Inside and out, this gleaming Mogul palace is done in bright white marble and stone. The windows and doors arch to regal Moghul points, and the grand dome over the lobby is hand-painted in traditional Jaipuri patterns. The Taj has easily the best vibe of the city hotels. The warm, Ajanta-esque rooms have good and solid furniture with matching headboards and mirror frames, and a small maroon-and-orange sitting area. All rooms look out onto the garden (but there's no access), and have balconies or patios with teak swings. Stone paths wind through 5 acres of beautifully landscaped lawns. Note that the hotel phones are sometimes very poorly manned, and you may have to dial repeatedly. Pros: city's most elegant hotel, lovely ambience. Cons: rather expensive, service disorganized.
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