The Pink City of Jaipur, with its stunning Amber Fort, has a myriad of luxury options to stay in so picking the best hotel in Jaipur is a difficult task. There are ancient forts turned into luxury accommodations, exclusive retreats in the countryside and fantastic heritage luxury palaces and havelis to feel like a character in One Thousand and One Nights or in a glistening Bollywood movie with glamorous backdrops.
These are our picks of the best luxury hotels, palaces, forts and resorts in Jaipur and surroundings. We promise they will not disappoint.
Taj RamBagh Palace : Live like a Maharaja
Experience 5-star luxury at this palace, where the Maharaja of Jaipur himself resided. This century-old architectural masterpiece is indeed one of the finest in the city where Rajasthani architecture meets heritage. The hotel leaves no stone unturned to give you a taste of luxury right from your arrival, where you are welcomed by decorated camels, horses and elephants along with Rajasthani ladies who perform ‘tikka’ ceremony.
This hotel gives you a chance to actually live in the very quarters of the king himself when you book their Suryavanshi Suite.
Taj Rambagh Palace conserves all the beauty of a time long gone as well as the remnants of its illustrious owner’s passion for polo, beautiful lawns and pretty fountains, which are a refreshing sight in dry and barren Rajasthani weather. After all, royalty owned and lived in this palace until 1957. The massive rooms are palaces in themselves with more than spacious living and sleeping arrangements and marble bathrooms.
It definitely is one of the best hotels in Jaipur and one which holds a lot of history.
Taj Jai Mahal Palace : Royalty Redefined
This 270-year-old palace is set among the lavish Mughal Gardens and offers unmatched opulence along with tantalising comforts. Each of its 100 rooms and suites guarantees you splendid views along with royal service. You can savour delicious Indian and Italian dishes at their speciality restaurants or have a private dinner with your loved one. The spa gives you a chance to unwind, and you can also indulge in yoga and meditation here. Taj Jai Mahal Palace is a heritage hotel in the centre of the Pink City boasting a birth year dating back to 1745. Not only is the hotel a perfect example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, it has also been the home to three Prime Ministers of Jaipur before being transformed into a luxury hotel.
There are 18 acres of pristinely landscaped Mughal gardens to explore with 94 rooms and six suites looking over the manicured greenery. There’s yoga and meditation overlooking the expansive lawns and the absolute luxe Jiva Spa to rejuvenate and restore body and mind.
Taj Jai Mahal Palace is also one of the most romantic places to hold a large regal wedding as it can hold up to 2,500 guests on the Palace Lawns. Business meetings can also be held in private in one of the luxury boardrooms.
Oberoi Raj Vilas : Most Romantic Hotel in Jaipur
The Oberoi Rajvilas is a very special luxury hotel in Jaipur. It was built around an 18th century temple to Shiva, so spiritual and mystical experiences abound. You can chant with a priest, take part in a yoga or meditation class or simply enjoy the manicured gardens and fountains or their well appointed spa.
This is a very large property that will make you feel miles away from civilisation yet it is probably one of the closest to the Pink City of the hotels outside of it. Although the hotel is modern, it was designed using traditional techniques. Except for the spa which is housed in an 18th century mansion.
The common areas and gardens are huge and adorned with the usual fountains, pavilions and symmetrical tiles and fringed by pink stone buildings so famous of the city. Marble is used generously and the rooms feature romantic four poster beds with draped and sunken baths. There are also tented style rooms for those in search of a safari-esque experience.
Aman Bagh : Known for it's Invisible Service
The former residence of an emperor, the pink and emerald palace is made of reflective pools, pink bougainvillea, manicured gardens and soft pink rock. Each haveli room is a retreat on its own. Stay in one of their pool havelis for an extra dose of tranquility and luxury. Relax by the pool while the live flute resonates through the space and the birds serenade the afternoon. Amanbagh is not only a place to get away from it all, but also an opportunity to get in touch with rural India by the hands of their local guides who will take you on village walks, temple visits and, of course, day trips to the Pink City of Jaipur.
There is so much to do in the area that you could easily fill a week. For extra romance that will make anyone fall in love again, book a chhatri dinner in one of the small pavilion cenotaphs that dot the countryside and enjoy a meal as the sun sets behind the farmland and hills as rural Indian life retires to the homes. You can read our full review of Amanbagh, one of the most luxurious hotels in Jaipur.
