The Pink City’s original boutique hotel, Samode Haveli still charms guests from around the world. Through constant improvements it has managed to steer off competition popping up on every corner. This 200-year-old gem, the townhouse of the royal family of Samode, is one of Jaipur’s more spectacular examples of a haveli (mansion). Home to some fabulous frescoes and murals, and blessed with a leafy garden, it's difficult to believe that from this sanctuary you can stroll out into the bustling streets of the city.
The 39 rooms and suites are scattered between what would have been the mardana (men's area) and zenana (women's area). A rabbit’s warren of winding passageways, it’s easy to get lost within Samode’s impressive interiors. The whole place exudes romance, and the gentle and caring staff do their utmost to look after your every whim. Best of all, the hotel doesn't allow groups so a sense of peace prevails. Afternoon tea on the sun-dappled courtyard or lounging on a daybed overlooking the exceptionally pretty pool are idyllic ways to relax after a morning's sightseeing. Great food and a relaxed ambience only add to the charm of this classic hotel.
Highs
- The gorgeous pool is one of the largest and prettiest in Jaipur, with an excellent pool bar
- The lovely gardens have burbling fountains and ornate terraces where dinners are served by candlelight in the warmer months
- The feel throughout is one of delightful faded grandeur, with many alcoves for lounging around
- No large groups are accepted in order to maintain the serenity
- We revisited in 2018 and felt this was still one of the best heritage hotels in town thanks to massive investment and refurbishment
Lows
- You can hear city noise at night (though it's only really noticeable in the garden)
- The courtyard Deluxe Rooms sometimes feel close to the bustle of the communal areas, and some may find the mirrored Sheesh Mahal Suites striking but a little claustrophobic
- Think unique and charming rather than top-notch luxury;
service can occasionally be a little slow - It's often busy, especially during high season, so make sure you book well in advance
Best time to go
The best time to visit is from October to early April, when it's warm and dry. December, January and February can be cold in the mornings and evenings, though the days are generally warm and sunny. At the end of January, Jairpur's Literary Festival is a must for bibliophiles but rooms fill up quickly and rates skyrocket during this time. March and April are fairly hot; May and June are humid, with intense heat. The monsoon breaks in July and lasts until September.
Our top tips
It's worth spending at least 2 or 3 days in Jaipur - there are plenty of historical sites to explore in the city and the surrounding hills, as well as excellent opportunities for picking up beautiful souvenirs to take home.
- Boutique Hotel
- 39 rooms
- Restaurant and bar (open daily)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
Samode Haveli was not really meant to be a hotel, so its 39 rooms differ in shape and design and lie scattered like pretty toys about the rambling building. Beautifully decorated in traditional jewel-like hues, with an array of alcoves, pillars, antiques, mosaics and Jaipur's finest fabrics, this is Rajput style at its dreamiest.
All rooms have sparkling bathrooms with separate showers and bathtubs. The smallest are the elegant Deluxe Rooms, some of which look out over the hotel's bustling communal courtyard. The Deluxe Suites are larger, with sofas and enormous ensuites.
The biggest rooms are the stunning Haveli Suites, situated in a converted building beyond the back lawn. These have lounge areas and private garden-view terraces. One is a family-friendly duplex, with a single bedroom downstairs and a kingsize bedroom upstairs (both with ensuites), plus a balcony.
The most opulent are the 2 Sheesh Mahal Suites, which are covered in centuries-old frescoes and mirror-work, with grand archways and small sitting areas. The floor-to-ceiling mosaic is quite stupendous (you are literally sleeping amidst history), though some might find it a bit claustrophobic. Recent additions to one of the Sheesh Mahal Suites includes a jacuzzi bath and TV lounge area.
Features include:
- Complimentary bottled water
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Meals are served either outside on the bougainvillaea-draped terrace or in what were the family’s private dining quarters, where portraits of imposing looking relatives still hang from the walls and tables are scattered underneath an enormous chandelier. A grand setting to take your breakfast and utterly romantic when lit by candlelight in the evening.
In the mornings, a breakfast buffet offers everything from healthy yoghurts, fruits, nuts and seeds to freshly baked pastries, eggs to order, hot Indian dishes, oh and a glass of bubbly if you fancy (you are on holiday after all). For lunch and dinner guests can choose between buffet dining or à la carte, but we’d recommend the latter for a taste of what the kitchen is really capable of. From Rajasthani specialities like lal mass, a slow-cooked lamb dish, accompanied with rice and Indian breads straight from the tandoor), to light Caprese salads by the pool, gourmands won't be disappointed. Perfectionists to the end, the owners are constantly thinking up new menus and searching for new wines to stock.
Features include:
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Enjoy the historic and fascinating 'pink city' of Jaipur, with Nahargarh Fort, the sprawling palace complex (Hawa Mahal) and several bustling bazaars selling crafts, jewellery and fabric
- Visit the city's 18th-century royal observatory, Jantar Mantar, which contains a range of instruments still used today to track planetary movements, monitor eclipses, tell the time and predict weather patterns
- Wake up early for one of Samode Haveli’s expertly guided walking tours to see the city as it comes alive. You’ll stop at spots you’d never have looked at twice, and sample the best chai and samosas in the old city
- Take a short ride up to the exquisite Amber Fort, an ancient citadel blending Hindu and Mughal elements, then head further up the hill on foot to the imposing Jaigarh Fort
- Visit Sanganer, famous for its Jain temples, block-printing and paper-making
- Relax and unwind after a hard day's sightseeing beside the magnificent Moorish-style pool, sip a cocktail from the beautiful poolside bar, and gaze out over the hotel's lovely garden
- Or luxuriate with a Keralan Ayurvedic treatment or massage in the small spa
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Boat trips
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Plantlife / flora
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Traditional cultures
- Wildlife
Kids
Children of all ages are welcome and can be accommodated in their parents' bedroom for an extra charge. Baby cots, extra beds and babysitting are available upon request and there's a shallow wading pool that children can splash about in. The Duplex Haveli Suite has a single bedroom downstairs and a kingsize bed upstairs - ideal for families.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Babysitting:
Babysitting is available by arrangement.
Baby equipment:
Baby cots are available on request.
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Samode Haveli is tucked away in the heart of Jaipur's old city, in Rajasthan, northern India.
By Air
Jaipur Sanganer (10km away) is the closest airport and has links to most other Indian cities; Delhi Indira Gandhi (251km away) is the nearest international airport.
From the Airport
The hotel can arrange transfers (at an extra cost) - enquire when booking.
By Train
Jaipur is easily reached from Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay), Jodhpur and Sawai Madhopur. It takes 4.5-6 hours to get there from Delhi or Jodhpur by rail, depending on whether or not your train is one of the faster Express ones. The hotel can arrange transfers from the station.
By Road
Jaipur is an easy drive from Neemrana, Kishangarh and Pushkar, and a longer drive from Shekavati, Delhi, Agra, Nimaj and Deogarh. If you want to book a car and driver for your entire trip around Rajasthan, enquire through our Tailormade Tour Operator.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Jaipur Sanganer 10.0 km JAI
- Delhi Indira Gandhi 251.0 km DEL
Other:
- Beach 800.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km