Noor-us-Sabah Palace, Bhopal. 'Grand Heritage Hotel', built in the 1920's. Accom 70 rooms/suites (central A/C). Contact Central reservation: C-7, 2^nd Floor, J-Block Market, Saket, New Delhi Ph: 011-6868992, 6868993

Jehan Numa Palace Hotel, 157 Shamla Hills, Bhopal. 'Grand Heritage Hotel', built 1890; architecture melds British Colonial, Italian Renaissance and Classical Greek. Accom 60 rooms/suites/cottages. Contact Bhopal Ph: 0755-661100

Usha Kiran Palace, Jayendraganj, Lashkar, Gwalior. Former royal residence, Art Deco interiors. Accom 30 rooms/suites. Contact Ph: 0751-323213/14, 323993/94

Sheesh Mahal, Orchha. Built in the early 18^th century, taken over after Independence by the state, and now run by Madhya Pradesh Tourism. Accom 8 rooms/suites. (Room No1 is the best) Contact Ph: (Orchha) 07680-52624 (Delhi) 011-3341187/3366528 (Mumbai) 022-2187603