In my experience Indian cities like Jaipur tend to be exhausting and my senses get easily overloaded if I don’t have a quiet space to sleep at night. For this reason I always prefer to book myself a room in a higher priced hotel instead of hostels. India is known for having one of the top hospitality industy in the world and they make good on that promise. And hotels in Jaipur, the city ruled by wealthy kings and queens takes it a step further. This guide is perfect to figure out where to stay in Jaipur.
The hotels listed here are the most unique. You want to book a room in one of these palaces and enjoy being treated like a royal trust me. It isn’t everyday you visit palaces where you are served water in gold cups. Yes, gold cups. Indian kings be filthy rich. My list is an in-depth review of these hotels, I have very high standards when it comes to being treated like a queen so rest assured you will be too.
Traveling to Jaipur soon? For inspiration on things to do in Jaipur checkout my post on the Insider’s Guide to things to do in Jaipur.
Boutique
Modern and Chic: 28 Kothi
Ambience
This is not the typical hotel in Jaipur. It has no place for unnecessary flair. The interior decor is exactly what I would pick for my own apartment. It has clean white walls and a popping plant wall mural with chic tables and a light breezy feel. The courtyard outside is quiet with chairs spread around the garden and huge bronze vases holding water and flowers.
The staff here go above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable as possible. When you check in for your stay you are given a soap menu consisting of lemongrass, musk, rose, ylang ylang and aqua and you can choose which soap you would like during your stay.
The manager sits with you and goes into details about what you would like to see in the city, your choice of dinner at the end of each day and makes sure to book your sightseeing tours for you. It’s tiny things like these that make this one of the best possible hotels in Jaipur. This is one of the top places where to stay in Jaipur if you prefer privacy and quiet.
Location
28 Kothi is located in Civil Lines, which is one of the safest neighborhoods in Jaipur. The location is just 20 minutes away from the Old City where most of the famous tourist attractions are located. There are plenty of amazing bars and restaurants nearby some of which include Samode Haveli and the famous Bar Palladio.
Rooms
There are five rooms on the property, each with a minimalist style. You can pick from Moonstone, Sapphire, Topaz, Peridot and Spinel (think hot pink). The rooms are cozy with lots of cushions and books to get lost in. The windows on all sides bring in the pleasant aroma of the trees. The bathrooms are spacious and designed with perfection. The Moonstone suite bathtub is filled with water and rose petals on your request.
Dining
Breakfast is included in the price and you can get western and Indian options, though I would recommend you try the Indian dishes since you did fly a thousand miles for it. Cafe Kothi is open all day long and serves an Indo-Mediterranean inspired cuisine. The hotel is co-owned by Ahishek Honawar who is known for his impeccable dining vision. If you wish to have dinner at the hotel you can choose a three course dinner from the choices provided which change frequently depending on the chef’s mood. You can also go for one of the famous Rajasthani thalis filled with curries, Indian bread, rice and dips at nighttime.
Amenities
The hotel has free wifi, a library, gardens with lounges and dining areas, bath products in the rooms, bottled water and a spa on site. The spa offers Ayurveda influenced reflexology massages. The oils used are sourced from a local brand, Pahadi Local. The brand make their oils from plants and fruits native to the Himalayas. Their signature product is the apricot kernel oil that they source locally which makes for a wonderful experience.
MY FAVORITE : Samode Haveli
Ambience
Havelis are old townhouses with a centre courtyard where the nobility used to reside. These are abundant in Jaipur and many of them have been converted into beautiful luxury hotels such as Samode Haveli. Samode Haveli has perfectly captured the elegance and beauty of ancient Mughal and Rajput architecture by preserving the paintings, hand painted walls and royal furniture that decorate the haveli today. It is one of the most stunning hotels in Jaipur.
Location
Samode Haveli is located in a quiet street in the old part of Jaipur. Famous tourist attractions like the City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Johari Bazar are all a 5 minutes car ride away. The hotel offers early morning excursions into the city on foot which are great if you want to dive right in and get the local experience.
Rooms
The rooms are spacious and equipped with four poster beds. You can have your bath drawn with flower petals floating. The Sheesh Mahal Suite is a room paved with thousands of mirrored glass and hand painted sketches.
If you have a room with a private courtyard you can arrange to have a special romantic dinner for you and your sweetheart. Trust me when I say they go all out to arrange this stuff for you. This is the best choice to stay in Jaipur if you want to be blown away by the authenticity and history of the culture.
