Disclaimer: Top 10 Lists are created keeping in mind only my opinion. Rest assured that IH Aviation and Travel is not biased whatsoever.
Jaipur, enthralling, historical and Rajasthan’s capital, is the gateway to India’s most flamboyant state. Founded in AD 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is known as the ‘Pink City’. With broad avenues and spacious gardens, the city is steeped in history and culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the maharajas. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, famous for Rajasthan jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are a treasure-trove for the shoppers. At the city’s heart, the City Palace continues to house the former royal family; the Jantar Mantar, the royal observatory, maintains a heavenly aspect; and the honeycomb Hawa Mahal gazes on the bazaar below. And just out of sight, in the arid hill country surrounding the city, is the fairy-tale grandeur of Amber Fort, Jaipur’s star attraction. Because of the blooming tourism in the city, Jaipur has a lot of 5 star hotels. While I have already published a Top 10 list for Jaipur, that was almost four years, so I feel this is a good time to update that with some new hotels making it to the list.
10. Rajmahal Palace RAAS Jaipur
Rajmahal Palace is the newest addition to RAAS’ portfolio of historic properties. The walls of the palace tell stories of Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’, and are a unique oasis for a romantic stay that exudes luxury. The hotel offers 13 rooms and suites including two spectacular Royal Apartments. Each room unites classic and contemporary styles, resulting in a perfect example of Indian Art Deco. The hotel’s two restaurants – The Colonnade and 51 Shades of Pink – offer a mix of Indian and international cuisines. The Polo Lounge is a nod to Jaipur’s polo history and the décor follows that theme. The palace has magnificent, serene gardens and a gorgeous Art Deco-style swimming pool.
Website: Rajmahal Palace RAAS Jaipur
9. Hyatt Regency Jaipur Mansarovar
Hyatt Regency Jaipur Mansarovar, spread across an area of approximately 5 acres, is conveniently located in the scenic surroundings of Mansarovar in Jaipur. The 245-room property is spread across two wings – the Royal Wing and the Tower Wing – and guests can enjoy accommodations across various room categories, including 34 suites. For those seeking an authentic culinary experience, Shrot, which means “source,” offers organic, locally sourced, regional delicacies. The North Club carries forward the timeless club culture of Jaipur and offers food influenced by the traders and colonisers who set up home in the Indian sub-continent decades ago. The Royal Bakery and Bar is open 24/7, serving freshly brewed coffee, a selection of pastries and signature cakes, along with time-honored classic cocktails at the bar. Facilities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool with a separate pool for children, StayFit Studio offering 24-hour access to dedicated trainers and cardio and strength training equipment and Mudita Spa offering a wide selection of Indian and contemporary spa therapies and treatments.
Website: Hyatt Regency Jaipur Mansarovar
8. Alila Fort Bishangarh, Jaipur
Perched magnificently upon a granite hill and offering a 360-degree view of Rajasthani landscape, Alila Fort Bishangarh is located in Bishangarh Village in Jaipur district, approximately 6 km off the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway. The 59 rooms and suites offer mountain views. Amarsar is the all-day dining venue that serves a unique Thala breakfast, a la carte breakfast, international lunch and dinner menus featuring age-old traditional recipes inspired by the Silk Route, as well as the Alila To Eat, in-room dining menu. Spa Alila, meetings in the style of Shahpura Dynasty, a sun terrace with a swimming pool, fitness centre, children’s playground and garden are present are Alila Fort Bishangarh.
Website: Alila Fort Bishangarh, Jaipur
7. Taj Amer Jaipur
Strategically located in Kukas, Taj Amer is a short drive from the majestic Amber Fort and other popular tourist spots. The hotel’s design seamlessly blends contemporary elegance while paying homage to Rajasthan’s traditional architecture and offers stunning views of the ancient Aravali Range. Stunning marble arches at the entrance lead into the lobby with its high domed ceilings, lotus filigree work and carefully curated artworks. The hotel features 245 guest rooms and suites that reflect the hotel’s grandeur with peacock motifs, intricate lattice work and rich textures, offering picture postcard views of the ancient Aravali range. The hotel offers myriad dining experiences – from the legendary all-day diner, Shamiana; a selection of international cocktails with trademark local flavours at House of Nomad to small bites at Emperor’s Courtand the soon to launch Chinese cuisine at the signature House of Ming. Facilities at the hotel include a rooftop infinity swimming pool offering a bird’s eye view of the city, a fitness centre and J Wellness Centre, inspired by ancient Indian healing wisdom offering a soothing blend of ayurvedic massages and aromatherapy for holistic rejuvenation.
Website: Taj Amer Jaipur
6. Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
Nestled in the heart of the Pink City, situated across 18 acres of meticulously maintained gardens, Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur stands as a lovingly restored gem of Rajasthani heritage. An authentic luxury palace in the heart of Jaipur originally built in 1745 and set amidst eighteen acres of landscaped gardens, the palace hotel features 94 artful guest rooms and 6 themed suites. Dining at Jai Mahal Palace is a symphony of culinary delight, with Cinnamon serving authentic royal Indian cuisine, Giardino offering the city’s finest contemporary Italian fare, and Marigold Bar inviting you to relish signature cocktails and the finest single malts. A stay at this heritage hotel in Jaipur would be incomplete without indulging in a rejuvenating experience at the J Wellness Circle, a renowned spa and holistic wellness sanctuary. Other facilities include outdoor and indoor pools and a 24-hour fitness centre. The hotel also conducts polo matches and kite flying sessions.
