The Raj Palace
The Raj Palace, a former residence of the Maharajah, has been restored to its original glory and now welcomes guests as a five-star hotel. It received the title of "the World's Leading Heritage Hotel" from the World Travel Awards 2007-2008. Its 29 distinctive and spacious rooms and suites overlook gardens, a courtyard or the pool.
The premier suite at the hotel is the Maharajah's Pavilion. At 16,000 sq. ft., the four story apartment is one of the biggest hotel suites in Asia. It features a gold-paneled elevator, four bedrooms, a lounge and bar, a library, full kitchen and private museum displaying royal artifacts. The suite's private rooftop terrace includes a swimming pool, spa and Jacuzzi.
The Raj Palace has restaurants serving various international cuisines, a coffee shop, bar and Mughal kebab barbecue. An outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi are available for guests, and the on-site spa offers Ayurvedic massages and herbal beauty and wellness treatments. Elephant and camel safaris take guests from the hotel through Jaipur to the historic Amber Fort each morning.
The Raj Palace
Jorawer Singh Gate
Amer Rd.
Jaipur 302002
India
+ 91 141 2634077
rajpalace.com
Jai Mahal Palace
The Jai Mahal Palace dates back to 1745 and sits among 18 acres of immaculately landscaped Moghul gardens. Its 100 guest rooms and six luxury suites feature colonial-style furnishings with royal accents such as gold silks, marble flooring and miniature paintings. Modern amenities include an flat-screen television with satellite channels, wireless Internet access and a mini bar. Each room and suite has its own distinctive theme and some have private outdoor seating areas with views of the gardens and lawns or swimming pool.
The hotel's on-site mini-golf is perfect for putting practice or family fun, while The Spa at Jai Mahal offers a more relaxing diversion. Camel buggy rides, morning yoga sessions, a life-sized chess board and pieces and a health club are all available for guest enjoyment. Open-air folk dance displays also delight guests. The hotel has an on-call astrologer, should you be interested.
Jai Mahal Palace
Jacob Rd., Civil Lines
Jaipur 302006
Rajasthan
India
+91 141 2223636
tajhotels.com
The Oberoi Rajvilas
The Obderoi Rajvilas has been recognized with many prestigious hospitality awards. These include the Conde Nast Traveler Reader's Choice (as one of the "Top 100 Hotels in the World" in 2009 and as the 7th Best Hotel in Asia) and the Number 1 Hotel in Asia and Number 2 Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards 2009". The hotel offers a range of accommodation options including luxury tents, rooms and villas. Staying in the tents, however, bears little resemblance to traditional camping. The air-conditioned tents have Burmese teak flooring and include large four-poster beds, claw-footed tubs, walk-in closets and private walled gardens.
If you prefer walls to embroidered canopies, choose the exclusive Kohinoor Villa. It includes a private 60 ft. swimming pool, an al fresco dining pavilion and a sauna inside the master suite. Standard amenities include flat-screen televisions, high speed Internet access and 24-hour butler service. The on-site Oberoi Spa offers holistic, western and Ayurvedic treatments. Private excursions to palaces, forts, festivals and bazaars can be arranged upon request.
The Oberoi Rajvilas
Jaipur 303012
Rajasthan
India
+ 91 141 268 0101
oberoirajvilas.com
About The Author
Joanne Lewis is a freelance writer who has written for newspapers since 2005. She is currently the editor of a weekly community newspaper in Los Angeles, Calif. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science in politics from the University of Bristol, England.
