Raffles Udaipur
Two Michelin Keys
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Hotel Details
Location
Udaipur
India, Asia
Brand
Raffles
Hotel Group
Accor
Expert Review: Raffles Udaipur
Raffles Udaipur, a Michelin Key Two-Keys property, consistently garners high praise for its opulent setting, exceptional service, and luxurious amenities, establishing itself as a premier destination in India.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
Raffles Udaipur receives an overwhelmingly positive consensus from guests, with ratings frequently in the "Excellent" or "Wonderful" range. Aggregate scores include 4.6/5 on Accor, 9.5 on Agoda.com, 9.0 (Wonderful) on Booking.com, and an impressive 98.5/100 by one detailed reviewer on Reddit. The sentiment across reviews highlights it as an "exceptional luxury" property, a "private oasis and haven", and a "magical property" that offers a "splurge worthy resort" experience. It is considered ideal for serene staycations, romantic escapades, and family getaways.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently laud several aspects of Raffles Udaipur:
- Service: The legendary Raffles Butler service is frequently cited as a standout, with butlers noted for their discretion, thoughtfulness, intuition, and ability to fulfill wishes and design bespoke experiences. The staff's overall hospitality is described as exceptional, courteous, friendly, and attentive. The grand welcome, complete with flower petals, creates a memorable first impression.
- Location: The hotel's unique setting on a private island in the tranquil Udai Sagar Lake, enveloped by the Aravalli range, offers breathtaking lake and mountain views and a serene escape from the city's hustle. The arrival experience, involving a private boat transfer, is a highlight for many.
- Design: Raffles Udaipur is celebrated as an architectural marvel, blending European Palladian architecture with Mughal influences, resulting in opulent interiors, high ceilings, domes, expansive outdoor spaces, and exquisite artwork. The meticulously manicured Baroque-inspired gardens, adorned with fountains and statues, further enhance the palatial feel.
- Amenities: The property boasts an infinity swimming pool, a comprehensive Raffles Spa with six luxurious treatment rooms (including a couples' suite) and Ayurvedic treatments, a health club/gym, and a variety of recreational activities such as tennis, croquet, archery, and climbing. The inclusion of complimentary non-alcoholic drinks in the mini-bar is also appreciated.
3. Room Quality
The 137 rooms and suites at Raffles Udaipur are described as spacious, beautifully designed, and thoughtfully appointed, reflecting a blend of classic elegance, modern comfort, traditional Rajasthani royalty, and English estate grandeur. Many accommodations offer uninterrupted lake views, private gardens, balconies, or private plunge pools. Standard features include walk-in wardrobes, Wi-Fi, personal safety boxes, tea/coffee makers, and spacious bathrooms with luxury amenities, often featuring colonial-style bathtubs and rain showers. Rooms come with king-size or twin beds, adorned with Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, and a pillow menu for enhanced comfort. Guests also appreciate the 55-inch flat-screen televisions with digital channels, complimentary bottled water, and the complimentary non-alcoholic mini-bar. While some guests noted a "fancy" aesthetic, it is generally considered tastefully done. One reviewer mentioned a room being "somewhat compact" but still luxurious.
4. Dining Experience
Raffles Udaipur offers a diverse culinary journey across its ten dining and bar destinations. Noteworthy establishments include The Dining Room, Sawai Kitchen for traditional Rajasthani cuisine, Rasoi for local flavors, Raffles Patisserie for light bites, the iconic Long Bar for spirits and the signature Udaipur Sling, The Writer's Bar for Indian-style small plates and afternoon tea, and a Pool Bar.
The food is consistently reviewed as excellent, thoughtful, comforting, and of high quality. Breakfast, in particular, is highly rated, featuring a wide array of options from Continental, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Asian, and American cuisines. Highlights often include a chai station, woodfired Indian bread, pastries, and sometimes live flute music. Cultural performances during dinner also enhance the dining atmosphere. Room service is available 24 hours.
5. Service & Staff
The service at Raffles Udaipur is a significant highlight, often described as "absolutely amazing" and "first class all around". The legendary Raffles Butler service is a cornerstone of the experience, with butlers known for their discreet, intuitive, and highly personalized approach, readily fulfilling guest wishes and curating bespoke experiences. The staff as a whole are praised for being exceptionally courteous, friendly, attentive, and proactive, going above and beyond to ensure guest satisfaction, including special care for children. The grand welcome, featuring flower petals tossed upon arrival, leaves a lasting impression.
6. Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location on a private island in Udai Sagar Lake, embraced by the Aravalli range, provides a secluded and tranquil retreat, away from the city's hustle. It is approximately a 20-minute drive from Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) to the Raffles Lakeshore, followed by an exclusive private boat transfer to the island, which is an experience in itself. While offering seclusion, the resort is about 7 miles (11 km) from the center of Udaipur. The hotel provides airport transfer services. However, the isolated island location means that guests are somewhat restricted to dining within the hotel premises, as there are limited options outside the property even across the lake.
7. Value & Pricing
Raffles Udaipur is generally considered a "splurge worthy resort" that delivers exceptional value, with many guests feeling that "every penny spent is worth it". While luxury comes at a premium, the extensive facilities, unparalleled service, and unique setting justify the cost for most. Pricing varies based on room type and dates, with a Flamingo Signature Room with Balcony King Bed potentially ranging around ₹58,000 INR (approximately $700 USD) per night plus taxes for certain deals, and a Raffles Presidential Suite fetching significantly higher rates. Buffet breakfast typically costs between INR 2000-3500 for adults. Booking through luxury programs like American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts can provide additional perks such as complimentary breakfast, credits, and potential room upgrades.
8. Common Complaints
Despite widespread acclaim, a few recurring criticisms have been noted:
- Design Aesthetics: Some reviewers have expressed a subjective disappointment with the design, describing it as having a "Disneyland and Las Vegas feel" or a "mashup of Rajasthani and classical architecture" that doesn't quite work. These critics suggest it lacks the "soul" or feels "manufactured" compared to the historic Raffles Singapore.
- Dining Options & Isolation: Due to its private island location, some guests feel somewhat "stuck eating" at the hotel, with limited external dining options even after taking a boat ride to the lakeshore.
- Cleanliness/Maintenance: Isolated instances of "gaps in cleanliness" and issues with birds on balconies deterring their use have been reported.
- Service Inconsistencies: While overall service is exceptional, a few guests experienced less-than-ideal spa treatments, noting therapists who didn't seem well-trained or cold jacuzzi water. One notable security lapse involved a bell boy entering a room while guests were still present.
- Privacy in Plunge Pool Rooms: Guests in plunge pool rooms have noted a lack of privacy, as people in balcony rooms directly above can see into their private pools.
- Noise: One review mentioned unexpected fireworks causing disturbance late at night.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •Despite widespread acclaim, a few recurring criticisms have been noted:
- •Cleanliness/Maintenance:** Isolated instances of "gaps in cleanliness" and issues with birds on balconies deterring their use have been reported.
About Two Michelin Keys
Two Michelin Keys recognize hotels that provide an excellent stay experience. These properties stand out for their remarkable quality, distinctive character, and superior service that goes above and beyond expectations.
Accor