Website: Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur
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5. Raffles Jaipur
Raffles Jaipur is the brand’s first resort in the famous Golden Triangle route of India which covers three cities – New Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The palace is carved in pure white marble. All of the 50 rooms and suites reflect the rich heritage of Rajasthan and have been handcrafted by skilled artisans, preserving age-old traditions passed down through generations. Arkaa is inspired by the plant-based culinary tradition of erstwhile ladies’ palace quarters (zenanas). The restaurant “presents a progressive ethno-botanical dining experience in a sparkling setting” and celebrates the essence of North West Frontier Region. Raffles’ signature Writers Bar is “a hub of mixology excellence and literary treasures, reinterpreted through a Rajasthani lens”. Safir Atrium Tea & Champagne Lounge presents tea-infused sweet and savoury delights, such as their black tea smoked salmon tart and Earl Grey moist cake. Sehara is the resort’s rooftop restaurant and bar serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Facilities include a signature Raffles Spa, an infinity rooftop pool and bar & a fitness centre.
Website: Raffles Jaipur
4. Sawai Man Mahal, Jaipur
Sawai Man Mahal, Jaipur is set in the environs of the majestic Rambagh Palace. It pays tribute to Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, the last ruler of the princely state of Jaipur. Sawai Man Mahal is inspired by the rich Rajputana heritage. The palace’s façade is reminiscent of Amer Fort, its hall of 24 pillars mirror those at City Palace, while the grand lobby which predates even the Rambagh Palace, with which it shares its premises, showboats heritage, including the 187-year-old Golden Gate – Rambagh Palace’s original gilded entrance. The hotel features 51 aesthetically designed and spacious guest rooms and suites. All of the accommodations open into private courtyards laced with greenery. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II served as the first ambassador to Spain and the influence is reflected in La Mesa; the Spanish themed all-day-diner and La Terraza, an elegant al-fresco dining choice. Guests can enjoy prized malts at 1835; the library-themed cocktail lounge with books dating back to more than 200 years for company. Facilities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and signature J Wellness Circle for rejuvenation.
Website: Sawai Man Mahal, Jaipur
3. The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
The Oberoi Rajvilas, spread over 32 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, with traditional architecture, flaming mashaal torches and reflection pools, is located on Goner Road. The 71 guest rooms, suites and villas offer garden views and some feature private pools also. Available for all-day dining, Surya Mahal & Courtyard serves international dishes and fine wines. Rajmahal restaurant offers Indian specialities for dinner, while wines and spirits are available at Rajwada Library Bar. Facilities include a gym, The Oberoi Spa with authentic, pink lime plaster walls and traditional Rajasthani design features, salon, an outdoor swimming pool and a tour desk are present at the hotel.
Website: The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
2. The Leela Palace, Jaipur
The Leela Palace Jaipur draws inspiration from Rajasthan’s royal heritage and is an elegant reflection of modern palatial grandeur and an epitome of true Indian luxury. Located amidst tranquil environs near the Amber fort on Delhi-Jaipur highway, the hotel is set on over 8 acres of landscaped gardens, against the majestic backdrop of the Aravalli range. The 200 guest rooms, suites and villas (some with private plunge pool) are tastefully appointed. Sukh Mahal is an all-day dining restaurant serving international and local cuisine with an interactive live kitchen concept to suit every palate. Architecturally inspired from the Sheesh Mahal at Amer Fort in Jaipur, Mohan Mahal is lit up only with candles and its mirror décor lends an atmosphere of refined elegance. Jharokha is a perfect combination of a lounge and bar offering array of coffees and cocktails. Overlooking the Aravalli Hills, Hawa Mahal, the rooftop restaurant offers a distinctive ‘Under the Stars’ dining experience. It is an ideal place to enjoy the weather and scrumptious grills along with your family and friends. Facilities include banquet venues spread over 50,000 square feet, a fitness centre, an outdoor temperature controlled swimming pool, a salon and a tour desk. Holistic Wellness Spa offers treatments that are tailored to your unique needs, and focus on delivering four distinctive benefits – Calm, Indulge, Invigorate and Renew.
Website: The Leela Palace Jaipur
1. Rambagh Palace Jaipur
Built in 1835, Rambagh Palace is an icon of Jaipur. Adorned with hand-carved marble latticework, sandstone balustrades, and lush Mughal Gardens, it once served as a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge. From the Maharaja’s residence to an authentic palace, this palace hotel in Jaipur upholds its ceremonial grandeur for all guests. The 78 restored rooms and suites reflect Rambagh Palace’s illustrious past and are rooted in a gilded history. Among its many renowned restaurants is Suvarna Mahal, housed in the 18th-century-styled palace ballroom, offering Royal Indian delicacies. Additionally, guests can enjoy iconic experiences at the Polo Bar and Rajput Room offering multi-cuisine delicacies. Make the most of the day with an outdoor meal at Verandah and for an evening cocktail, head to Steam, the resort’s unique lounge bar aboard a lovingly restored train car replete with steam engine. Facilities include J Wellness Circle offering traditional Indian recipes, outdoor and indoor pools and a fitness centre. There are also vintage horse-drawn carriage rides every evening.
Website: Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Featured image by Taj Hotels
If you think that I have missed any of the hotels present in Jaipur that you think should be included in the list, let me know in the comments section below.
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