Rating: Mid-range
Samode Haveli was built over 150 years ago by Rawal Sheo Singhji, a Prime Minister in the Jaipur court, as the Samode royal family's suburban manor house. Today Samode Haveli has been meticulously restored and is an intimate hotel offering excellent personalised service. The blend of the contemporary and the historic gives the hotel a warm and friendly atmosphere. With its understated luxury, antique furniture, furnishings and original artwork, the hotel is a celebration of gracious living.
Each of the 38 rooms and suites is individually designed and decorated with old family portraits. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, television and IDD telephones. The spacious Maharaja and Maharani suites are absolutely stunning, with every inch of the ceiling and walls ornately painted and ornamented with mirror mosaics.
Samode Haveli features a spectacular hand painted sitting room, a special place to relax in quiet seclusion. The large, high-ceilinged dining room is light and welcoming, and the courtyard is a wonderful venue for al fresco meals, while afternoon tea is served on the beautiful airy verandah. A second restaurant, specialising in classical Indian dishes, with indoor and outdoor dining areas is open to both residents and non residents. Hotel staff can arrange private meals and candle-lit dinners in the lush back garden, and you can watch a puppet show and enjoy traditional Rajasthani dance and music over a drink in the open air lounge.
There is a swimming pool and children's wading pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, massage centre and gift shop. Jaipur is famous for its blue pottery, hand block print, embroidery, jewellery, enamel work and offers a wonderful opportunity to browse through bazaars stocked with an enormous variety of artistic handicrafts, all of which is within walking distance of the hotel.
Open: Samode Haveli is open all year.
Location: Samode Haveli is located in the city of Jaipur in Rajasthan. Jaipur has good air, rail and road links with Delhi and many other Indian cities.
Rooms: There are 38 rooms and suites comprising 13 deluxe rooms, 14 deluxe suites, 9 haveli suites and 2 sheesh mahal suites. All are individually decorated in true Rajput style. Modern comforts including minibars, tea and coffee counters, satellite TVs, phones, climate control (air conditioning and heating) and ceiling fans are provided. All rooms have state-of-the-art bathrooms stocked with organic toiletries. Some rooms and suites have private balconies or courtyards. There are plans to add 12 more suites.
Activities: The hotel offers a range of Ayurvedic massages in the spa. There is a fitness centre. Early morning guided walks and bike rides are popular and arrive back at the haveli in time for breakfast. Evening entertainment includes Rajasthani music and dance and traditional puppet shows. The hotel is a great base from which to explore the sites and shops of Jaipur, on foot and by bike, which can be hired at the hotel. Sightseeing tours can also be arranged to various local attractions.
Facilities: Samode Haveli has an opulently decorated sitting room (the former dining hall). The large, airy dining room serves traditional Rajasthani cuisine as well as a range of international dishes. Meals can also be taken outdoors, in the main courtyard. There is a separate restaurant, again with indoor and outdoor areas, serving classic Indian cuisine, open to hotel guests and non residents. The hotel has a spacious lounge and a bar. The hotel has a large outdoor swimming pool with a sundeck and day beds. There is a wading pool for children as well as a Jacuzzi. There are lovely gardens, terraces and courtyards. The spa has treatments rooms and a sauna and there is a gym.
Dining: Meals are taken at individual tables.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Health: We recommend malarial prophylactics for travel to India.
Communication: There is Wi-Fi internet access in some of the public areas.
A rich mix of the north's highlights - from the Taj to the ghats and from tigers to palaces.
The very best of the north combined with a relaxing beach stay - perfect!
A percentage of the haveli's profit is used annually for schools & medical aid for the village. They also employ locally & back local businesses.
Excellent
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1Poor
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0"Samode Haveli is full of interesting courtyards, small rooms to relax in and offers some much needed space in a delightful setting, which contrasts with the busy streets of Jaipur."