Udaipur's Hidden Gem: Palace Hotel You NEED to See!
Udaipur's Hidden Gem: Palace Hotel - You NEED to See (And Maybe Regret Leaving!) - A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the saffron-infused beans on Udaipur's Palace Hotel, a place that's less of a hotel and more of a… well, a whole dang experience. This isn't your sterile, polished hotel review, this is the raw, unfiltered truth, warts and all (and trust me, this place has some charming warts).
Let’s get straight to it: The Palace Hotel is stunning. No, seriously. Like, jaw-droppingly, Instagram-feed-implodingly stunning. Expect to spend a week just wandering around open-mouthed, wondering if you've accidentally stumbled into a Bollywood movie set (spoiler: you haven't, but you'll feel like you have!).
Accessibility & a Few Frustrations:
Okay, let's be real. The accessibility isn't perfect. There’s an elevator, which is a lifesaver, but some of the older architectural elements of the palace, while aesthetically pleasing, make navigating with mobility issues… challenging. I saw the facilities for disabled guests listed and I'm not entirely sure how extensive they are. So, if accessibility is THE thing, double-check specifics before you book. But generally, CCTV in common areas and everywhere outside, give you a good sense of security. It's a pretty safe place, you'll find.
Cleanliness & That COVID-19 Stuff: This is where the Palace Hotel truly shines. The cleaning is meticulous. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and the fact that they've gone above-and-beyond to get a hygiene certification already put my mind at ease. The staff are all masked up, and hand sanitizer is EVERYWHERE. They take physical distancing of at least 1 meter seriously. They've even got individually-wrapped food options – good for a germaphobe like myself! And they have room sanitization opt-out available which is cool. You can opt-out if you feel it is not necessary, or maybe not you. Rooms sanitized between stays, makes for a safe stay. Professional-grade sanitizing services are evidently being utilized. The main takeaway? They GET it.
Rooms & Glorious Chaos:
My room? Oh, it was a masterpiece. The air conditioning worked perfectly (a MUST in Udaipur!), the blackout curtains were divine for sleeping in after a late night in the bar, and the free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a beautiful bonus. I could chill out and binge-watch my shows on the satellite/cable channels, and, most importantly, the Wi-Fi [free] was genuinely reliable (unlike some hotels where you spend more time troubleshooting than browsing!).
Here's a caveat: this isn't the minimalist, modern hotel experience. Some rooms have seen better days, as the hotel is a palace. You can see some wear and tear, but the charm of the place massively overwhelms any tiny imperfection. The desk was a little cramped for my laptop, and the internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless were pretty good, but I had to call for *ironing facilities, which I thought should have been readily available. And the *extra long bed* was… well, extra long. I'm 5'10", and I swear I could have slept sideways! And the mini-bar! Tempting, so very tempting…
The highlight? The bathtub! A proper, deep-soaking, magazine-readingly luxurious bathtub. That made my day – a whole day!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Let's Talk Food!
Okay, the food. This is where the Palace Hotel truly excels, and where I nearly gained five pounds in a week.
- Breakfast: Forget continental breakfast, this is Asian Buffet paradise. (Okay, sometimes the Western Breakfast is great too, but the Asian breakfast is just incredible, trust me!). The breakfast [buffet] is a morning ritual, and it is an experience worthy of being put in your bucket list. The coffee/tea in restaurant is all you need to start the day! The Asian cuisine in restaurant is a MUST TRY.
- Lunch & Dinner: Options galore! Restaurants are all over the place. My advice? Eat everything. The a la carte in restaurant lets you choose what you want and you can, more often than not, find something new and exciting. The international cuisine in restaurant ensures everyone finds something to their liking. They have a Vegetarian restaurant which makes the stay great for people on those diets. Try the soup in restaurant - it's heaven!
- Bars & Lounges: The bar is gorgeous, and, oh, the Happy hour! Drink responsibly, my friends. The Poolside bar is fantastic during the hot afternoons. I found myself spending hours at both.
Now, a quick anecdote: I spent a solid afternoon at the Poolside bar, working (or, you know, pretending to work) when I got a sudden craving for dessert. I ventured inside, found the Coffee Shop. and when I got the Desserts in restaurant I could not resist. I nearly licked the plate clean!
Services and Conveniences: The Perks of Being a Royal (Almost)
The service at the Palace Hotel is impeccable. The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful, always ready with a smile and a helping hand. Air conditioning in public area is a godsend during the scorching afternoons.
