Review: Raffles Udaipur – A Modern Day Palace in Rajasthan!

At a glance:

With 137 rooms on Lake Udai Sagar, Raffles Udaipur is a splurge worthy resort on the outskirts of Udaipur with expansive grounds and a side of Rajasthani culture.

What is actually is: An isolated but opulent retreat on the outskirts of Udaipur.

What it is not: A cookie cutter resort.

Time of year: Fall

Room: Flamingo Signature Room with Balcony King Bed

Scores:

Hotel Design: 95 – Feels like a palace that could have been there for hundreds of years, but it is newly built on expansive grounds that make you feel like you’re on a private island.

Location: 90 – It is a beautiful location set on a peninsula in the middle of a lake with expansive manicured grounds, surrounded by hills with beautiful sunset views. It is a 15 minute boat ride + 45 minute drive to Udaipur.

Sleep: 95 – Very close to perfect with the exception of unexpected fireworks waking us up late on our first evening. It’s one of the plushest, most comfortable beds we have ever slept in.

Service: 92 – They try very hard here and generally succeed at providing an exceptional experience. The welcome experience was very impressive with flower petals tossed over us as we entered the building. Staff are also available to help you take photos all over the property and are trained in getting all the right angles. The pool attendant notices Maxine cut her finger opening a bottle of water and brought her a facecloth and Bandaid.

Room Design: 92 – Very luxurious in a classical but modern way. Our room was somewhat compact with high ceilings and a small balcony.

Room Amenities: 90 – Everything you’d expect from a luxury resort: complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in the mini bar, lots of bottled water, Nespresso machine, bath salts replenished daily.

Hotel Amenities: 92 – Everything you’d expect from a luxury resort, and then some! Numerous dining venues, a spa, a gym, a pool (although a bit small), paid and complimentary activities. Impressive features, like a bath menu where you can choose from various bath salt and scent options in the comfort of your room. The dining options were good too; we really enjoyed the breakfast and a watermelon curry dish we had for dinner. The cultural performances during dinner on some evenings are great too. Tip: be prepared to go up and dance!

Vibe: 83 – Lavish Indian weddings, couples and families on a luxurious weekend getaway. It seems like people come here to relax and perhaps to also show off a little.

Cleanliness/Maintenance: 85 – Overall, very good, but the birds are a force to reckon with. We couldn’t use our balcony much because it was overrun with birds and their guano.

Value / Extras & Perks: 86 – We booked with American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts, which included breakfast, a credit and possible upgrade – we received a better view, but the hotel was sold out during our stay.

OVERALL: 90