Dining
One of the best things to look forward to is the impressive and expansive breakfast buffet every morning. I have visited a lot of countries but no one does breakfast better than the Indians. When you are in the land of the foodies, definitely focus on the food.
Afternoon tea is served in the regal veranda where you can get rejuvenated before stepping out to explore the city in the evening.
Every evening before dinner the property hosts local craftsmen to perform traditional Rajasthani dances. The dancers can balance 11 pots on their heads. Puppet shows with stories that have been passed down for generations are also a regular part of the show. At night you can choose to dine inside in what used to be the royal kitchen or next to the sparkling pool. You will be treated like royalty as you are served your choice of local or international cuisine.
Amenities
The property has a whirlpool, a children’s pool and a gorgeous larger pool with stone cabanas topped and cloth canopies. They have free wifi, a spa and a fitness centre.
Most Romantic : Narain Niwas Palace
Images credits: https://hotelnarainniwas.com/gallery
Ambience
Narain Niwas Palace was built in 1928 for the families that served the royals. It has the typical structure of a haveli with a grand sweeping doorway and an open courtyard in the front. The stained glass windows, chandeliers and architecture has been kept the same as when it was used by the local. It provides for a charming and royal stay. The grounds around the hotel are filled with mango trees and peacocks roaming amongst them.
Location
The hotel is located right in the middle of the city and most tourist attractions are just a few minutes away by car.
Rooms
The Kanota rooms are furnished with old furniture. They have the typical character found around the region with a four poster bed and wooden chairs. The smaller rooms near the pool are equally charming. The property includes four apartments for guests that wish to stay longer and would like to feel at home.
Dining
The best thing about the hotel is the menu. The owner is a passionate chef that has done his best to preserve secret recipes that have been passed down through the generations. One of the best bars in town, Bar Palladio is also located on this property. Bar Palladio has one of the most stunning decors designed by Dutch designer Marie-Ann Oudejans. The canopies of blue and white instill a sense of cool and calm in the middle of a hot and sweaty city.
As soon as you step inside you will begin to feel the exhaustion and grime of the day melt away in the sips of your martini. The menu has a range of international items to choose from. For a quiet dinner you can go to either Mohan Bagh where the daily breakfast buffet is also served or Shikar Bagh for a barbeque. The dining options make Narain Niwas Palaceo one of the best places to stay in Jaipur with these famous bars and restaurants located on the property.
Amenities
To relax after a day in the city you can choose to order tea and cake in the charming gardens with wooden swings or lounge poolside. The hotel has all the amenities you could need for your stay including wifi, parking, bar, room service and laundry. It also offers traditional Ayurvedic treatments in the spa during in season from October through April.
Luxury
Instagram Beauty : Sujan Rajmahal Palace
Ambience
The perfect clash of Indian and western architecture. This palace was built when the British had invaded India and has changed hands between the royal families of Jaipur and England which might explain its eclectic design.
If you are from India you will see this clash between the two cultures in lodges, palaces and houses of old all across India. But it comes across in a spectacular way at Sujan Rajmahal. The hot pink dining room is testament alone. It’s hot freaking pink! 51 Shades of Pink is the name.
The drive up to the hotel alone makes you feel as if you’re on your way to your own coronation. Pretty ridiculous but also pretty awesome. If you want luxury and the ultimate royal treatment then this is the top choice for where to stay in Jaipur.
Location
Sujan Rajmahal is located in the middle of the city. All famous tourist attractions are a quick 15 minute car ride away.
Rooms
The rooms are richly decorated with gleaming gems like colors and loud furniture. You can expect the same popping wallpapers, crystal chandeliers and soft silk cushions on every corner, bed, table and chair in the room. It is overwhelming but in a nice way that you will remember for a very long time.
Dining
The property has three restaurants. The Colonnade is open 24 hours and offers freshly prepared comfort food. 51 Shades of Pink is popular for breakfast with its sunlit space. Finally The Orient Occidental is a formal dining space and a favorite of the Queen Mother with traditional Rajasthani and international cuisine.
Amenities
The property has a palatial pool stretching and rolling gardens all around. The spa is opulent and you can expect to be massaged in a room decorated with paintings and gilded mirrors. If you can imagine being a queen for a second just do that, it would save me time trying to explain how wonderful the experience is.
