The Best Hotels and Guesthouses to Book in Udaipur, India

Housed inside a traditional Rajasthani palace, built following Vedic concepts, Fateh Garh dominates over the city from a solitary hillock. There are a large outdoor pool and an assorted collection of vintage cars – you can take one and a driver out for a ride, or even strike on a jeep safari of the deserted surroundings. And, if that’s not enough action, glide away on Fateh Garh’s own zip-line, the first in Udaipur.

Spread to the west of town over 27 acres (11ha), hemmed by the dramatic scenery of the Aravalli mountain range, this is one of the top properties in Udaipur. The room concept is inspired by the nomadic Rajasthani life, using the single-pole tent of the Mewar as the main ethnic leitmotif and pairing it with an elegant minimal-chic design. When the looming desert gets too dry, jump into the free-form pool, or try a traditional Abhisheka floral bath at the Jiva spa.

Stay in a modern haveli right in town, enjoying a soothing mix of wooden four-poster beds, sandstone walls and century-old Rajasthani hospitality. Whether it’s inviting you in for a traditional home-cooked meal, bestowing insider secrets for your next jaunt or guiding you to enjoy the intimate swimming pool, owner Mr Devendra has a natural talent to make you feel part of the family.

It feels like you’ve just entered a maharajah’s palace, not a hotel, when stepping inside Chunda Palace. A fine example of the ancient heritage and class of Rajasthani architecture, a stay at Chunda Palace is made special by its lavish chandeliers, four-poster beds, regal lion-foot chairs and bedazzling collection of local artefacts. If you really want to feel special, grab a mallet for a day at the hotel’s Polo Club, for a quintessential Indian experience.

A beautiful homestay housed in a traditional white-washed Rajasthani haveli, Gadh Ganesh is great value for money. The rooms are simple and, yet, feel homey and curated, and there’s an inner garden filled with birds, where you can kick back and relax. Some of the best-known attractions in Udaipur are all within a 3-kilometre (1.9mi) radius, and you may feel like walking after having feasted on the sumptuous complimentary breakfast.

The location by Lake Pichola, with views of the Aravalli mountain range extending on the horizon, make this regal resort stand out from the crowd. The sumptuous rooms are another wow factor, with a gold-and-red colour scheme and luxurious furnishings. The suites come with a dedicated butler service. Get some royal treatment at the state-of-the-art spa, or indulge in a spot of relaxation in the lake-facing pool. Come sunset, take a pew in the pillow-strewn Mughal-like gazebos that line the balustrade.

Spread over 30 acres (12ha) of verdant gardens on the shores of Lake Pichola, the Oberoi in Udaipur is a fine example of five-star splendour. For a fairy-tale experience, dine at al fresco restaurant Chadni at night, when it turns into a canopy of candle-lit tables enveloped in the sounds of Hindustani live music. You may also try an Oberai traditional massage before soaking in the temperature-controlled pool. Udaipur? Be careful, for, if you stay here, you may actually never see any of it.

A small, quaint and somewhat off-the-beaten-track guesthouse, set across from the hubbub of the main city and amid the tightknit streets of Udaipur’s old town, Lassi touts a handful of charming, newly renovated rooms with balconies and interesting Indian touches. Some come with air conditioning, and another perk is the complimentary breakfast which is served on the rooftop. The real plus though? The super-friendly folk behind reception, bearing constant smiles and offering some great cooking classes to boot.

Lap up some stunning views of Lake Pichola from the Trident hotel, which sits right on the water and is spread over 16 acres (6ha). The 139 rooms and three suites blend elegance and style with traditional touches and contemporary comforts, including complimentary high-speed wifi for up to four devices. Every corner you turn, staff are at your service and ready to provide you with whatever you need. In the evenings, the dining rooms are prepared with a lavish feast fit for a king or queen.

Nestled within the Aravalli Hills, The LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace looks over the entire city and the Fateh Sagar Lake. Built by a king, this place is definitely fit for a maharaja. The location is ideal because it is just a few miles away from the airport, the city centre and the railway station. Rajasthani culture is prominent throughout the hotel, intertwining with grandeur and elegance. Smaller than a few of the others, the restored hotel has 55 rooms.

Strewn like terracotta-hued scales dropped onto a carpet of rolling green hills, the Ananta’s villas are a princely throwback to the opulent times of the Mewar. Nature is queen in this five-star resort perched on the Aravalli Hills. You’ll see them reflected against the marble tiles of your bedroom or closing in all around you as you swim in the resort’s large swimming pool. At night, try the finest Rajasthani culinary treats at either restaurant Oasis or Zenith. The latter boasts an outdoor seating area with unparalleled views of the hills and the lake.

The saying goes “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, and that’s certainly true of the Raas Devigargh. This stunning hotel is housed within a turreted 18th-century palace nestled in the Aravalli Hills. While it boasts an ancient and decadent façade, the interiors are slick and refreshingly modern. There are hints of the Old World, with the use of sandstone and Jodhpur blue, for instance. In total, there are 39 suites and the Palace and Arvalli suites boast breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside. But, for the ultimate palace experience, check into the Devigarh suite, as you’ll bag your own swimming pool and a bedroom dressed in gold. The hotel is around a 45-minute drive away from Udaipur, but well worth the trip.