- Amenities: The laundry service was a lifesaver (I tend to pack light), and the concierge handled everything from booking taxis to recommending the best street food stalls.
- Things they should bring back: The Convenience store was handy for picking up snacks and essentials.
- Less-impressive offerings: The Car park [free of charge] was a good one. I didn't need it, as I was getting around by taxi.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: A Palace of Pleasures!
Okay, this is where things get really good. The swimming pool [outdoor] is stunning, with a pool with view that'll make you forget all your worries. There's a fitness center for those who want to work off all that delicious food, and a truly divine Spa.
- The Spa Experience: I treated myself to a massage. It was the sort of massage that melts all your stress away, leaving you feeling like a newborn baby (albeit a pampered, slightly oily newborn baby). They have a Sauna and a Steamroom, which really adds to the experience. The Spa/sauna experience is a must-do.
- More fun: The Foot bath experience was amazing.
For the Kids (and the Kid at Heart):
I didn't travel with kids, but I noticed they have some Family/child friendly services and Kids facilities. The Babysitting service gives you freedom to explore, and even the pickiest eaters are likely to find something they like on the Kids meal.
Overall Vibe & The "Worth It" Factor: This place is not just a hotel; it’s an experience. It's a place where you can get lost in history, pampered to within an inch of your life, and completely disconnect from the outside world (unless, of course, you want to stay connected with the internet).
Here’s the honest truth: It's not perfect. There are a few quirks, some minor inconveniences (as mentioned above), and you might occasionally have to wait for the elevator. But those tiny flaws are quickly forgotten when you’re basking in the glow of a Udaipur sunset from your private balcony.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Run, don't walk, to the Palace Hotel. Just be warned: you might never want to leave.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your slick, Instagram-ready travel itinerary. This is the REAL deal. This is me trying to survive a trip to Udaipur, India, with (hopefully) a stay at the Hotel Palace. And believe me, it's going to get messy.
The (Highly Questionable) Plan: A Royal-ish Ramble to Udaipur
Phase 1: Delhi – The Pre-Udaipur Pre-Hustle (and the inevitable Delhi Belly Scare)
Day 1: Arrival and the Sensory Overload (Delhi Edition)
- Morning (6:00 AM): Land in Delhi. Bleary-eyed, slightly terrified by the sheer mass of humanity. I'm expecting a chaotic welcome, but even I'm bowled over. The air is thick with a symphony of horns, spice, and something that vaguely smells like… optimism? (Don't trust it.)
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): After a brutal negotiation with a taxi driver (I swear I saw him trying to add an extra zero to the price), I'm supposedly en route to my hotel. But first, a mandatory stop at a "street vendor" (read: a guy squatting on a mat) for breakfast. Samosa – delicious, probably lethal. Wish me luck.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Attempted exploration of Old Delhi. Red Fort is majestic, but the crowds… oh god, the crowds. I’m currently jammed between a family taking a million selfies and a rogue goat. This is the moment I realize I should've packed more deodorant. And maybe a hazmat suit.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant that claims to be authentic. The food is good, but the waiter keeps trying to upsell me on a "special" massage that sounds suspiciously like something out of a Bollywood movie. I politely decline. Probably should've had that hazmat suit…
- Night (10:00 PM): Back at the hotel. Feeling a distinct rumbling in my stomach that might, or might not, signal the impending arrival of the Delhi Belly. Crossing my fingers. And every other appendage.
Day 2: Delhi - Monuments and Mayhem
- Morning (9:00 AM): Up early for a visit to Humayun's Tomb. It's beautiful, I'll admit, but the heat is already oppressive. I swear, I sweat more in the first five minutes than I do during a marathon.
- Late-Morning (11:00 AM): Qutub Minar. More impressive architecture. More crowds. More sweating. A brief, desperate plea to the heavens for a cloud. No luck.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Lunch at a "trendy" cafe. Overpriced avocado toast (I know, I know, but I needed something safe!), accompanied by a side of existential dread. Why am I doing this?
- Evening (5:00 PM): Shopping. I get lured into a "genuine silk" shop. Regret already setting in. Bargaining is a contact sport, and I'm on the bench. Buy a scarf (probably synthetic) for the memory.
- Night (8:00 PM): Farewell dinner in Delhi. One last (possibly ill-advised) curry. Flight tomorrow. Pray for survival.
Phase 2: The (Hopefully) Majestic Journey to Udaipur
- Day 3: The Train (or the Great Indian Railroad Rollercoaster)
- Morning (5:00 AM): Wake up to the sound of my own internal alarm (Delhi Belly avoided… for now!). Head to the train station. This is when the "adventure" really begins.
