Samode Haveli — Hotel in Jaipur Municipal Corporation

Second leg of a trip from Agra, on to Jaipur where we wanted to experience a more ‘homely’ stay. From the website and reviews, Samode Haveli looked ideal. It was within the old town walls to give a local experience, but had the look of a regal and extensive home. The place itself had immense character and was a sight worth staying for.||Arrival had us escorted to a quaint drawing room with ornate decoration, comfortable, antique-style furniture and lots of fascinating, old edition books. Check-in was conducted whilst we enjoyed this space, and an overview of the ‘hotel’ provided by a staff member.||The Haveli consists of a myriad of courtyard rooms, passageways with more rooms, and a section containing the pool, a bar, changing rooms and spa, on the way to the dining room and another bar. Met en route by a security guard ‘shooting’ a rifle to scare off monkeys! Near reception, a courtyard bar looks over a lovely space shared by the main reception and a few boutique shops.||Overall, a lovely environment unexpected within the city walls and an island away from the hustle and bustle on the streets.||The staff were overall attentive and pleasant, in a way adding to the homelier feeling that contrasts with what we might expect when staying in more well-known, international hotels. With few other guests during our stay, it did feel as if there were too many staff loitering around with not enough to do, though.||Good selection of local food on the menu. We enjoyed a GnT at the poolside bar, although not allowed to sit in the jacuzzi with the drink, so had to walk over to the table and return to jacuzzi or pool between sips.||Second morning breakfast offered a contracted choice with no hot buffet choice. However, staff were obliging in providing for requests that were not set out and not specified on the menu.||Minor irks that can be addressed to help the hotel improve further: No small spoons for yoghurt on table or near the yoghurts. Grabbed the spoon from my coffee saucer - there’s always a solution!||We went with a hotel-organised 4-hour city tour plus guide and car. Was a great way to see the city and main sights. Just be warned, it is the norm for tour guides to divert to commercial stores (fabrics, gemstones) where owners will give some spiel about the craft, and then try to sell wares, often at ‘tourist-friendly’ yet inflated costs (with the tour guide receiving a commission).||Our guide was pleasant, knowledgable. The diversion to stores is seen as their livelihood, although for us, the collusion and tourist prices are unfair on the other stores who could benefit from passing trade. Often it is best to take a walk along the bazaars and negotiate significantly better deals with regular store owners. It might still be more than a local pays, but significantly less than the tourist traps.||Glad to see another hotel that does not encourage individual tipping of staff, but a collective tip at the end of the stay that is shared amongst staff. Note, this apparently does not apply to a tour guide (even if organised via the hotel) and the driver of the...

Blimey. If all the opulence of The White Lotus were possible without the carnage of the TV show, Samode Haveli has got it in spades. This is the one hotel that everyone we know in the UK recommended to us as the ultimate place to stay, and we will be doing the same. ||The best value for money hotel of our entire trip to India, the decor, staff, and warm welcome are all first class.||The sweeping driveway in the middle of the crazy city leads past a classic car display and transports you to a place of calm. The worn-stone staircase entrance invokes an almost ancient Egyptian feeling. ‘Beautiful’ we gasp as we climb the stair. ‘Wait until you get inside’ comes the response. ||Our suite was a stunning array of rooms and corridors, beautifully appointed and cleverly drawing in the feel and style of old India in a luxurious setting.||The courtyard bar is my favourite place in the whole country. I can’t think of anywhere I would rather have a Gin and Tonic. Ceiling fans waft warm air through the stone columns and cut crystal glassware, breathing life into flawless furnishings, ice cold cocktails and regal levels of service. ||The pool and pool bar are crisp, clean wonders of relaxation. Every viewpoint channeling a Wes Anderson style image of perfection. You are almost consumed with guilt as you touch the glass-like water, sending disturbing ripples through the scene. The staff deliver cold beers in the scorching hot heat and ensure you are never left with an empty need.||The restaurant has a beautiful courtyard with a tree that makes my fiancé cry. Inside, a grand dining room with high ceilings is covered in artwork, whilst staff buzz around checking each table so that we never have to ask for anything, merely to respond. ||The food is top quality, with an array of choices to suit many palates. Another western couple at the table next us have also consumed far too much stunning Indian cuisine than they can stomach, and we are graciously served without prejudice. ||The most incredible thing about this experience is the value. We are staying at some of the top hotels in this country and many of them come with a hefty price tag. This is by far the most reasonable and they could very easily charge double, if not more. I do hope they don’t though - because I would fly across the continents again...

Grandeur,Royal,Magnificent,Luxurious are the words which Highlights the property.The experience was edmirable and astonishing.On Entering the gate a polite escort welcomes you to the grand hotel and lead you to Darbar Hall decorated with beautifull and delicate Mural paintings and designs which will take you back to the reign of kings.The Hotel boast its beauty  by showing off it's beautifull gardens, flowers,Architecture,Fountains all over the place which are the key features of peacefull environment and fresh air.From Floors,Pillars,Gates,Windows to curtains Fountains,Chairs and gardens each and everthing is edmirably preserved keeping its original classic tinch.Moving to the fine dinning hall with shiny cutlery,and spotless covers are arranged very gracefully.The Royal Red velvet curtains and Thick Designer old carpets make the Dining hall adorable and sparkling chandeliers in dim light makes it charmingly delightful and the live mellow music from local musicians chanting harmonic songs, made the evening more melodious.Moving forward, very gracefully The Steward serves water and presents the Menu.The menu mainly present the royal local dishes,from which I ordered sheekh kebab In starters which were perfectly grilled with blend of  local seasoning and spices making it a mouth watering taste.In Main course I ordered Rashmi Biryani which was excellently cooked in traditional style as the rice was perfectly cooked with mutton and fusion of local spices and served in Sealed beautifull green pot.I also ordered the hotel's special Homemade tagliatelle Lamb and bacon meat balls Pasta cooked in white sauce,the delicate balls of meat melted in mouth, with flavours of Italian herbs and more of parseley giving pasta a typical Italian taste. Samode Haveli gave a unforgettable Royal experience beyond imagination with memorable Taste,making my Day a...