Originally Posted by Groombridge

I agree that Umaid Bhawan Palace should not be missed! I've been to most of the places on your list, and Umaid Bhawan is my favorite of them, one of the most jaw-dropping hotel experiences ever. And yes, as deer says, book the Baradari Dinner there, which is the most special dinner we have ever had at a hotel.


I'd also strongly recommend the Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur over the Taj Lake Palace -- and I stayed at one of the top suites at Taj Lake Palace (the Khush Mahal suite). The Suite itself was exquisite, but the rest of the property was 4-star at best -- a dumpy little pool area, lots of concrete everywhere, and lots of additions made by the owner prior to Taj that make it look like a big, rectangular motel parked on the lake. I was disappointed, especially in comparison to the Udaivilas, upon which was lavished years of craftsmanship with no expenses spared in the design and construction. It is in my top 5 favorite hotels of all time. The Taj Lake Palace wouldn't make my top 50. At the Udaivilas, the public areas are an endless succession of gorgeous rooms, each different with exceptional artistry, the grounds are beautifully maintained, with peacocks galore, and the views across the lake to the Lake Palace and the city of Udaipur rising above it are incredible. There are three wonderful and beautifully designed swimming pools, a lovely spa and fitness area, a multitude of restaurants -- whereas at the Taj Lake Palace, you get that one tiny swimming pool surrounded by rubber floor mats and tucked back in a corner that gets little sunlight, with netting in the trees above you to keep the leaves out, a 2-room quasi-spa, and somewhat tacky public areas, including ugly courtyards with lots of concrete and poorly maintained plants.