Bhanwar Vilas Palace, Bikaner

Advantages: Lovely place, laid back lifestyle, peaceful atmosphere,cultural capital
Disadvantages: Not much night life

...the central hall. The glazed tiles on the floor are imported from England while the chandeliers are of Czechoslovakian make. The royal throne believed to be captured from the Vijayanagar empire is displayed during the Dussehra festival. The second floor has the Diwan-i-Am durbar hall which contain some wonderful paintings. To the south we have the Amba Vilas, the Diwan-i-Khas which has some wonderful inlay work, frescoes and tastefully decorated pillars, ceilings. During Sundays, public holidays the entire palace is decorated with lights making it a treat to watch, and its also illuminated during entire Dussehra. If the visit to the Mysore palace has exhausted you or you would love to have a more romantic getaway, the Brindavan Gardens is the right place for you. These world famous gardens would be familiar to many viewers of Bollywood, Tollywood... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: fine mixture of brasilian and a little bit of western style
Disadvantages: it is not possible to stay for ever ;-)

...I travelled quite some places in Brasil, but Vila Bela Vista is the nicest my girlfriend and me have been to. Not only the rooms are clean and the place offers a pool, but the staff cares with little details like flowers on the bed and in the bathroom. Definitly the best place to spend your precious holiday with the one you love. The breakfast is how we westerners like it in the morning :-) Vila Bela Vista is a quiet place and all the bars and restaurants are within walking range (And what is more delightful than walking home by night in such a great place?). The owners Patricia and Marcio are very helpful and like to give you any information, also concerning the best spots around for kitesurfing.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Just excellent
Disadvantages: A little plane spotting

...We are now Vila Gale loyal customers. Personally we have stayed in their hotels as follows, Vila Gale Marina, Vila Gale Ampalius, both in Villamoura, on the Algarve. Vila Gale Tavira also on the Algarve and then last week Vila Gale Santa Cruz, Madeira. I can recommend all of the above, but the Santa Cruz is the newest and modernist of all. The reception is a vast expanse of glass, marble and big soft sofas and a view of the ocean, just for good measure. It somewhat reminds you of the old Art novo cinemas. Staff on reception where very polite and speak better English then I do Portuguese, excellent. The main areas of the hotel are all on -1 level, with magnificent views of the sea which is only 150 yards away. The restaurants have the same view, so does the fitness room, pools and Jacuzzi. There are two outside pools, one... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful