3 most recent reviews from TripAdvisor
Rajasthan at its best 
by verasi on Nov 26, 2008
5 / 5
Hotel
Set in remote & dramatic countryside the fort has been transformed from a ruin into a luxurious and stylish hotel. Suites are spacious, bright, beautifully furnished, and feature round beds
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in the turret rooms. There are views from everywhere - don't miss the sunset from the makeshift bar at the top of the fort. Lovely swimming pool as well, the whole place encourages relaxation. But there is plenty to do nearby:visits to a local tribal village can be arranged as well as horse riding ( you need to be a competent rider though as these are local Marwari horses that use a fourth gait).
The hotel is owned and managed by Rajasthans friendliest family who are a pleasure to chat to as well as being happy to help in any way.
Visit the unspoilt village below the fort , especially if there is a festival on in the evening. The locals are genuinely pleased to see you and it's all great fun.
The food can be a little bland, especially when there are tour groups staying. Otherwise the food is excellent.
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A unique hotel, unrivaled service
by Laugh-O-Matic on Dec 19, 2007
4 / 5
Hotel
I love this place for the stunning view, and extremely warm and friendly staff. Though the hotel isn't equipped with amenities like TV, or fancy housekeeping services, it does its
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best to make you feel comfortable. One review here spoke about filthy sheets et al, but I didn't find it so. Only one man took care of cleaning ALL the 30 rooms there, and did an admirable job of it.
Getting to the hotel Karni Fort, Bambora is awful, since the roads are 'raw', bumpy, and there isn't a single toilet on the way. Make sure you don't tax your bladders by drinking a lot before you begin your journey here, which might be hard given that there are 9 beer shops en route instead. Roads are narrow, dusty, but smooth at places. Since this place is a good 45kms (give or take) from the Udaipur airport, be prepared for a long long ride. As you near the fort, keep your eyes peeled for the directions, the sign boards are worn out and the local kids point together in different directions if you ask them.
One thing the hotel doesn't compromise on is open spaces. They have a park as you enter, there's a courtyard inside, and all around you are trees, fields and wind. The doors to the hotel date back to when the fort was built, and are marvelous. You can also take a walk through the nearby village, and interact with the friendly locals.
All the rooms have a breath taking view of rolling fields and plains. I recommend the suite on the first floor (the room name is 'Gloriosa Superba'). It's colourful, spacious, airy and can easily accommodate 4 people. There's a window ledge where one can sleep, and in the morning, dozens of swallows are lined up outside your window, though they're not noisy. You can also see peacocks strutting below. From the ledge across the room, you get a view of the pool side, and the odd 'langurs' that chase you if you get too close (personal experience). Visit the terrace, it's always windy here and has a superb view of the place for miles around.
Food was passable, since they didn't make local food well on request. Also, the tomato soup I ordered the second time was served watery and orange, and tasted suspiciously like tomato ketchup mixed with corn flour. They don't have a fixed menu, so I recommend asking them to describe the food there if you aren't a native. At times, the food is extremely oily. Don't hesitate to talk to the staff about any misgivings or complaints, as their service is unparalleled by any of the high-brow five star hotels I've been to so far.
Another downside is that we had gone their in winter, and it can get quite nippy. Surprisingly, they didn't have running hot water in the mornings, and this made bathing a shivering ordeal.
They have a good collection of books, mainly German and English, with some Chinese, Italian and French titles thrown in. Make sure you ask about the secret passage way they have. It originally ran for 5kms, but most of it was caved in. They also have an 18th century jacuzzi, but it's too expensive.
There is precious little to do here in the immediate vicinity. You won't get internet access, or daily newspapers. This is a place you go to for relaxation and peace. If you want to go sightseeing, the hotel fixes it up for you too. Check out the 1000 year old Jagat temple. Highly underrated and worth a visit indeed.
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Miniaturists Landscape
by ArchitectinLondon on May 07, 2007
5 / 5
Hotel
Karni Fort Bombora is a peaceful haven with superb views. We gazed from our oriel window across layer upon layer of Aravallis Hills - so familiar with the moghul miniaturist
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of long ago.
This heritage hotel has been thoughtfully restored and enlarged, and each room has a view across the hills and is decorated with unique cut glass mosaics. The bathrooms were clean and the marble swimming pool crystal clear and cool. Food was excellent and service hospitable. The room boy found and brought me my lost diamonte pin for which I was very grateful. Fresh flower fromes where left in our room each day.
Well worth staying here - we are contemplating a return visit for a week or so - to paint, relax and unwind..
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