India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [477]
The Leela Palace Kempinski, Udaipur, P.O. Box 125, Lake Pichola, Udaipur 313001, India. 294/670-1234. Fax 294/670-1212. www.theleela.com. reservations.udaipur@theleela.com. 80 units. Lakeview room Rs 13,500 per night; heritage view room Rs 15, 500. Taxes extra. Rates include breakfast and return airport transfer. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; lounge/bar; babysitting; butler service; boating; concierge; doctor-on-call; Internet; limousine transfer from airport on request; 2 pools; room service; spa (with Ayurvedic treatments); water taxis. In room: A/C, TV, DVD/CD library, minibar, iPod docking station, Wi-Fi (Rs 150/hr.).
Udai Kothi The fragrant scent of marigold fills the air at this laid-back hotel built by entrepreneurial Vishwa Vijay Singh and decorated by his keen-eyed shopaholic wife. Together, they’ve created a relatively authentic replica of a traditional haveli. It may not be as well located (with regards to top attractions) as Jagat Niwas or Amet Haveli, but it’s an easy stroll to the Old City, with Udaipur’s only rooftop pool, situated on a trellised terrace where meals are served—the views at night are breathtaking. Accommodations are comfortable, with canopied beds, block-print fabrics, frescoes, and individually sourced pieces. Ask for a lake-facing room on the third floor for the best views. Underscoring the immense popularity of this unassuming place, there are plans to double the size of the property with new pools, new suites, an additional restaurant, and a launch for budget-conscious jet-setters who enjoy arriving by boat.
Udai Kothi, Udaipur 313 001. 0294/243-2810 or -2812. Fax 0294/243-0412. www.udaikothi.com. 32 units. Rs 5,000 standard double; Rs 6,000 deluxe double; Rs 7,000 suite; Rs 1,500 extra bed. Taxes extra. MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; airport transfers Rs 500; boating; bookshop; cultural performances; doctor-on-call; garden; health club; Internet (free); Jacuzzi; pool; roof terrace; room service; traditional performances. In room: A/C, TV.
Udaivilas You’d be forgiven for relinquishing all sightseeing responsibilities and simply giving in to your inner indolence at this highly relaxing resort, much lauded in various glossy magazines and influential travel sites. If you’re a first-time visitor to Udaipur, you’ll want to reserve a lake-view room (which automatically has access—from your own personal porch—to a semiprivate infinity pool that forms a veritable moat along the length of the accommodations wing); this is the best way of ensuring round-the-clock visual access to the city’s favorite sights. Otherwise, book a cheaper room and plan on spending your days at the spa pool (the main resort pool, designed like a monumental step-well, is lovely but lacks views). As in all Oberois hotels, the staff and service levels are exceptional, all look absolutely beautiful and they are engaging, sincere and intuitive, and cuisine is superb.
Haridasji Ki Magri, Udaipur 313 001. 0294/243-3300. Oberoi hotels: 800/562-3764. Fax 0294/243-3200. www.oberoihotels.com. 87 units. Rs 30,500 premiere double; Rs 36,500 premiere lake-view double; Rs 170, 000 luxury suite with private pool; Rs 240,000 Kohinoor suite with private pool. Taxes extra. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; lounge/bar; babysitting; boating; butler service; CD/DVD library; doctor-on-call; limousine transfer from airport complimentary on request; 2 pools; room service; Banyan Spa (with Ayurvedic treatments); Wi-Fi (30 min. for Rs 113; 60 min. for Rs 225; 24 hours for Rs 885); adjacent wildlife conservatory. In room: A/C, TV, DVD/CD, Internet, minibar,