37 Best Hotels in Rajasthan, India

Once the royal guesthouse, where the maharaja of Udaipur had his guests stay, gracious Shiv Niwas on Lake Pichola is another part of the City Palace complex, and still features plenty of antiques and royal memorabilia in its decor. The white stone pool and the gardens add to the magical ambience. Half its accommodations are in the better-maintained suites, but even the regular palace rooms are chic and large with a sitting area and a desk. Some rooms are dated and could benefit from a renovation, so ask to see a couple of options.

Like a mirage in the desert, this contemporary, elegant fort-style hotel rises out of the sand, luring you to its ramparts. The interior is equally impressive: built in old-world style and constructed and carved breathtakingly from yellow sandstone, it features high ceilings, sweeping marble floors, arches, antiques, enormous courtyards, reflection pools, and spacious, richly furnished rooms. Located on the road going out to the Sam dunes, Suryagarh is isolated from Jaisalmer. Given that you are marooned in the Thar, many an amenity has been provided for—billiards, gym, pool, spa, a bar, and several restaurants. The staff also organizes a wide variety of excursions.

Part of the haughty City Palace complex, this 19th-century retreat on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola is run by the Taj group and oozes stateliness and history—royal portraits, antiques, chandeliers, ornate ceilings, and an abundance of crinkled-edged arches set the tone. Rooms and suites are spacious, with marble floors, furnished with silks and period furniture; some have window seats (one has a swing as well) and great views. The dining opportunities of this hotel are equally memorable—you can opt for lake-view breakfasts, a sunset terrace tea, or a poolside dinner.

Nestled in the Aravali hills, this haven offers secluded villa accommodations, spa treatments, and a chance to interact with the community. Dotted over 7-acres, 14 traditional-style domed villas have large bathrooms, walk-in closets, and high levels of privacy and relaxation; most have a private pool. Spa treatments are customized to suit each guest. Some of the fresh produce used in the hotel is from its attached organic garden, which you can visit. The resort supports a local school and guests are encouraged to interact with villagers—and even volunteer to teach the children if they wish.

While a stay at Trident—built to look like a rambling haveli 9 km (5 miles) from the center of town—does not offer the authentic royal experience, it does make for an interlude of gracious living. The property looks out onto the Mansagar lake and its exteriors are of light pink stone. Interiors feature the finest Rajasthani marble, with rooms furnished in soothing colors; opt for a lake-facing room.

A more moderately priced option among Udaipur's luxury hotels, the Trident is removed from the downtown bustle, amid acres of beautiful gardens on Lake Pichola. The architecture is striking, but the lobby, decorated in white marble arches lacks grandeur. Rooms, done mainly in white, facing the garden or pool, are well equipped and modern, though nondescript. The restaurant serves Indian and continental dishes (buffet and à la carte) at lunch and dinner.

Long a dreamy setting for royal getaways, this fine example of Rajput architecture offers a taste of country palace living at a reasonable price (unless you choose one of the suites, which are considerably more expensive than the rooms). The rooms are spacious and feature antique carved furniture and Rajasthani paintings on the white walls. The red sandstone heritage hotel is surrounded by lush, expansive green gardens on the outskirts of Jodhpur and on the banks of Bal Samand Lake. The park around the artificial lake, built in the 12th century, contains a nine-hole golf course and other activities, plus a small bird sanctuary---but watch out for aggressive monkeys. The hotel provides bikes to cycle around the area.