The Samode Palace Hotel, about 26 miles outside the state capital, Jaipur, is set in a restored 475-year old palace that was once home to the family of Rawal Sheo Singh, a former prime minister of the region. With four royal suites, 20 deluxe suites and 19 spacious rooms, the Samode Palace Hotel provides guests with a unique opportunity to experience life in the style of Indian royalty. Alternatively, the Shahpura Bagh hotel, situated between Jaipur and Udaipur in the former summer residence of the rulers of Shahpura, is a five-star hotel set in a 30-acre lakeside estate. As well as relaxing in the modern, luxurious rooms, guests can go bird-watching in the surrounding forests and boating on the nearby lakes. The hotel restaurant serves a mixture of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, prepared with organic and homegrown ingredients.
For travelers on a budget, the Hotel High Point in Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan, offers modern amenities at reasonable prices. Internet access is available in the air-conditioned rooms, which are furnished with televisions, telephones and hot water. The hotel has its own restaurant, serving dishes from a variety of cuisines. If you prefer to stay in Jaipur, the two-star Hotel Ratnawali offers 38 rooms at a moderate tariff. Equipped with mini-bars, electronic safes and Wi-Fi, the rooms are of a good, modern standard, and all bookings include a complimentary breakfast in the hotel restaurant. For those wishing to stay two nights or more, special discount packages are available.
If you are traveling to Rajasthan on business, the Wall Street Hotel is conveniently located in central Jaipur. In addition to 31 deluxe rooms, the hotel offers a board room with a capacity of 21 and a banquet hall that can accommodate up to 30 people. Services include a valet parking service and fax and photocopy facilities. Another option is the Taj SMS Hotel, a 21-room boutique hotel located near the business and government areas of Jaipur. The hotel caters specifically to business travelers, offering a business center with Internet access, currency exchange and facsimile services. Underground car-parking, laundry services and travel assistance are available.
Traveling in India with kids can be challenging. The Le Meridien Hotel in Jaipur is one of the few hotels in the region that caters specifically to younger visitors. Children staying in the hotel can participate in the Penguin Club, which offers a range of indoor and outdoor games, as well as educational exercises. The hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool, game room and 42-seat cinema. Adults will also be entertained, as the hotel features a nightclub, game room with pool table and health club.