A most beautiful article about the palace – Katie Considers Sujan Rajmahal Palace.
Royal Treatment: Taj Rambagh Palace
Ambience
One of the most expensive hotels in the city is Taj Rambagh Palace. The hotel welcomes you with a garland of flowers and you are quickly ushered into your cool room. They make sure to cater to your every need and you have a butler to serve you whatever you might desire.
Every evening you can enjoy cocktails in the gardens while witnessing a traditional Rajasthani dance and enjoy complimentary henna (one of my favorite things to do). If you are wondering where to stay in Jaipur for the royal treatment then Taj Rambagh is the answer.
Location
The property used to be the residence of the King of Jaipur and expectedly has maintained the luxury and elegance of that history. The palace is huge and covers 47 acres. It is located 15 minute away from most popular tourist attractions.
Rooms
The rooms are opulent with no expense spared for comfort.They have four poster beds with curtains of silk, high ceilings and rooms packed with antique furniture. The baths are huge including a marble bath and hand painted walls. The dining room is expansive and marvelously decorated.
Dining
Since Indians pride themselves on their food, or maybe I do because Rajasthan is my home…whichever the case, dining at Taj Rambagh Palace is of course a delicious and opulent experience. It’s an affair with your taste buds, your ego that needs to be served and your desire for luxury.
Suvarna Mahal is the main dining room. You will be greeted by water in gold cups, chandeliers spanning 7 feet and walk across a rug of such detail it wouldn’t surprise you to know it took 7 years to make. Yes…7 ridiculously long years. Indians are awesome! The food of course is delicious.
As is the tradition with luxury hotels in Rajasthan you can take high tea in the gardens or in your rooms. Breakfast though is my favorite time because they go all out with pastries, Indian breakfast dishes, eggs made to order, at least five kinds of juices, three different yogurt flavors and I think nine cheeses? This is probably why me and my mom luvvvv breakfast.
Finally, you will love Steam, which is a classic take on comfort fast food. The restaurant is set inside a restored heritage train carriage and serves food the kiddies will love.
Amenities
The hotel has two pools with poolside service, steam rooms, saunas and a yoga pavilion that looks over a beautiful Indian sunrise.
Opulent and Laid back : Oberoi Rajvilas
Ambience
This hotel is more my type. Oberoi Rajvilas isn’t actually a heritage hotel. It was built by a Singaporean firm recently. But you can almost forget that due to the impeccably Rajasthani structure. In 100 years it probably will be heritage.
Location
The hotel is located outside Jaipur city. Knowing how hectic the city can get it might be a nice idea to get out of the city at the end of the day and have a quiet peaceful night. But serene doesn’t mean it’s not divine.
Rooms
The property has tented rooms that are spacious and let in the brilliant desert sun. The rooms have a sense of calm and peace with bamboo and wooden architecture and soft sheets. None of that ‘in your face’ riches that some hotels tend to go for. You can hear parakeets and bulbuls trilling away in the trees near the fountains. For some reason this makes the whole place really nice.
The bathrooms are spacious with two separate sinks and a shower. The toiletries are infused with lime, basil and narangi. If you are looking for a hotel with a personal touch that is still opulent then this is where to stay in Jaipur.
Dining
Surya Mahal is where you will have all your meals. This is a charming restaurant that serves international and Indian cuisine. The open courtyard outside the restaurant has music and dance performances during dinner time which makes a very unique experience.
Amenities
The hotel offers a bar, room service, sauna, a huge pool, spa, wifi and a fitness center. There is also an ancient temple on the property where guests can have a renewal of vows ceremony. An expected touch is the emphasis on wellness within the hotel. You can partake in daily yoga and meditation classes at 7:30am and the spa offers a chakra balancing stone massage.
Budget
Old, Beautiful and Familial : Shahpura House
Ambience
Do not be fooled by the unassuming decor of the front of the house. The house is huge on the inside and has 64 rooms. The property retains its authentic charm. Aalankara paintings of Hindu gods and nature cover every inch of the walls. The old architecture with carved stone lattices on the rooftops and red domes are romantic and beautiful.
Location
The hotel is located in Bani Park which is one of the safest places to stay in Jaipur. This is a residential area without the tourist traffic. All tourist attractions and shops are a 20 minute car ride away.
Rooms
The rooms are decorated in traditional dark wooden furniture and embroidered pillows. The four poster beds and spacious quarters give you good value for money. The minibar has adorable Ferrero Rocher chocolates which were my favorite growing up. EXTRA POINTS!
