Don't let the disappointing City Palace in Jaipur put you off visiting the Amber Palace which is perched on a hill-top about 15 minutes' drive out of town. It is beautiful and huge, and full of interesting things to see. I hired a guide instead of the audio tour (but ignore the fake guides at the bottom of the hill, and make sure you talk to any potential guide for a while first to get a sense of how good they'll be) and it was one of my best experiences in Rajasthan.

Hire a taxi in Jaipur to take you.

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This hotel has lovely rooms that include antique furniture and balconies, as well a huge bathroom that was completely black marble. We actually originally booked into the Umaid Bhawan, run by the same family but due to a problem with our room, we were relocated to the Umaid Mahal. However, we were allowed to use the pool at the Umaid Bhawan which was one of our main requirements as we knew the weather would be warm.

The staff were a bit indifferent (apart from the very friendly room cleaning man) but if asked, would organise what you wanted. Being left alone by the staff in some ways was a welcome break from constantly being asked where you were going and whether you wanted a lift (at a price of course !).

The location was in a quiet residential part of town which was about a 15 min drive into Jaipur but there were always autorickshaw drivers outside to take you where you wanted.

Umaid Mahal - A classic heritage castle
C-20 / B-2 Bihari Marg, Jai Singh Highway, Opp. Lane of K.P. Automotives,
Bani Park, Jaipur - 302016, Rajasthan (India)
Telephones : +91-141-2201952 / 2201954 Fax : +91-141-2204470
Email : info@umaidmahal.com
website : www.umaidmahal.com

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I stayed over a week with this wonderful family in the Umaid Bhawan in Jaipur, India. I absolutely fell in love with it, as well as its sibling, the Umaid Mahal. The family is extraordinarily kind and giving, the facilities are wonderful, and do I even need to start on the food?

When you are in this hotel, you feel as if you are royalty. Everyone seems to know and be close with everyone, and servants are willing to wait on your every need.

I plan on coming back to India simply to visit this wonderful family and their luxurious hotel once again. Ranvijay, the hotel manager, will go to any length to see that you are satisfied with your stay in his hotel.

Visit the hotel, or at the very least, stop by simply to eat a meal on the rooftop of this castle.

Hotel Umaid Bhawan
D1-2A,Behind Collectorate, (Via) Bank Road, Bani Park,
Jaipur-302016, Rajasthan, INDIA

24-Hour Direct Line to Ranvijay: +91 9314503423
Hotel Lines: +91 (141) 2316184 / 2206426 / 2201276 Fax us: +91 (141) 2207445
Email us: info@UmaidBhawan.com
website : www.umaidbhawan.com

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Hotel Pearl Palace has to be experienced to be believed.

Incrediably cheap - it cost me the grand total of just under £30.00 (room/food/drinks) for a four-day stay in a hotel which can only be described as a work of art.

The staff are wonderful (with a capital W) and, unlike the four-star hotel I stayed in Agra, who were hell bent on chiselling every last rupee out of me, they bend over backwards to ensure that you get a fair deal.

I cannot reccomend this hotel enough. I for one, will be returning as soon as I can.

Hari Kishan Somani Marg,
Hathroi Fort,Ajmer Road,
Jaipur - 302001.India
www.hotelpearlpalace.com/

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