Fondly known as the “City of Lakes”, Udaipur, the erstwhile capital of the Kingdom of Mewar, is resplendent with vast hilltop forts, palaces, temples and gardens that serve as reminders of its majestic history.
Falling in love with the charm of the “City of Lakes” is easy when you are staying at the best hotel in Udaipur: The Oberoi Udaivilas. Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, our 5 star hotel is spread over 1,21,406 square metres of luxuriant gardens, with an intricate layout of interconnecting domes and corridors that reflect the layout of Udaipur itself; whose seven lakes are linked by canals.
Founded in 1559, Udaipur was the historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar, one of the oldest surviving dynasties in the world, and is set majestically on Lake Pichola against the dramatic backdrop of the Aravalli Hills, in Rajasthan, India. The city has earned the dual distinction of being dubbed the “Venice of the East” and India’s most fabled and romantic city due to its rich and beguiling tapestry of lakeside palaces, forts, temples, and bustling bazaars. Also named “the City of Lakes”, Udaipur is located in a tranquil and salubrious setting, of seven surrounding lakes, which has been declared a National Geological Monument by the Geological Society of India for its protection, maintenance, and encouragement of tourism.
The grand architecture of The Oberoi Udaivilas is conceived as an inspired homage to the romance of traditional Indian palaces of the area, and yet is at the same time in complete keeping with 21st century luxurious amenities expected of opulent premier destinations. Spread over 50 acres of rambling landscape and former hunting grounds on the banks of Lake Pichola, the hotel features stone pavilions with magnificent, tiled courtyards and airy walkways, fortified walls with elegant arches and hand carves stone columns, reflecting pools with gentle rippling fountains, and lush, verdant gardens.
The celebrated The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur opened its doors in 2002 but looks as though it has been there for centuries. The architecture references the traditional Rajasthani palaces of the Mewari kingdom that ruled the area 300 years ago, with details like tiled open-air corridors, stone pavilions, arched entryways, and fountains. Resident peacocks may make an appearance as you stroll through the sprawling gardens, created by Asia-based designer Bill Bensley. From several vantage points, the gardens offer views of some of the city’s notable historic sights.
Many guests arrive here by boat, and following a welcoming shower of rose petals, get whisked across the extensive grounds to the lobby via golf cart. This decadent space is centered around a golden dome that looms over a grand chandelier and a trickling fountain. Decor-wise, the property is full of luxurious details, teeming with grand arches and domes, marble floors, fine furnishings, and traditional art and artifacts like paintings, swords, and shields that add a touch of local history. With some of the priciest rates in the city, cliente here is an international set of well-heeled traveler.
The hotel is part of the Oberoi Group. As with many of Oberoi’s other properties, Udaivilas makes a grand first impression. It features 37 domes, including one in the lobby painted with 18-carat gold leaf that is one of the largest in Rajasthan. The nearby candle room features a dome covered with 175,000 traditional mirrors in a local style called Thikri. It shines every evening when staff light the dozens of candles on the table below it.
THE ROOMS
Rooms at this wonderful property are some of the largest in the city, ranging between 56 to 246-square-meters. Rooms décor is stylish and refined, with fine dark wood furnishings that include two-poster beds and writing desk. Turquoise and orange pillows look a bit off-brand against mostly neutral hues, but traditional applique quilts cover beds and patterned area rugs adorn the floors. Rooms have lovely bay window seating as well as sofas.
Luxury suites feature separate living rooms, dining rooms, powder rooms and private courtyards. Some also have large private outdoor pools with sitting areas and sunbeds.
FOODIE DESTINATION
The Oberoi Udaivilas features two restaurants: Suryamahal, the main dining room that serves international cuisine, and Udaimahal, the specialty Indian restaurant that serves Rajasthani and North Indian cuisine. Every evening, guests dine to live Rajasthani music and are invited to dance under a midnight blue dome. Head chef Alok Anand specializes in serving Indian cuisine with a modern twist, such as adding pine nuts to a dish that features water chestnuts. The menus felt inventive and highly customizable, to adapt to the wide-ranging international clientele the hotel attracts.
