Samode Palace

Samode Palace, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property nestled in the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan, India, offers a truly regal and unforgettable experience. This 475-year-old palace seamlessly blends traditional Rajasthani design with luxurious modern amenities, making guests feel like royalty.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Samode Palace is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "magnificent palace" and a "majestic retreat". It consistently garners high ratings, including an "Excellent" 8.9 out of 10 on Agoda based on 83 reviews, and a 4.48 out of 5 from 117 guests on MakeMyTrip. Many reviewers express feeling "like royalty" during their stay.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Samode Palace for several key aspects:

• Design & Architecture: The palace's stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture, featuring 300-year-old preserved paintings, intricate frescoes, and majestic courtyards, is a major highlight. The Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) is particularly breathtaking.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives exceptional praise, with a performance rating of 9.2 on Agoda. They are described as "amazing," "hospitable," "warm and courteous," and going "above and beyond" to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Amenities: The beautiful swimming pools, including a scenic rooftop infinity pool, are frequently mentioned as a favorite. An Ayurvedic spa, fitness center, and games room also contribute to the luxurious experience.
• Location: While somewhat remote, the palace's location amidst the Aravalli Hills provides serene surroundings and "amazing ambience."
• Dining: The delicious food and top-notch dining options are consistently highlighted.
• Experiences: The palace offers immersive experiences like camel-back tours of the nearby Samode village.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Samode Palace are a testament to opulent comfort and traditional elegance. They are "beautifully done" and thoughtfully designed to reflect Rajasthan's rich heritage while offering modern amenities. Guests have given a perfect score of 10.0 for comfort, appreciating the elegantly appointed spaces with traditional Rajasthani decor, plush bedding, and spacious living areas.

Each of the 43 luxurious rooms and suites, including Deluxe Rooms and Royal Suites, features elements like four-poster beds draped in sheer fabrics and exquisitely carved couches. Standard amenities include air conditioning, bathrobes, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Many rooms boast private courtyards, balconies, or extraordinary views overlooking pools, fountain courts, gardens, or the surrounding mountains. Royal Suites are particularly lavish, offering ample space, jacuzzis, and even fireplaces.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at Samode Palace is a "regal experience" that marries Rajasthan's rich culinary traditions with international flavors. The hotel offers various dining options, including an elegant fine dining restaurant exclusively for in-house guests and the more relaxed Grand Dining Hall. Guests can enjoy exquisite Indian and international cuisines, with the culinary team specializing in traditional recipes.

Breakfast options range from buffets to à la carte, featuring dishes like blueberry pancakes and dosas. For lunch and dinner, a diverse menu is available, with notable mentions including a bacon sandwich on sourdough, prawn soup in coconut broth, and mutton curry. A standout offering is the Indian silver thali meal, a lavish platter of authentic regional delicacies curated by the executive chef, available on pre-order. Private dining experiences, such as romantic dinners by the infinity pool, in lush gardens, or on a terrace, create personalized and unforgettable moments. The opulent Darbar Hall and the breathtaking Sheesh Mahal also serve as unique settings for grand celebrations and intimate meals.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Samode Palace consistently receive exceptional praise. Agoda rates staff performance at an impressive 9.2, with guests describing them as "amazing," "hospitable," and "super polite." They are noted for their "warm and courteous" demeanor and dedication to ensuring every guest's needs are met, often going "above and beyond." Reviewers appreciate their helpfulness and willingness to show guests around the palace. One guest specifically highlighted that the staff seemed to genuinely enjoy their jobs, creating a boutique and personalized feel rather than a crowded 5-star experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Samode Palace is situated in the serene village of Samod, approximately 42 to 45 kilometers northwest of Jaipur, which translates to about an hour's drive. While its remote location is a draw for those seeking tranquility and an opportunity to "unplug," it is also noted by some as being "far from the main city area."

Jaipur International Airport (Sanganer) is the closest airport, around 41.88 km to 56 km away, with the drive typically taking 1 to 1.5 hours. The palace offers airport transfers for guests' convenience (at an extra cost). Jaipur Railway Station is approximately 44 km away. The location offers scenic views of the surrounding Aravalli Hills and provides a "good ambience" for relaxation. Guests can also explore the local village and markets through organized excursions and walks.

7. Value & Pricing

Samode Palace generally offers a luxurious experience that many guests consider worth the cost. Agoda states an average room price of $242, which it highlights as "exceptional value" compared to the average hotel price in Samod. However, other sources indicate a wider range, with rooms starting around INR 35,000 plus taxes per night and Kayak showing recent bookings around $396 for a one-day stay. Value for money is rated 8.6 on Agoda and 8.1 on Booking.com. While most find it worthwhile, one review did mention it as "highly overpriced" with "food prices also quite high." Children up to 6 years old can stay for free, while those 7 years and older incur a charge of Rs. 5,192 per person per night for an extra bed.

8. Common Complaints

While overall sentiment is extremely positive, a few recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Location Remoteness: Some guests consider the palace's distance from Jaipur city center a drawback, despite others appreciating the secluded atmosphere.
• Spa Facilities: One review mentioned that the massage tables in the spa lacked head slots, making some treatments uncomfortable unless lying on one's back.
• Pricing: A single review found the palace and its food prices to be "highly overpriced," contrasting with general sentiment of good value.
• Maintenance & Staff Visibility: An older review (from three years ago) mentioned a lack of maintenance in outdoor spaces and an unclean swimming pool. Another isolated complaint indicated minimal staff presence around the hotel grounds (outside of the restaurant) after check-in.
• Accessibility within Palace: Due to its historic nature, the palace features centuries-old stone stairs and narrow walkways, which one guest jokingly suggested might be challenging after too many evening drinks.
• Driver Facilities: A lack of driver facilities or prior information about them was also mentioned as an area for improvement.

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