A premium hostel in the blue city which gave us anything but blues 🙂
From the moment we arrived at Zostel Jodhpur (Ratanada), I was taken by the hostel’s seamless blend of traditional Rajasthani architecture and contemporary spirit. The façade, adorned with red brick patterns and jaali works with interludes of poppy yellow ribboning throughout its food court, cafeteria and store, announced its presence without arrogance.
The check-in process was largely effortless, with minor hiccups here and there. But nothing to raise an alarm about. What set this hostel apart from the outset, however, was the scale, aesthetics and functionality.
Our room – a Superior Deluxe Room – was impeccably clean and tastefully decorated. An extra-large bed with fluffy pillows and a firm bed made my beauty sleep, an uninterrupted affair, ahem! 😀 A private sitting area won us over as we ushered in mornings with a hot cuppa, whistling its steam to supplement the cooing of birds nearby.
The communal spaces were equally inviting. I found myself drifting between the breezy rooftop terrace—perfect for sunrise yoga or late-night stargazing—the cozy lounge dotted with books and board games, and the leafy courtyard where laughter and stories echoed late into the night.
The Olive Court, its in-house restaurant, served delicious food with a flourish and hosted some wonderful live music on the days we stayed. Foot-tapping and generous swaying became our staple during our meals. It, of course, helped that a delightful thali, some fragrant curries, spoonful of tangy pickles, a bowl of creamy pastas, an array of sumptuous desserts and a lilting flow of spirits were upto the mark too!
Nestled on the ground floor, the Cafeteria emanated the comforting aroma of freshly ground beans and the soft hum of conversations from travelers and locals alike. While the coffee could have been better, our chatter under the clear skies and pleasant breeze made up for it.
Situated within easy reach of the city’s iconic sights, the hostel offers both convenience and serenity. The Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and the bustling Sardar Market are all a tuk-tuk or short ride away. Directions are readily provided, and the staff can arrange everything from airport pickups to guided tours. For the digital nomad, reliable co-working nooks ensure that productivity need not be sacrificed for adventure.
And that all of the above doesn’t burden your wallet is a fabulous plus!
To the solo adventurer, the group of friends, or the curious wanderer, Zostel Jodhur (Ratanada) promises to offer something to remember. This hostel is more than worthy of its premium status—a true gem in the heart of the Blue City.
Tarriff per night (for 2): INR 3500
SEEMITA DAS 