Disclaimer: Top 10 Lists are created keeping in mind only our opinion. Rest assured that IH Aviation and Travel is not biased whatsoever.
Formerly the capital of the Mewar Kingdom, Udaipur is a city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. Udaipur, founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559, is set around a series of artificial lakes and is known for the rich history the city has to offer. City Palace, overlooking Lake Pichola, is a monumental complex of 11 palaces, courtyards and gardens, famed for its intricate peacock mosaics. Also known as the Venice of the East, the city is surrounded by magnificent Aravali Range in all directions. Udaipur’s tag of ‘the most romantic spot on the continent of India’ was first applied in 1829 by Colonel James Tod, the East India Company’s first political agent in the region. Known for its palaces, temples and havelis, Udaipur is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Rajasthan and the whole of India. The city has some of the best and ultra-luxurious 5 star hotels that often get into several Top 10 lists just like this. So without wasting any time, let’s take a look at what Udaipur has to offer in terms of 5 star hotels.
10. Hotel Lakend, Udaipur
Hotel Lakend, a part of Alka group of hotels, is situated on the shore of Fatehsagar lake in Udaipur. The hotel features 78 guest rooms and 6 suites that offer Lake, Garden, City or Mountain views. Guests can choose from 3 dining venues: ‘Bougainvillea Terrace by the lake’ is a rooftop restaurant, ‘The Urban Tadka’ is known for its smoked robust flavors, tender grilled dishes and an assortment of Indian breads and ‘Frangipani by the lake’ is a bar that international drinks, a mix of local and international finger foods and tit-bits. An outdoor swimming pool, a spa and a specialised kids zone are present at the hotel.
Hotel Website: Hotel Lakend, Udaipur
9. Radisson Blu, Udaipur
Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort and Spa overlooking the Fatehsagar lake is situated close to city’s top attractions. The 245 guest rooms and suites feature pool and garden views. Business class rooms have beautiful lake views. Dining options include Neel Mahal that serves Indian and continental cuisine while the WOK by Lake serves Oriental cuisine. Refreshing beverages can be enjoyed at the H20.“Aangan” – Our Lobby bar & “Aravali” – The Roof Top Barbecue and Grill Restaurant overlooking the Fatehsagar lake. An outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a spa and wellness centre, a sauna and a tennis court are present at the hotel.
Hotel WebsiteRadisson Blu, Udaipur
8. Ananta, Udaipur
Set against a breathtaking backdrop of the Aravalli Hills, Ananta Udaipur is spread across 90 acres of lush greenery just outside of Udaipur. The 234 guest villas are luxurious and spread out all over the resort. Oasis, the in-house restaurant, serves Indian, Chinese and continental specialties. Beverages and meals can be relished at Floats, the bar and lounge. Guests can savor Indian specialty Chaat at the Chaat Bazaar. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, indoor games zone, mini theatre, fitness centre, golf course, kids zone, a spa and multiple event venues.
Hotel Website: Ananta, Udaipur
7. Aurika, Udaipur – Luxury by Lemon Tree Hotels
In the heart of Udaipur, sitting on its own majestic hill is Aurika, Udaipur – Luxury by Lemon Tree Hotels. Spread across 5 acres of undulating hilltop, the hotel offers 139 aesthetically designed guest rooms and suites. The hotel features 2 dining venues namely Mirasa and Ariva. Mirasa is an all-day dining restaurant that offers regional specialities in addition to dine cuisines from across the globe whereas Ariva is a bar that boasts a wine cellar. An outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a library, a game room called ‘Rumpus Room’ and a jacuzzi are some of the facilities offered by the hotel.
Hotel Website: Aurika,Udaipur – Luxury by Lemon Tree Hotels
6. Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur
A sunbathed vision on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola, Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, is part of the iconic City Palace complex. It was built in the 20th century by Maharana Fateh Singh as a venue for royal events. Some of the 65 guest rooms and suites present at the hotel offer views of Lake Pichola. Guests can enjoy a selection of Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines from the in-house restaurant, Sunset Terrace. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7.30 am to 10.30 pm. The afternoon tea can be enjoyed at Surya Darshan Bar along with the views of the sunset. An outdoor swimming pool, a spa and a tour desk are available at the hotel.
