28 Kothi

A Tranquil Gem in the Pink City: A Comprehensive Review of 28 Kothi, Jaipur

Nestled in the serene Civil Lines district of Jaipur, 28 Kothi stands out as a "Michelin Key Selected property" that consistently receives high praise from guests. This boutique guesthouse, more akin to a stylish home than a traditional hotel, offers an intimate and peaceful escape from the bustling city.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for 28 Kothi is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "real gem", a "serene oasis", and even "paradise on Earth!". It boasts an impressive "Guest Best" rating of 19.4/20 based on verified stays on Tablet Hotels and was a winner of the Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards 2025. The property is highly recommended for its effortlessly stylish design, exceptional hospitality, and tranquil atmosphere.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of 28 Kothi:

• Service & Staff: The team is frequently lauded as "exceptionally hospitable", "warm, attentive, and genuinely kind", and "first class; welcoming, helpful, discreet and professional." Staff are known for going above and beyond, from rectifying issues promptly to arranging special meals.
• Design & Ambiance: Designed by French architect Georges Floret and Lebanese interior designer Nur Kaoukji, the hotel strikes a perfect balance between "contemporary cool and its Indian identity." The interiors are described as "beautifully designed", "simple and streamlined", and "spotless, beautifully curated." It offers a calm sanctuary with thoughtful, creative touches.
• Dining Experience: The vegetarian, farm-fresh menu is a significant highlight, described as "delicious and healthy" and "divine." Candlelit dinners in the lush garden are a particularly cherished experience.
• Amenities: The property offers a peaceful library, a bijou spa providing Ayurvedic massages, free WiFi throughout, and air-conditioned rooms. The serene garden and sun-drenched terraces provide ample space for relaxation.

3. Room Quality

28 Kothi features five individually styled rooms, including two suites, each named after a gemstone and decorated in its corresponding color palette. Rooms are described as "functional, bright and provide a stylish, minimalist contemporary stay", feeling like a "chic home away from home." Interiors are praised for their flawless design, featuring Rajasthani craftsmanship, bespoke furnishings by local artisans, and pops of bright, tropical colors.

Luxurious touches include marble bathrooms, locally woven organic cotton bath towels, Kama bath products, and handmade water carafes. While most rooms do not have TVs or minibars, these are available in the Moonstone and Sapphire Suites. The Moonstone suite is notable for having the hotel's only freestanding bathtub, and the Sapphire suite spans an entire floor with a private terrace.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at 28 Kothi is a highlight, centered around a "farm-fresh vegetarian menu with an Indian bent," where market produce dictates daily specials. Breakfast, which is complimentary, offers both continental and Indian options, including toasted millet muesli, masala eggs, Rajasthani split-pea pancakes, and exotic fruit salads, often served on the terrace. Lunch is served from 12:30 PM to 3 PM, and dinner, available upon request from 7:30 PM to 10 PM, often features a delectable three-course supper or a spicy Rajasthani thali, enjoyed in the enchanting candlelit garden. The on-site Cafe Kothi is praised for its "perfect coffee" and "delicious bites."

5. Service & Staff

The staff at 28 Kothi consistently receives glowing reviews. Guests highlight their attentiveness, warmth, and genuine kindness, with many feeling completely at home. Individual staff members like Radia, Aman, Ahmed, Sam, and Chef Shayantan have been specifically commended for their exceptional service, proactive problem-solving (such as quickly addressing a firm mattress issue), and culinary expertise. They are also a valuable resource for insider tips on local attractions and shopping.

6. Location & Accessibility

28 Kothi is ideally situated in the "quiet and centrally located residential neighborhood of Civil Lines", providing a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. It's conveniently located near the governor's house and Chief Minister's residence. The hotel is an easy 15-minute drive from the Jaipur train station and about half an hour from Jaipur Sanganer Airport. While offering a tranquil setting, Jaipur's main attractions in the 'Pink City' are readily accessible via a short tuk-tuk ride. A metro station is also just a 10-minute walk away.

7. Value & Pricing

While one guest noted that the "price of the room and the meal offered by the hotel are very expensive compared to other star hotels", many reviews suggest that 28 Kothi offers "fantastic value". Some sources even indicate that its luxuries can be experienced for a "relative pittance" compared to other options in Jaipur. Prices generally start around $188.31 USD per night, which converts from approximately INR 17,247.46.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor points of criticism have been noted:

• Noise: Despite its quiet location, some guests reported "lots of hooting at peak times" due to the hotel's corner position, though they generally acclimatized to it.
• Room Comfort: One instance of an initially "very firm" mattress was reported, though it was promptly resolved by the staff with an added topper.
• Bathroom Amenities: A past guest suggested providing "bigger towels", and another experienced a "cold shower the first night".
• Limited Facilities: The guesthouse does not feature a swimming pool and, apart from the suites, rooms typically lack TVs and minibars. There is also no dedicated bar, offering only a selection of house wines and beer.
• Strict Cancellation Policy: The hotel has a strict cancellation policy, with non-refundable charges for cancellations made less than 15 days prior to arrival (or 30 days for holidays/group bookings). Guests departing early are charged the full original reservation, and travel insurance is strongly recommended.
• Family Entertainment: While families are welcome, the peaceful environment means there isn't much entertainment specifically for young children, making it potentially more suitable for families with older children.

Sources

1. Current time information in Jaipur, IN.
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12. 28kothi.com