In Jaipur's bustling Old City, a 10-minute ride to attractions and shopping
Beautiful, traditional rooms include flat-screen TVs and seating
Grand restaurant serving Indian and international fare, plus outdoor dining areas
Pretty outdoor courtyards include a large pool, whirlpool, and bar
Spa for treatments, plus a steam room
Simple gym and a separate yoga studio
Stunning library lounge
Business center and free Wi-Fi
Central location means prayer calls in the early hours
Some decor is a bit tired in rooms
Wi-Fi can be spotty
Three-and-a-half-pearl Samode Haveli is a beautiful historic hotel with a wealth of original features and impressive traditional design elements. The location is spot on too, just inside the Old City walls and a 10-minute drive to many attractions. There's always something to catch the eye here, from the pretty courtyards to the impressive lounge covered in hand-painted frescoes and the 39 spacious rooms. A grand restaurant serves both local and international dishes, and afternoon tea can be taken on the leafy terrace. The outdoor pool is large by city standards, and other facilities include a gym, yoga studio, spa, and business center. It's a serene place once within the estate, but guests after a quieter location could check out Trident Hotel, which sits on the banks of Mansagar Lake.
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Scene
Historic building in pretty grounds with a lots of Rajasthani style throughout
As with many hotels in the city, Samode Haveli is a beautiful, historic property with a fascinating story. It's one of the most expensive hotels in Jaipur, and you can see why -- it's not hard to imagine the place in it's former life as a palace for a king. Guests are greeted by a grand elephant ramp leading through an arch to a serene courtyard. The finish is high quality throughout the hotel's public areas -- lush gardens are immaculately kept, and the Darbar Lounge is an incredible spectacle. Hand-painted intricate patterns cover every inch of the walls and ceiling, and pretty scallop-edged arches frame doors and windows. Rooms could use a little freshening up, but the wealth of features does help add value to a stay here. Guests are generally well-heeled couples and mature travelers who have an interest in history. It also works as a romantic escape from the chaotic city outside.
Location
Central location within the Old City walls, a 10-minute drive to shopping and attractions
Samode Haveli is located to the east of Jaipur's bustling center, just inside the Old City walls. There are a few shops and restaurants nearby, and attractions like Hawa Mahal and the City Palace are a short 10-minute taxi hop -- or tuk-tuk ride -- away (depending on traffic). It's 15 minutes to Amer Palace by car. Shopping on MI Road is about the same distance away by taxi. The popular Gaurev Tower Mall and Nahargarh Zoological Park are around a 30-minute drive. The trip to the airport takes about 40 minutes by car, though traffic can add to that time.
Rooms
Traditional rooms and suites with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi; all individually decorated, some with balconies or terraces
Rooms are all individually decorated with a style that includes both tired elements and gorgeous historic touches. They range from Deluxe Rooms to the breath-taking Sheesh Mahal Suite. As former royal rooms, they're all quite spacious and full of eye-catching Rajasthani accents, from the marble checker-board floors to the pretty arched window recesses. Original artwork and historic photos adorn the walls, though fabrics and upholstery sometimes clash and look a bit dated or out of place. Despite the traditional finish, rooms are equipped with modern amenities including air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, electric kettles, safes, bathrobes, and slippers. Wi-Fi is free, but can be spotty. Some Deluxe Suites add private balconies or terraces, and the huge signature suites have dining spaces. The spacious marble bathrooms feature shower/tub combos or large bathtubs and separate rainfall showers, plus hairdryers and toiletries. Due to the Old City location, the early morning call to prayer can be heard, so guests are provided with ear plugs.
Features
Large outdoor pool with whirlpool and poolside bar, plus grand restaurant and library lounge
Samode Haveli is full of beautiful spaces, both inside and out. The large, secluded outdoor pool is surrounded by loungers and stone cabanas, and has a seperate children's pool and whirlpool. Meals can be taken in the grand main restaurant or at the poolside bar, with a local and international menu. An excellent spread of local and western dishes are served for the buffet breakfast, including loose-leaf tea. Afternoon tea is available on the leafy veranda, and there's an impressive library lounge. The small gym has cardio and weight machines and a superb vista over the pool and estate, and there's a separate yoga/workout room with pretty stained glass windows. A range of treatments are on offer in the spa, which also has a steam room. The business center has two PCs and a printer, and Wi-Fi is free in all areas, though can be spotty. Services at the front desk include laundry, currency exchange, and safety deposit boxes. There's also a gift shop on-site.
