Rating: Deluxe
Samode Palace is one of India's finest heritage hotels, located on a hill overlooking the small town of Samode set in beautiful countryside. Just an hour's drive from Jaipur, Samode is an ideal introduction to rural Rajasthan and is an excellent addition to a tour of India's Golden Triangle.
The 150 year old palace is a magnificent example of Rajput-Mughal architecture and has been meticulously restored. The palace is a true labyrinth of corridors, stairways, terraces and courtyards. The spacious rooms with marble, mosaic floorings, high ceilings, cotton woven rugs "durries", antiques and beautifully carved four poster beds provide a sense of luxury. All have ensuite bathrooms, TV, tea and coffee making facilities and are air conditioned. There are deluxe rooms and larger deluxe suites with private balcony or patio, while the opulent royal suites also have a jacuzzi and their own courtyard. All rooms are tastefully decorated in palatial style.
There are 2 restaurants, serving a range of Indian and international cuisine. The new dining room specialises in a la carte dishes. Samode Palace has 2 swiimming pools - the large main pool, where snacks are served during the day, and the roof terrace pool. Guests are also welcome to relax in the library, sample treatments at the small spa or use the gym.
Samode Palace is an ideal base for exploring the old houses and winding streets of the attractive walled town of Samode, for strolling in the hills around the hotel and for experiencing the charm of rural India.
Open: Samode Palace is open all year.
Location: Samode Palace is located in the small town of Samode in the state of Rajasthan. It is about 42kms northwest of Jaipur, site of the nearest railway station and airport.
Rooms: There are 19 deluxe rooms, 20 deluxe suites and 4 royal suites, all elegantly furnished and varying in size, shape and design. All have en-suite bathrooms. Rooms are adorned with photos of the family and family events. Modern comforts and amenities include air conditioning, heating, minibars, TVs and tea and coffee making equipment. Royal suites have a private courtyard and a Jacuzzi. The hotel offers 24-hour room service.
Activities: Jeep safaris around local villages and countryside, visit local bazaars and temples, bikes can be hired for local exploration, visit Samode village and market. Horse riding can be arranged. The hotel also organises sightseeing excursions to Jaipur, Ramgarh Lake and Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. Many hours can be whiled away exploring the palace itself, relaxing by one of the pools or enjoying a spa treatment.
Facilities: The palace is a large building with multiple courtyards, narrow staircases, archways and terraces. The hotel has a lift to help guests access rooms on high floors. There are ornate lounges and halls. There is a swimming pool, a rooftop infinity pool and an outdoor Jacuzzi. The spa has 2 treatment rooms and offers massage and Ayurvedic treatments. There is also a gym, sauna and steam room. Each morning the buffet breakfast is served in the central courtyard. There are 2 restaurants between them offering Rajasthani, Asian and European dishes. Meals can be enjoyed al fresco on one of the terraces. There is an extensive wine cellar and a lounge bar offering cocktails and a range of drinks. On some evenings a Rajasthani band plays for guests. There is a shop on site selling clothes and souvenirs.
Dining: Meals are taken at individual tables.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome. Babysitting is available on request (pay locally). There is a children’s pool.
Health: We recommend malaria prophylactics for travel to India.
Communication: There is free Wi-Fi internet access in the central courtyard.
Notes: Due to the nature of the palace (narrow staircases, no lifts, many levels) this is not a property suited for guests with disabilities.
A rich mix of the north's highlights - from the Taj to the ghats and from tigers to palaces.
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0"Samode Palace is a stunning place to spend a few nights. It is nestled in the Aravelli hills and is tranquil retreat to relax and unwind and soak in the history of this beautiful Palace."
We had a problem with this hotel mainly as it had been booked by a Brazillian millionaire. The knock on effect was that we did not feel valued, the effinity pool on the roof was closed to us although it clearly was not to the other guests.The free meal promsed was bad. The 3pm checkout was not honoured. Part of deal was we would have a 3pm checkout when I asked about this was told no. Could not get out of the place fast enough.
Tribes Response: This issue was raised with Samode Palace and the response from the vice-president at Samode Palace was as follows: My apologies on behalf of my entire team for the inconvenience that may have been caused during the stay of Mr Houghton at Samode Palace ... My apologies and I would like to assure him that what has transpired is not Samode standards. We do go through a rigorous training programme for our colleagues at every level during the summer and do not expect anyone to put the guest to any inconvenience... we are working on enhancing the experience of the FIT's at the Palace, (although in Mr Houghton's case we have failed to deliver), by bringing in many changes in the format of checking in, meal preferences, briefing on the property and activities that they can do during their stay. We do get bookings for anniversary celebrations, birthdays, weddings etc. but our intention is never to disrupt an individuals comfort.
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