair price.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Oct-Mar): Book heritage hotels several months ahead, especially for Camel Festival.
  • Shoulder Season (Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct): Book weeks to a month ahead for better rates.
  • Low Season (May-Aug): Last-minute deals found more easily, but booking in advance for specific rooms still sensible.
  • Trusted Platforms: Use Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, MakeMyTrip, or direct hotel websites.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, for wide hotel selection.
  • Indian Platforms: MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, OYO Rooms popular for domestic bookings and competitive rates.
  • Directly: Many heritage hotels have direct booking on their online sites, with special packages.
  • Vacation Rentals: For rentals, consider Vrbo, though options here are more limited.

Policies and Fluctuations

Negotiation Customs
  • Budget guesthouses: Walk-in rates negotiable, especially low season.
  • Mid-range to luxury: Advertised rates generally fixed, ask for promotions.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
  • Highest prices: Peak winter tourist season and around major festivals.
  • Lower prices: Summer and monsoon (low season) due to weather.
  • Shoulder season: Good balance of weather and price.

Deposit and Cancellation Policies

Check policies thoroughly before confirming.

Varies by hotel and platform.

Credit card guarantee or advance payment common.

Non-refundable clauses exist.

Understand terms to avoid issues.

Read the fine print.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are top picks for various traveler types and budgets.

Top Picks by Budget

Luxury/Heritage

Experience regal stays.

  • Laxmi Niwathe Palace of (Indo-Saracenic marvel)
  • Narendra Bhawan (Contemporary heritage)
  • Bhanwar Niwas (Exquisite Bikaneri haveli)
Mid-range

Comfort with traditional touches.

  • Hotel Bhairon Vilas (Near Junagarh Fort)
  • Hotel Basant Vihar Palace (Grand setting, good amenities)
  • Hotel Chirag (Reliable, up-to-date facilities)

Traveler-Specific Choices

Budget/Guesthouses

Value-focused stays.

  • Hotel Sagar (Basic, clean rooms)
  • Hari Bhawan (Family-run, local experience)
  • Gouri Palace Hotel (Budget-friendly, decent facilities)
Family-Friendly Options

Look for amenities for all ages.

  • Hotels with family rooms, connecting rooms, suites.
  • Lallgarh Palace, Hotel Bhairon Vilas often serve families well.

Solo Traveler & Long-Stay

  • Solo Traveler

    Guesthouses and smaller, family-run accommodations in the Old City. These provide a personal, safer, and social environment.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Few facilities for long-term stays. Some hotels might offer discounted rates for extended stays upon direct inquiry.

  • Extended Search

    For very long stays, searching private apartment rentals on platforms like Vrbo might reveal options, though scarce.

Properties with Cultural/Historical Significance

  • Laxmi Niwas Palace

    Prime example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, built for Maharaja Ganga Singh. Staying here is an experience.

  • Bhanwar Niwas

    Meticulously restored Bikaneri haveli. Guests try traditional merchant's mansion grandeur.

  • Lalgarh Palace

    Part operates as a luxury hotel, direct link to Bikaner's royal lineage.

Booking Tip

Read recent reviews from other travelers.

Check comments on cleanliness, staff helpfulness, noise levels, and location accuracy to assist your choice.

Confirm details directly.

For specific needs or preferences, a quick call to the hotel or a message through the booking platform can clarify things.

Affiliate Resources for Accommodation

Global Booking

Booking.com for a wide range of hotels worldwide.

Asia Focus

Agoda, strong in Asian hotel markets.

Luxury Brands

IHG Hotels for international chains.