Hotel Website: Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur
5. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Situated in the middle of Lake Pichola and built in 1746, Taj Lake Palace is built with marble and features majestic architecture. Restored to its pristine glory, this spectacular palace became world renowned when the James Bond film ‘Octopussy’ was filmed at it. It was the secluded lair of the film’s eponymous Bond Girl. This heritage hotel in Udaipur has 65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites. Its location on an island in the midst of a lake affords every room breathtaking views of the neighbouring City Palace, Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir. Offering views of the lily pond and a traditional ambience, Neel Kamal is a fine-dining dinner-only restaurant that serves authentic flavours of the royal cuisine of Udaipur, the North West Frontier and other Indian delights. Bhairo is a rooftop restaurant that treats you to European cuisines. Jharokha that overlooks the Lake Pichola is an all-day dining restaurant. Amrit Sagar Bar offers a selection of cigars, sheeshas and wines. The property offers private dining in fairy tale settings with handcrafted menus. Facilities include Jiva Spa, guided heritage walks, a 24/7 fitness centre, a hot/cold spa pool, shopping arcade, games room and a business centre.
Hotel Website: Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
4. Trident, Udaipur
Built over forty three acres on the banks of Lake Pichola, Trident, Udaipur is a luxury property located close to major attractions of the city. The 139 rooms and 3 suites at Trident, Udaipur blend elegance and style with traditional touches and contemporary comforts. The guest rooms feature authentic Rajasthani ‘Jharokas’ or elegantly designed window frames and ‘Jaipuri Kalam’ or artwork in vegetable dyes. Furnished in soothing, earthy tones, you will also find the ‘Udaipur Green’ marble in the décor, a specialty of the region. Dining options include Aravalli multi-cuisine restaurant and The Terrace, which serves international dishes. Amrit Mahal offers a selection of drinks, including wines and spirits. Guests can unwind by the outdoor swimming pool, use the business centre, make an appointment at the barber/beauty shop, enjoy the Trident Kids’ Club, be regaled with stories of yore at ‘Bada Mahal’ – a 150 year old wild life conservatory within the hotel premises of enjoy a beautiful boat ride under the stars on Lake Pichola.
Hotel Website: Trident, Udaipur
3. Taj Aravali Resort and Spa, Udaipur
Positioned on a dramatic landscape, Taj Aravali Resort and Spa is spread across 27 acres, creating an expansive oasis surrounded on all sides by the rugged Aravali Ranges, while staying in close proximity to the city centre and the sublime Fateh Sagar, one of the five major names that make up the city’s sophisticated lake system. The hotel features 176 well-appointed rooms, suites and luxury tents staggered over different levels across an undulating landscape. The property has an all-day diner, a specialty pure vegetarian restaurant, an alfresco grill and bar overlooking the swimming pool and manicured gardens. A continental breakfast is served each morning at the property. Guests can play squash, badminton, basketball, tennis and use the indoor golf simulator at the property. It also includes a 34 seater movie theatre and a Jiva Spa housed in its own block. Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and multiple event spaces.
Hotel Website: Taj Aravali Resort and Spa, Udaipur
2. The Leela Palace, Udaipur
Located beside the tranquil Lake Pichola, The Leela Palace Udaipur is flanked by the rolling Aravalli mountain ranges. It is a modern palace hotel in Udaipur which evokes the grandeur and opulence of the Land of the Mewars. All of the 80 guest rooms and suites are stately lavishly appointed with exquisite embellishments and traditional artisan crafts inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Soft breezes and views of a starlit sky accompany fine Indian specialities at the Sheesh Mahal. For an international dining experience, guests can head to the Dining Room at The Leela Palace. The Library bar offers fine wines, single malts and time refined cognacs as well as an array of well-crafted cocktails and delicious starters. A exclusive spa, an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a tour desk, a business centre, event spaces and a fitness centre are some of the facilities present at the hotel.
Hotel Website: The Leela Palace, Udaipur
1. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Often ranked as one of the best hotels in India, The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur is a premier 5 star hotel located on the banks of Lake Pichola and is spread across 30 acres of luxuriant gardens, with an intricate layout of interconnecting domes and corridors that reflect the layout of Udaipur itself. The property is built on 200-year old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar. The 87 rooms and suites reflect a thoughtful harmony of Mewar inspired motifs, elegant furnishings and modern technologies and feature lake, pool or garden views. Udaimahal Restaurant specialises in traditional Indian food including Rajasthani and North Indian dishes. Order Western, Mediterranean and Thai food at Suryamahal or enjoy open-air dining with traditional music and dance evening performances at Chandni. Guests can enjoy a spa treatment at The Oberoi Spa, unwind by the two heated outdoor swimming pools, burn calories at the fitness centre, practice yoga, borrow movie and audio CDs, learn a Rajasthani Folk Dance, attend a cooking session with the in-house chef or relax in wooden boat ride with wine and canapé.
Hotel Website: The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Featured image by The Oberoi Udaivilas
If you think that I have missed any of the hotels present in Udaipur that you think should be included in the list, let us know in the comments section below.