Udaipur, August 17-20

Jaiwana Haveli (aka Caravan Serai), room 30
A step up into the mid-range category and boy did we notice the difference. Rooms here are spotless with crisp white sheets, comfy beds and soft pillows. The bathroom was new, although amusingly, the toilet has been installed somewhat high, so when seated, you feel like you are a child again, with your legs dangling above the ground. Our room had a view of the Lake Palace out of one tinted window (we opened the window for a better gawk and the breeze, but look out for the mozzies). Apparently management (who, by the way, managed to strike the perfect balance between professional and friendly), were shortly to install LCD TVs in some of the rooms, which will make the Jaiwana even more of a bargain for the price.
Some rooms have views
Bathroom: private, spotless, lovely
Cost: 800 rupees. A steal
Recommended: Oh yes. Nowhere else we stayed came close to this for value and style.
Contact details: www.jaiwanahaveli.com

Udaipur, 16 August

Lake Ghat Guest House (aka Lake Ghat Palace) room 8
A range of rooms are available at this haveli-style guesthouse. Its name change from 'guest house' to palace is stretching it a bit, though. We went for the cheapest room in the house, at 400 rupees, which was clean and well kept, with small windows giving a view of the lake. The bed was hard and lumpy, as were the pillows. The bathroom, too, was rudimentary with a cold shower, although it too was clean. If you want better rooms, they are available here, but bargain hard as we think the price asked for most does not reflect the quality. Management are a friendly family, and there's a good restaurant on the rooftop doing excellent dinners, although average breakfasts.
View: glimpse of lake palace
Cost: 450 rupees
Recommended? Yes, but try bargaining the price down for the more expensive rooms
Contact details: +91 294 2521636 Email: lakeghatanis@hotmail.com