- Late-Morning (10:00 AM): I'm on the train! The train is a chaotic, colorful, glorious mess. People are everywhere, selling everything. The air is thick with the aroma of chai and the sound of animated conversations. This is India, alright. I'm trying not to stare. I'm also trying to figure out how to use the toilet. Wish me luck.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): The train stops. And stops. And stops again. Delays! Welcome to Indian rail! I spend the afternoon reading, people-watching, and alternately feeling thrilled and slightly terrified. A vendor sells me questionable snacks. Delicious? Probably. Safe? Who knows!
- Evening (6:00 PM): The sun sets over the arid landscape. The train inches on. There's a kind of communal feeling on board – strangers sharing food, stories, and the shared misery of the journey. We are all in this together, apparently.
- Night (9:00 PM): Arrive in Udaipur. (Fingers and toes crossed). Taxi to the Hotel Palace (hopefully it is the kind of place I imagined).
Phase 3: Udaipur - The Pursuit of Palace Life (and maybe some inner peace)
Day 4: Hotel Palace – The Fantasy Becomes Reality (Or Does It?)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Arrive at the Hotel Palace (if I actually made it here). Wide-eyed. Expect some kind of royal treatment. Or, at the very least, a clean towel. Hopefully, everything I read about it is true. Maybe I'll be able to actually relax for once on this trip.
- Late-Morning (10:00 AM): Check in, unpack, and immediately inspect the room. Is it as luxurious as the pictures? Is there a balcony with a stunning lake view? Is the bathroom actually usable? This is the moment of truth.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at the hotel – hopefully, the food doesn’t give me the Delhi Belly's evil twin. Start the day with a swim in the pool before, you know, the massive amount of travel I did today hits me.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Sunset boat tour on Lake Pichola. This is what I've been waiting for! Romantic visions of the lake, the palaces, and the fading light. Hopefully, my stomach behaves. (And I don't fall in.)
- Night (8:00 PM): Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the lake and city. Try to digest the experience, the cuisine, and the sheer, overwhelming beauty of Udaipur. Reflect on surviving Delhi and the train. Am I actually enjoying this? Maybe.
Day 5: Udaipur – Palaces, Culture and a Whole Lot of Chai
- Morning (9:00 AM): Visit the City Palace. Prepare to be overwhelmed by history, opulence, and the crushing weight of centuries of royalty. Take a lot of pictures. Probably get lost.
- Late-Morning (11:00 AM): Explore the Jagdish Temple. Soak up the atmosphere and admire the intricate carvings. Spend some time with a local, perhaps.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a cute cafe in the Old City. Try some local cuisine. Try not to get food poisoning. (Again.)
- Evening (4:00 PM): Shopping! It's inevitable. Buy some souvenirs. Maybe some clothes. Definitely some spices. I will overspend, I already know it.
- Night (7:00 PM): Cultural performance. Try to understand the story. Try to stay awake. Try to appreciate the art. (Failing any of those, at least capture it on camera).
Day 6: Udaipur – A Dip in the Lake and Departure (or… Staying?)
- Morning (8:00 AM): One last slow morning in Udaipur. Maybe a yoga class at the hotel. Or, you know, just lie horizontal by the pool. Enjoy the peace. Savor the moments.
- Late-Morning (10:00 AM): Final stroll through the city. Some last-minute souvenir shopping. A final cup of chai.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch – probably somewhere familiar, just to be on the safe side.
- Mid-Afternoon (3:00 PM): Head to the airport. Say goodbye to Udaipur. Or, maybe, consider extending my stay. This place… it might just be magic.
- Evening (6:00 PM): The long flight home. Reflecting on my journey. Planning the next one.
- Night (11:00 PM): Reach Home. Looking back on all the experiences, all the food, all the sights, and all the chaos. Now that's out of the way, it's time to start booking the next adventure.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change based on mood swings, spontaneous detours, Delhi Belly attacks, and my general inability to stick to a plan. Prepare for chaos. Embrace the mess. And pray for good luck. And lots of hand sanitizer.
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Udaipur's Palace Hotel: Prepare to Be Utterly Floored (Maybe Slightly Annoyed, Too!) - FAQs You NEED
Okay, Okay, Spill It! What's SO Special About This Palace Hotel? Is It Really *That* Good?
