The best luxury hotels in Rajasthan

In a state whose name literally means “Land of Kings” you’d expect to find some decent places to stay. But even for the well-travelled the range of luxury accommodation in Rajasthan can be overwhelming.

Fortunately, we at Yonder have personally visited each and every one of the following places, and we can safely say that these are some of the finest and most luxurious hotels in all Rajasthan.

Exclusive & luxury hotels in Rajasthan

Here’s a roundup of our personally-curated exclusive and luxury hotels in Rajasthan.

Rajmahal Palace

“Most of the suites have hosted VIPs. Anyone from the Maharaja to the Prince of Wales to the British Resident Political officer. We have a particular soft spot for the Yuvraj suite, once the private quarters of two successive Maharajas.”

Jaipur’s Rajmahal Palace has reignited the Indian boutique hotel scene. This is a dazzling masterpiece, both in its historical architectural form and its meticulously restored modern incarnation.

The palace, originally conceived as summer retreat, became the residence of the British Political Office for Rajaputana in 1821. In 1958, it was taken back by Maharaja Man Singh II to become his private residence. Over the years, it has hosted notables from Queen Elizabeth II to the Shah of Iran with a few others such as Jacqueline Kennedy and the late Princess Diana in between.

Today, it’s a glorious palette of colour, the brainchild of renowned interior designer Adil Ahmed. The faded grandeur so often seen in historic Indian hotels is nowhere to be found. This is modern, vibrant and fresh. 

The 14 rooms and suites are all unique, with individually designed fabrics and the strategic placement of family portraits of the Maharaja’s family. Outside is an Art Deco swimming pool, small spa and seven acres of gardens and when it comes to dining, you’ll be in great company; the food is amongst the very best in Jaipur.

RAAS Jodhpur

“The Couples Connect ILA spa treatment amongst the soothing red sandstone pillars is the most sensual experience a deux we know of in India. If you want to intertwine in the early evenings, don’t hesitate to get your booking in.”

Tucked away along one of the narrow streets within the old town of Jodhpur, India, the RAAS is hip Maharaja living at its best. A skillful combination of old world Rajput buildings with a new designer bolt-on with huge carved sandstone jali screens makes the RAAS Jodhpur a hot ticket.

As you enter from the street through the magnificent old wooden gates, you know you’ve arrived somewhere special. And it becomes even more spectacular once you walk through the fish tank glass reception out into the bright sunlight beyond, with the most incredible view up towards Mehrangarh Fort.  So good that to quote Tatler Magazine, always reliable on matters of taste: ‘This is the most spectacular view from any hotel in India, maybe actually the world.’

 

Rawla Narlai

“Our favourite rooms are those in the Jharoka category on the first and second floors of the new building. They have quaint little balconies looking out towards Elephant Rock.”

Rawla Narlai is an absolute corker, brilliant for what it is rather than for what it has. The hotel occupies the site of the former village stronghold. The fortified and crenellated buildings are a beautiful ensemble of Rajput era, blended with the occasional Mughal influence mixed in with the dash of contemporary architecture.

The hotel has character in spades. You’ll be made to feel truly welcome and will immediately sense the enthusiasm and pride the staff – many of whom are from the village – have in their work.

Wandering around Rawla Narlai, you’ll be charmed by the courtyards, little patches of shade thoughtfully created to offer quiet places for booking reading and contemplation. Add to this a superb pool area and a tented spa, and you have a little diamond, the perfect place to spend a couple of nights to completely unwind and relax in between days spent touring.

Sujan Jawai

“Staying at Jawai is more than just glamping. It’s an opportunity to see how luxury living and conservation can work hand in hand to the benefit of local communities and wildlife.”

Nestled seamlessly in the sandy grasslands of Rajasthan’s western wilderness, where leopards roam free against a backdrop of formidable granite rock formations, the SUJÁN JAWAI is a masterclass in minimalist elegance.

As we arrived in our wildlife haven, we were greeted by a smiling ranger, equipped with ice bucket and chilled flute of rose lemonade to sip as we watched the desert sunset in front of our stylish tented suite, with its clean, light canvas turned honey-coloured in the golden sunlight.

The camp’s tents are erected in royal Rajputana fashion and feel pristine and fresh, melting into their surroundings with effortless simplicity. The SUJÁN JAWAI absolutely feels part of the landscape and this isn’t by accident.

 

Rambagh Palace

This jewel in the Taj’s crown offers 78 stunning grand luxury rooms and suites, once the chambers of the Maharaja. The palace retains its splendour with vintage cars, guards on horseback and exquisitely uniformed staff. Mughal gardens and exceptional cuisine.

47 Jobner Bagh

Rajasthan is best known for its many palaces that have been transformed into luxury hotels but there are a number of secret historical haveli dwellings like 47 Jobner Bagh that are utterly charming.

Sher Bagh

Spellbinding tented camp on the Ranthambore national park with magic in the air. 1920s style runs throughout this luxury camp and its 12 tents, with cane furniture, pith helmets and plenty of reminders about the feline celebrities who roam beyond the camp boundary.