The Best Places to Stay in Jaipur, India

Wake up each morning in a quiet pocket of the Pink City, with incredible views of Jal Mahal – an ancient palace in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. This rose-blushed five-star hotel has 132 modern rooms and sits in tranquil landscaped gardens, with green lawns fringing the lake and a backdrop of the Aravalli mountain range. Return from a day exploring the city to enjoy a dip in the outdoor swimming pool or a relaxing treatment at the hotel’s Trident Spa.

Food is one of India’s major draws, and Hilton Jaipur will definitely get your taste buds fired up. This luxury hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Chaandi, serves modern dishes from an open kitchen. Here, the laal maas is a must-try; it is a regional delicacy that was once enjoyed by royalty and consists of tender lamb meat simmered with fiery mathania chillies. The hotel sits on the outskirts of Jaipur, and the International Airport is 11 km (7mi) away. There is a rooftop pool with cabanas and a spa offering authentic Indian treatments.

This luxury heritage boutique hotel is located in a quiet residential area, not far from the city action. Each of the 20 rooms is themed on the grand lifestyles of India’s Rajput princes, with antique furnishings reflecting Rajasthan’s rich cultural history. Nature lovers will feel at home in the Madhubani room, meaning “Forest of Honey”, which is decorated with a kaleidoscope of Indian flowers, animals and birds. Jaipur Metro station is a short walk away from the hotel’s front door.

Handily, this hotel is just 2km (1.2mi) from Jaipur International Airport and close to the buzzy Malviya Nagar neighbourhood, with its lively rooftop bars, Rajasthani bistros and Jawahar Circle Garden. Start your day by exploring Jaipur with a brew at the hotel’s in-house coffee shop, and, later, escape the heat with an evening spa treatment. For a glitzy rooftop experience and a pre-dinner cocktail, head up to Colorbar, a Miami-inspired open-air lounge. It’s open until 1.30am at weekends, giving it some serious nightcap potential with sensational city views.

A soaring lobby with Makrana marble floors, pink upholstery and a large lotus-shaped fountain will welcome you here. The spirit of Rajasthan carries through the hotel in its riotous colours, excellent Indian cuisine and the pomegranate-themed spa. Enjoy a sundowner by the pool and the folk music that is performed daily, or browse the hotel’s shopping arcade for well-priced jewellery and quirky books. Fresh oriental lilies in all guest rooms are a nice touch. The central location close to the Jaipur railway station makes getting around the city easy.

Rambagh Palace was once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, and, for a few nights, it can be your home, too. Now operating as a luxurious hotel, the Palace welcomes you with pristine manicured gardens framing its stunning architecture. Inside, you’ll find 79 rooms and restored suites, which once served as the Maharaja’s personal chambers. The rooms are swathed in rich fabrics and silk drapes, inspired by the colourful art and warm landscapes of Rajasthan. You’ll find plenty of ways to occupy your time on the palace grounds: enjoy a relaxing massage at the Jiva Grande Spa, exercise at the hotel gym, or practise yoga with the guidance of experienced practitioners.

The Jaipur Friendly Villa is a lovely award-winning hotel. It has four gorgeous rooms equipped with air conditioning and free high-speed wifi. Relax outside on the villa’s two large terraces, one looking out over a lush green park, the other one onto the private garden. The staff are extremely well trained and live up to the hotel’s “friendly” title; they’re also happy to arrange tours of the city on request.

Bhola Bhawan Bed and Breakfast is a 15-minute walk from some of the biggest attractions in Jaipur, such as the Amber Fort and the Hawa Mahal. The rooms may lack the regal furnishings of Rambagh Palace, but they’re clean and equipped with comfortable beds, large wardrobes and complimentary wifi. In-house services include henna tattoos, massages and local guides for touring the town.

The Oberoi Rajvilas is a royal resort situated on 32 acres (13ha) of gardens. Inside, the hotel sports 71 air-conditioned rooms, all classically decorated. For ultimate privacy, book the luxury villa, with its own private pool, sun terrace and large marble bathtub. The onsite spa is well worth a visit – it offers Swedish and Balinese massages, energy balancing treatments, as well as private yoga lessons. Active travellers should make the most of the tennis court, fitness room and outdoor pool.

Step inside Hotel Madhuban, close to Jaipur Railway Station, and the first thing you’ll notice is the hotel’s attractive, ornate furnishings, designed to reflect the royal heritage of Rajputana. Each of the 23 room is quiet, despite being just 10 minutes from the city centre. Book a suite or super-deluxe room if you want a bath, while the royal suite comes with a Jacuzzi. The in-house restaurant serves Rajasthani food, and the dedicated staff will arrange tours to the Amber Fort and other nearby sites.