Alright, here's the deal. Forget your typical, run-of-the-mill hotels. This palace... well, it's a slap-in-the-face reminder that life *can* be gorgeous. Picture this: you're waltzing (or, you know, *walking*) through these ancient corridors, and sunlight is pouring through stained-glass windows. Seriously, the *light* alone practically makes it worth the price of admission. You're talking chandeliers, history dripping from every ornate carving, and views that make your jaw drop so fast you might need a chiropractor. I mean, the first time I saw the lake from my balcony… I almost cried! Ugly cry, happy cry, the works. It was THAT intense. And yes, it’s REALLY good. Probably the best hotel I’ve ever stayed in. But... it's not perfect. More on that later.
Is it, like, impossibly expensive? Will I need to sell a kidney?
Okay, let's be honest: It's not *cheap*. You're not going to find any bargain basement deals here. Think "splurge-worthy" rather than "backpacking budget." I remember when I first looked up the prices… gasp! But, and this is a big BUT, I'd saved up for it for a while and after the stay I thought, "Totally worth it!" Especially if you go during the off-season and hunt for deals! Also, consider the experience. The level of service? Unbelievable. The food? To die for, as I'll get into later!
The Food! Tell Me About The Food! Are We Talking White-Glove, Tiny Portions, Starving?
Oh. My. God. The food. Okay, I’m drooling just thinking about it. Forget tiny portions. Yes, it's white-glove service, but it's not stuffy. I ordered a pizza at 3 AM once. Okay, I was also jet lagged, but the point is, they cater to EVERYONE. And the flavors? They are bold! I think I ate my weight in dal makhani. And the breakfast buffet... Prepare to be overwhelmed, in the best possible way. Think fresh fruit you've never seen before, the most amazing omelets, and pastries that are practically works of art. You won't starve, promise. I ate enough there to keep me going for a month after I left. Seriously. The food is a MAJOR reason to go. Probably the *main* reason.
What's the Vibe Like, Though? Is It All Stuffy Coats and Whispering?
No, not *entirely*. Thank goodness. Sure, there's a certain level of elegance. People tend to dress up a bit. But it’s not a museum. You can definitely relax. I mean, they encourage it! The staff is amazing, they want you to enjoy yourself. There are pools where you can lounge all day, and bars where you can... well, lounge with something stronger. It's got a real "escape the world" kind of vibe, which is exactly what I needed. I will say, at first, I was slightly intimidated. I felt like I didn't belong in such a luxurious space, but then I had another cocktail and, well, suddenly I did!
Okay, Okay, But There HAS to Be a Downside. What's the Catch?
Alright, here's the honest truth. It's not ALL rainbows and unicorn farts. Firstly, it's *massive*. Like, seriously huge. You might get lost. I did. Multiple times. There were a few staff members that always gave great service, others maybe not so much. And look, it's old. So sometimes, the plumbing can be... a bit temperamental. My shower took a while to get warm and then it flooded the bathroom. Also, it's a Palace, so things take a little longer. Need something from the front desk? Embrace the leisure pace. And finally... be prepared to constantly take photos! EVERYWHERE you look, it's photo-worthy. It can be a little exhausting to try and keep up on what to keep in, and what to take the photo of. But these are minor inconveniences. Trust me, you'll forget all about them when you're sipping a cocktail on the terrace, watching the sunset over the lake. That view? Absolutely worth the wait for a warm shower.
What's the best time to visit the Palace Hotel? (And is it touristy?)
The best time is probably in the shoulder seasons – October/November or February/March. The weather is lovely, not too hot and not too cold. Plus, you *might* score a slightly better deal on the room (though still expect to pay a premium). Yes, it is touristy. It IS a famous hotel. However, considering the size of the hotel it is pretty easy to escape the tourists.
Any Tips or Tricks to Make the Most of My Stay?
Absolutely! First, book a room with a lake view. Seriously. It's worth the extra cost. Second, explore! Don't just stay in your room (tempting, I know!). Wander around the grounds, get lost in the gardens, discover hidden corners. Third, tip generously if the service is good. It IS amazing. Fourth, go for the High Tea, but make a booking (it's AMAZING!). Finally, be patient, chill out, and soak it all in. You're in a freakin' palace!
So, would you go back? And would YOU recommend this hotel?
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. I’m already dreaming of it! I’m even thinking about selling a kidney. Maybe. (Kidding... mostly.) Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It's not just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a chance to step back in time, to be utterly pampered, and to create memories that'll last a lifetime. Yes, it has its imperfections. Yes, it's an investment. But the sheer magicalness of it all… it's something you'll never forget. Go. Just go. And tell me all about it! I’m jealous already.
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