Dining
The hotel has three restaurants open 24 hours. Rasa, the restaurant on top of the roof is absolutely romantic during dinner time with candlelit tables and soft music. It is a fine dining Rajasthani experience with the traditional Rajasthani thali that includes multiple curries, flatbread, rice, rotis and dips. You can watch folk dancers performing while having dinner.
Amenities
The pool in front of the house is the congregation space for all the guests and you can expect to find families chattering away here. The spa focuses on providing a variety of treatments based on Ayurveda. There is free wifi, laundry, room service and a steam room on the property.
Highest Chill Factor : Royal Heritage Haveli
Ambience
This property was a former hunting lodge that has been carefully restored into a boutique hotel. My favorite parts are the wooden gates that open up to lush green gardens. This hotel is a little different from the others. Afternoons here consist of lawn croquet and cocktails.
It is a family run hotel and has the personal touch that many other hotels lack. One of my favorites on where to stay in Jaipur because of how unique and interesting the entire property is.
Location
The location is further away from most hotels in Jaipur. This is a boon because you don’t have to deal with the constant honking and anxiety of the bustling town.
Rooms
Some of the rooms are so gorgeous it is hard to look away. The heritage premium suites have hand painted ceilings with deep blue murals flying across the ceiling. The bathrooms are stocked with Ayurvedic products designed to pamper you.
Dining
Kigelia Court is the main outdoor restaurant set in the courtyard under the old kigelia tree. The menu changes daily but you can expect to be delighted by the mixture of Indian and Italian mixture that they offer. At the bar Mehrab you can enjoy cocktails made from mango, the king of all fruits. Cafe Samsara is another divine option.
Amenities
The hotel has a gorgeous pool with stone frescoes to rest upon. The gardens are green and lush and filled with the aroma of freshly turned grass. Nothing like sunbathing here in the afternoons. The Frangipani Spa (love the name hehe) has international treatments like Balinese massage, Tahitian scrubs as well as Ayurvedic treatments to leave you feeling brand new.
Best Value : Umaid Bhawan Hotel
Ambience
This is a legacy vintage hotel that is popular amongst tourists. The hotel has the feel of an old royal house. It is brightly lit and has a happy atmosphere at night. The hotel is run by the royal family of Rathore and you can expect the hospitality to match good standards. This is the best choice for where to stay in Jaipur when you want to have a good time and also experience the best Indian hospitality.
Location
The hotel is located in Bani Park which is one of the safest neighborhoods in Jaipur. It is a 5 minute car ride away from famous attractions like the City Palace and Hawa Mahal.
Rooms
The rooms are lavishly decorated and provide a quiet place to relax at the end of the night. They are clean and spacious. The windows open up to balconies which let in a nice breeze during the night.
Dining
The hotel has a restaurant on the property that has Indian as well as international cuisine. There are multiple options around the area if you want something different.
Amenities
The hotel has all the basic amenities you would need for your stay. There is a restaurant onsite, as well as a pool and a rooftop bar with a gorgeous view of the city. The rooms have free wifi and cable.
Conclusion
Jaipur has some amazing hotels to choose from while staying in the city. As is obvious, you do not have to give up the luxury of living like royals even on a budget. All of Jaipur knows how to pamper the guests like royalty. Pick and choose the opulent palaces or a cozier homestay. None of these nine properties will disappoint you in Jaipur.
WOW – all of these places are absolutely GORGEOUS!!!!!! I’d love to stay at ANY of these but I really love the look of Narain Niwas Palace!!!! I had no idea there were places like this in Jaipur – how fabulous!!! ????
WOW! These are all just so beautiful! I would be so grateful to stay in ANY of these gems ????I especially loved the Oberoi Rajvilas!
Indian hospitality is really mind-blowing! My favorite is Sujan, its just so bizarre I love it
Oh, can I stay in all of them? The way you described them made me think of the Hotels in Mexico City that are tucked away behind a gate and a beautiful courtyard!
I swear its so hard to choose between the especially when every single one is so gorgeous. I totally get the Tulum thing, I found this random hotel in Tulum through the beach that had the best tacos ever haha
These hotels are absolutely stunning! I would love to stay in one. Thanks for the really informative and interesting post 🙂
This is a great list! I love the way you’ve laid it out