Alila Bishangarh Fort : Fully Restored Warrior Fort
Alila Fort Bishangarh is legendary. The heritage hotel sits atop a granite hill and has been transformed from a warrior fort that’s over 230 years old. The fort uses elements of Jaipur Gharana architecture, with a hint of Rajput and Mughal influences. 30,000 sqft of the 100,000 sqft property is covered in marble, the rest is set in sandstone.
Yet the interior is surprisingly, and might we say refreshingly, simple. Instead of the ornate interiors of other Rajasthani properties, the stark and spartan interiors allows for uncluttered space and a clean openness with only elements of Rajasthani design concepts like Tarkashi.
Even the design concept of the spa is refreshingly different. When last were you pampered and massaged in what used to be an old dungeon? Stroll through the maze of the interiors and you’ll discover hidden passageways and cellars with surprise bars and lounges. The Haveli is where you can chillax by the pool and also has Play Alila, the kids’ club. Take on step further and you’ll reach the organic garden, a fruit orchard and a greenhouse.
Majestic is the perfect word to describe the property.
Fairmont : 21st cent comforts in 19th cent architecture
A modern take on Mughal dynasty and Royal Rajputs architecture and luxury, the Fairmont Jaipur is set about half an hour from the city in expansive grounds designed to look like a Rajasthani Palace, although the building is new and was the chain’s first property in India.
There are lavish gardens, large venues and functions for massive Indian weddings, fountains and plenty of pavilions that are so typical of Rajasthani regal buildings.
Service levels fashioned after Fairmont’s signature, modern rooms styled to look like the mansions of the Mughal royalty and lots of pink, desert-orange and gold. This luxury hotel in Jaipur promises 21st century comfort in 19th century fashion. For a splurge, Fairmont’s Gold premium level rooms afford complimentary snacks and drinks and a dedicated section. However, it is the Fairmont Suites that have a terrace for extra amazingness.
Samode Palace : An Ode to The Samode
Built 175 years ago, this mansion is set in the midst of a garden and served as residence to the rulers of Samode. It is still occupied by some of their descendants. The intricate Indo-Saracenic architecture of this building is sure to baffle. Each former royal apartment has been converted into guest rooms, and hence each room is unique in itself. You can dine at numerous locations across the Haveli, right from the dining hall to pool-side and can rejuvenate in the spa, work out in the fitness centre or take a dip in the beautiful pool.
It's a 300-year old royal residence that comes with authentic regal credentials and a location, sandwiched among mountains but is only an hour away from the airport. The hotel has two swimming pools, one on the rooftop reserved for couples and a family one with a kids area.
This is a quaint and fabulous Jaipur luxury hotel that is more intimate and personal.
ITC Rajputana : Traditional Haveli Stay
The ITC Rajputana is unique in the fact that it is designed to mimic the local havelis. As you enter the premises, you’ll be wowed by the gorgeous red-brick exteriors and intricate lattice work that surround the property. Stroll around the landscaped courtyards and through the long corridors, taking in all the luxurious splendor. Have the best night’s sleep you’ve ever taken in one of the magnificent Sweet Sleeper Beds that are a standard feature in the 218 guest rooms. If you can get out of bed, roll on over to the Kaya Kalp Spa and then onto the complimentary steam and sauna rooms to relax even more.
If you’re more into athleisure, you’ll find solace in a game of croquet, water polo, table tennis or find your inner child with a life-sized snakes & ladders board. Gaming consoles, coloring books and a children’s library are also available for the little ones.
If you’re a fan of great food (rhetorical statement) then you’re spoilt for choice here as there are several options to choose from depending on what you’re craving. Peshawari is a Specialty Restaurant serving up the flavors of the North-West Frontier Province, Sheesh Mahal is a classy cocktail bar, Jaipur Pavilion is an all-day dining multi-cuisine a la carte & buffet restaurant.
Sujan Rajmahal Palace : Love Immortalised
This palace was built by the Maharaja of Jaipur for his beloved wife more than 250 years ago, yet still, gives off a regal aura. Many royal eminent personalities like Queen Elizabeth, Lord Mountbatten and others too have been the guests of this hotel. Vintage palatial chandeliers hang from the ceilings here. You can also take a dip in the pool or get some soothing massages in the spa. Elegant and exuberant at once, this was the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur in town and his Thunderbird car is still onsite, available for guests to take a tour of the town. After the last Maharaja of Jaipur, Rajmahal became the British Residency and the Queen and Prince Philip stayed here in the 60s.
Guests of the hotel have access to a City Palace private tour that makes the stay worth it just for this. Jaipur is quite a touristy place and the City Palace is packed with visitors.
Even if you are not staying at the hotel, the bar and restaurant are worth a visit just because of how pretty they are.
