THE FACTS ABOUT LAXMI VILAS PALACE

India

Overlooking the Fateh Sager Lake, this sprawling hilltop palace, built as a royal guest house, has since been converted into an acceptable hotel with 22 rooms. Everything seems imported, down to the furniture from Delhi. Service, sadly, is mediocre. ROOMS Doubles cost between £33-£52 a night CONTACT 00 91 5644 23 523; fax: 25 259; email: reservation@laxmivilas.com WHO TO BOOK WITH It is often difficult to book rooms direct. A more reliable (and generally cheaper) solution is to book through a reputable agent. The following arrange tailor-made itineraries: Western & Oriental (020 7313 6600); Worldwide Journeys (020 7381 8638); Cox & Kings (020 7873 5000); Greaves Tours (020 7487 9111); Abercrombie & Kent (020 7730 9600); Steppes East (01285 651 010)