One of the city’s original palace hotels, Diggi has evolved over the years from backpacker waypoint to cool literary festival destination. Yet one thing is constant: charm and old world tranquility in the heart of hectic Jaipur.

Once a city palace for one of the ruling families in the region, the Diggi property was astutely adjusted for post-Independence conditions when it opened its doors to paying guests in 1991. Since then it has flourished, going through several renovations and expansions on the way, with the owners – who live on the grounds –  always in close attendance.

It was with the Jaipur Literature Festival that the palace really came to prominence though, and it hasn’t looked back since, branching out to offer an even wider range of activities and hosting other festivals and functions in its grounds.

Still, outside these events and occasions it remains a remarkably solid and friendly hotel for travellers of all kinds, and whether you’re in the city for sightseeing or shopping, it’s lovely to return to the peacock and parrot festooned gardens for an evening drink and a chat with fellow guests.

What really stands out at Diggi, above all else, is the perfect balance that’s struck between formal hospitality and relaxed friendliness. It’s a hard balancing act that’s missing in other hotels of this kind, and it deserves applause. This has a lot to do with Wilson, the manager of two decades, but also the owners, who are graceful, charming, and alert to guests’ needs.