A Review of Lake Palace Udaipur

Lake Palace Udaipur is a stunning heritage hotel located on an island in the middle of Lake Pichola. It was built in the 18th century by Maharana Jagat Singh II as a summer palace and later converted into a luxury hotel by Maharana Bhagwat Singh in 196312. It offers a royal experience with its majestic architecture, exquisite decor, lavish amenities and impeccable service. Here is my review of Lake Palace Udaipur based on my recent visit.

Location

Lake Palace Udaipur is situated on Jag Niwas island, which is accessible by boat from the City Palace jetty. The hotel provides complimentary boat transfers for its guests. The location is ideal for enjoying the panoramic views of the lake, the City Palace, the Aravalli hills and the Jag Mandir island. The hotel is also close to the main attractions of Udaipur, such as the City Palace, the Jagdish Temple, the Saheliyon ki Bari and the Bagore ki Haveli.

Rooms

The hotel has 65 rooms and 18 suites, each with a unique design and theme. The rooms are spacious, elegant and comfortable, with wooden furniture, silk fabrics, marble floors and araish work ceilings. The rooms have modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, DVD players, minibars, tea/coffee makers and Forest Essential toiletries. The rooms also have butler service and 24-hour room service. The rooms offer either garden or lake views.

I stayed in a Luxury Room Lake View, which had a king-sized bed, a sitting area, a writing desk and a balcony overlooking the lake. The room was beautifully decorated with paintings, lamps and cushions. The bathroom had a bathtub, a shower and a vanity area. The room was cozy and quiet, and I enjoyed watching the sunrise and sunset from the balcony.

Dining

The hotel has four dining options: Neel Kamal, Bhairo, Jharokha and Amrit Sagar Bar. Neel Kamal is a fine-dining restaurant that serves authentic Rajasthani cuisine, as well as dishes from the North West Frontier and other parts of India. The restaurant has a traditional ambiance with live music and dance performances. Bhairo is a rooftop restaurant that offers European cuisine with stunning views of the lake and the city. Jharokha is an all-day dining restaurant that serves international cuisine with a lake view. Amrit Sagar Bar is a cozy lounge that offers a selection of wines, spirits, cocktails, cigars and sheeshas.

I had breakfast at Jharokha, which had a buffet spread of Indian and continental dishes. I liked the dosas, parathas, idlis and poha from the Indian section, and the pancakes, waffles, eggs and sausages from the continental section. I also had dinner at Neel Kamal, which was a memorable experience. I ordered the Rajasthani thali, which had dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, ker sangri, laal maas, bajre ki roti and more. The food was delicious and spicy, and the service was attentive and courteous.

Facilities

The hotel has a range of facilities for its guests to enjoy. It has a full-service spa called Jiva Spa that offers various treatments and therapies based on ancient Indian wellness traditions. It also has a 24-hour fitness center and a hot/cold spa pool. The hotel also has a shopping arcade, a games room and a business center.

The hotel also offers some unique experiences for its guests, such as guided heritage walks, astrology sessions, cultural shows and site-specific yoga sessions. The hotel also arranges private dining in fairy tale settings with handcrafted menus.

I tried the Jiva Spa treatment called Shudhikara (Detox), which was a 90-minute session that included an exfoliation with herbs and spices, a massage with warm oil and herbal poultices, and a steam bath. The treatment was relaxing and rejuvenating, and I felt refreshed after it.

Cost

The cost of staying at Lake Palace Udaipur varies depending on the season, the room type and the availability. The average rate for a Luxury Room Lake View is around ₹30,400 per night (excluding taxes), while the average rate for a Grand Presidential Suite is around ₹4 lakh per night (excluding taxes). The rates include breakfast and boat transfers.

The hotel also offers some packages and deals for its guests, such as Tajness at its Best (which includes breakfast, lunch or dinner), Royal Retreats (which includes airport transfers) and Taj Holidays (which includes sightseeing).

Transportation

The nearest airport to Lake Palace Udaipur is Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR), which is about 16 km away from the City Palace jetty. The hotel can arrange airport transfers for its guests at an additional charge.

The nearest railway station to Lake Palace Udaipur is Udaipur Railway Station (UDZ), which is about 2.5 km away from the City Palace jetty. The hotel can arrange railway station transfers for its guests at an additional charge.

The hotel can also arrange car rentals or taxis for its guests to explore Udaipur or nearby destinations.

Conclusion

Lake Palace Udaipur is one of the most iconic hotels in India that offers an unforgettable stay in a historic palace surrounded by water. It is ideal for couples who want to experience romance and luxury in a royal setting. It is also suitable for families who want to enjoy culture and heritage in a comfortable environment.

I loved my stay at Lake Palace Udaipur and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to visit Udaipur.