Recommendations for Udaipur?
 

I'm going to Udaipur for four days. I've already picked the Lake Palace Hotel as a definite place to stay one of the nights. Which other places are magical there? I've heard lots about the Oberoi's new Udai Villas. Is it as nice as it looks on the website? Or are there more romantic hotels there in which to stay? This is a honeymoon, so I want mega-romance.<BR><BR>Thanks, Teresa

I stayed at the Lake Palace about 8 years ago, and I really enjoyed it. The location and unique feel of the place make up for small rooms and some older facilities. However, I understand that there has been a drought in the area for several years and that the level of the lake is quite low, and may in fact mean that the hotel is not &quot;floating&quot; on the water as it normally would. I would suggest you check this out first, as staying in the middle of a sea of mud will not be quite the magical experience you are expecting. You could post a question on this forum.<BR><BR>I have not stayed at the Udai Vilas, but I have stayed at the Raj Vilas in Jaipur which was fantastic. The room d&eacute;cor, bathrooms, spa and health club facilities will definitely be more luxurious and up to date than the Lake Palace, which is much older and can't expand any more due to its location on the island. I would check with the Lake Palace to see when they last did a rooms redecoration -- if it has been more than 5 years you might want to consider the Udai Vilas. That being said, I just looked on their website and noticed that they are a member of the Small Leading Hotels of the World, which is usually an indication of good quality. Also, as the Lake Palace is now competing with Udai Vilas for the same customers, they may have upped the standards of their facilities.<BR><BR>The Shiv Niwas Hotel in the City Palace is a good location, but do check on when they last had a rooms redo or renovation, as the rooms were old when I last saw a few of them. The Shiv Niwas is on the mainland in a former palace. <BR><BR>If you do choose the Lake Palace, I don't see any point in only staying one night. I don't think you will get a feel for the place in only one night, plus moving around in such a small town for a few nights seems like more time trouble and expense than it is worth. (Udaipur is a tiny village.) <BR><BR>Hope you are considering the other Oberoi properties in Jaipur and Agra as well, both great for a honeymoon. I stayed in the &quot;tents&quot; (really a luxury room with canvas roof) in Jaipur and loved it - would definitely go back! <BR><BR>If you will be in India during the cool weather (October to March) I would really urge you to consider a trip to Ranthambore national park to see tigers and lots of other wildlife. The park is about a 4 hour drive south of Jaipur. I stayed at the Taj hotel in Sawai Madophur in 2001, where we stayed in tents and had a wonderful experience. I noticed that there is an Oberoi hotel there now, the Vinayavilas. You may want to check this out or the Taj hotel<BR>

If surrounded by mud, it may be easier for you to get the honeymoon suite (or bridal or whatever they call it) at the Lake Palace. As I recall from peeking in, it's large and has many stained glass windows that glow in the sun. The place is overlooked by a palace up on a hill that looks dramatic, but I don't know if that allows overnight stays.

I was there about same time as Cicerone and I met a guy who was a director of a property renovater that did a lot of stuff for the group that owns Lake Palace. As a general rule, the more expensive rooms are renovated frequently whereas cheaper rooms can have a feel of the 70s (my experience of Rambagh Palace in Jaipur - still fantastic setting).<BR>I really liked Udaipur but the highlight of my trip was to go to nearby Kumbhalgarh Fort - 35km from Udaipur - really great scenery and no hassle - people showing you fort were nothing like those at Agra etc., relaxed and friendly. Aodhi Hotel is a place near the fort which is inexpensive 3 star, which seemed super relaxing (just had lunch there) and you could consider an overnighter. Agree with other view - stay in Udaipur at same hotel. Laxmi Villas is another hotel you may like to check out in Udaipur.

Hello,<BR><BR>Just got back from India about a week ago. Yes, the lake is a little low, but it's still fine. The Lake Palace is beautiful and surrounded by water not mud! We had dinner there (couldn't afford to stay there.) Udai Villas is definitely the most luxurious place in town - but of course does not have the history and location of the Lake Palace.<BR>Have fun!