Has anyone stayed at the Vivanta by Taj - Hari Mahal in Jodhpur and if so, is it recommended? They are running a 3 day special which we can get for $90 per day with tax.

We had also considered the Ratan Vilas which we hear is highly recommended, but out of town.

Another alternative is the Haveli Inn Pal which is well situated, although we've read some mixed reviews.

june---where can you get this rate? it looks like 14000+ to me

Bob - I'm not sure if this is an off season rate or normal, but if you go to the Taj Mahal web site they have 3 day packages for many of the hotels. They charge 2 nights for a 3 night stay (one night free). We already have a confirmation which we can cancel if anyone here has negative things to say about this particular hotel. Looked good to us though. Note though that breakfast did not come with the room.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Taj Reservations Worldwide
Toll Free Numbers (India) T: 1800 111 825 (non-MTNL/BSNL customers call +91 22 66011825)
USA & Canada T: 1866 969 1825
Rest of the World T: 00 800 4588 1825
Email E: [email protected]
Website W: www.tajhotels.com

We stayed at the Havali Inn Pal. It was okay. THere was a great view of the fort from our room, the rooftop resteraunt was good and you could walk out to the Clock Tower market.
Next door is the Havali Pal, both are owned by cousins. It is confusing for drivers as you must go around the block to enter the other one, even though they are beside each other. The Havali Pal looks much nicer.

We stayed at what was called the Taj Hari Mahal in Jodhpur but "Vivanta" wasn't part of the name. Don't know if it's the same hotel. The Taj Hari Mahal is a large hotel with primarily Indian guests, a welcome change from our other hotels. In the evening there was a dance performance in the garden, again attended by Indian families. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.

I rather enjoyed my stay at Taj Hari Mahal. Now rebranded as Vivanta. I can also recommend Umaid Bhawan but the rates are now very steep. I stayed there before they went really upmarket.

How far was the Taj from the fort and other tourist locations in Jodhpur?

Ratan Vilas is a pleasant respite --- nice gardens and huge rooms with a bathroom the size of a football field.

Will you have a drive? If so, the location is no problem. It's about five-ten minutes to the fort.

We had dinner one evening a that Hari Mahal. It's much larger than RV, more luxurious.

i did get the 14000 plus rate from the taj site... i will look again...thanks

We won't have a driver at this point in our trip. Bob - call the 800 number directly and they will be able to assist you.

From Taj Hari to the fort was about 15 minutes by car; a little less for the clock tower. (You can get distances from google maps by clicking on directions and putting in the destinations.)

I stayed at the Taj Hari Mahal and loved it. I had a "pool vista" room and the room was HUGE. I have recommended it to many. I'd stay there again. the Umaid is way up a hill. Go and have a drink or lunch, but stay at the Taj.

Thanks...booked it. Will report back when we return.

I stayed first night at a boutique haveli called RAAS which was stunning!
Next few nights I spent at the Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace hotel

WE drove past the Hari Mahal and it looked beautiful.
Worth visiting Umaid Bhawan Palace too as it's the Royal residence and houses a fascinating museum. The building is impressive too. Enjoy Jodhpur, I loved it!
I'm a Luxury travel writer so have just reviewed the city and both hotels with my photography (for an expo)...you may find some inspiration x
RAAS HAVELI: http://ani-shah.com/2012/07/10/luxur...-local-bazaar/
JODHPUR CITY: http://ani-shah.com/2012/07/10/opium...ty-mehrangarh/
UMAID BHAWAN: http://ani-shah.com/2012/07/12/playi...urreal-luxury/

Enjoy trip!