Udaipur is for slow living: the sunsets on the lake, the gullies and the rooftops with starlit dinners, its submerged palaces hovering above the water. To the majority of the travellers, a good balance of comfort, location and price is a 3-star hotel, which has sufficient facilities to stretch your muscles and help you to unwind after a whole day of sightseeing (alongside some rooftop or lake views), all at a price that will leave more in your vacation budget for experiences and eating well. This is an original researched guide on how to utilise the best 3-star hotels in Udaipur, what you should expect to pay and how to settle on the correct one as a couple, family or as a solo traveller.
Why choose a 3-star hotel in Udaipur?
The 3-star hotels in Udaipur are a compromise: they are comfortable, the staff is attentive (in many cases, the hotel is family-owned), breakfast is decent, and the lakes or the Old City are often easily accessible. These hotels will have higher levels of amenities (AC, in-house dining, improved safety and housekeeping) compared to the budget guesthouses. They cost less than 4-5 star palaces, but still can provide gorgeous views of the rooftop and beneficial concierge services to make reservations for boat rides, guides, and transportation in the city.
The third-party booking sites have lots of good 3-star hotels that are concentrated around Lake Pichola and the ghats.
What will you normally pay (price of 3-star hotels in Udaipur)?
Good 3-star hotels in a favourable location will cost at least INR 2,500- INR 3,500 in the off-season, and run as high as INR 3,500 up to INR 6,000- + in the peak months and festivals. You may see fluctuation in rates depending on distance to Lake Pichola (lakeside views), whether breakfast is included or not, and whether you would prefer those hotels which advertise eating on the rooftop or seeing the local palace. As always, you should check the latest rate and confirm whether taxes/fees and service are included.
Hotels that should be sought in Udaipur are located in the best areas:
- Lal Ghat / Gangaur Ghat / Ambamata – The nearest to both Lake Pichola and City Palace is the best place to have the sunset boat rides and walk to most of the best places. The 3-star hotels in this neighbourhood have rooftop terraces in many of the places.
- Old City/Bada Bazaar – It is a good location to access the markets, temples and the bustling street scene; a bit cheaper than the others.
- Fateh Sagar/Doodh Talai – A little more subdued, and usually a good deal in the mid-range, larger family-size rooms and parking.
Traveller type (what to look for) best picks.
For couples, choose romance and a view.
What to focus on: lake/palace-facing room, rooftop dinner, a personal balcony. Small, yet lovely suites with a sunset at 3-star hotels offer the opportunity to have an intimate dinner and stay for a short period. Any room with a lake view would be nice, and request a corner balcony, and in the event of a dinner, make sure to reserve a table on the roof.
Space and convenience are preferred by families.
Priorities: bigger interconnecting rooms or family suites, breakfast, security of transport/parking and closeness to family attractions, such as Sajjangarh/Bio-park. Seek out hotels that have on-site restaurants and that are conveniently located next to the auto for giving access to boat touring and the City Palace. Numerous 3-star alternatives in and around Fateh Sagar or a bit further inland have more space to accommodate kids at a reduced price.
To those travelling alone, select place and security.
Priorities should be placed on: centrality (availability of walking to ghats and markets), hospitable workers, ability to store the luggage, safe Wi-Fi and transportation service. Individual travellers get the advantage of hotels near the Lal Ghat or the Old City, where you will be near the sights, cafes and evening walks. There are also friendly 3-star hostel-like overnights in case you are interested in meeting fellow travellers.
The way to select the appropriate 3-star hotel (quick checklist)
- Assure “lake-view” or “near Lake Pichola” in writing, should the view be an issue.
- View Accuracy Check the last guest photos (within 6 months) and check their room condition.
- Check the reviews on the cleanliness and the helpfulness of the staff (they are the most reliable value drivers when staying at the 3-star hotel).
- Compare changes in cancellation and check-in flexibility in travel plans.
- Enquire about rooftop or room service in case of evening meals.
Where to have dinner: combine hotel accommodation with local dishes (Jajmaan Restaurant on the lakeside)
When staying in a mid-range, comfortable 3-star hotel at Lake Pichola, have a meal by the lake. Situated at the lake borders, Jajmaan Restaurant (Jajmaan Lake View) is a well-recommended local restaurant with its own friendly service and good views of the lake, where Rajasthani delicacies are served along with North Indian and continental dishes.
It is a place that easily changes gears when it comes to the post-sightseeing meals, as couples looking to catch their romantic sunset meals, families seeking no-frills menus or individual travellers who just want to dine alone yet in a safe and known location. Unless your hotel features that special meal on the rooftop, you must reserve it at Jajmaan: delicious food and the view of reflective waters will make any stay in the mid-range hotel feel better.
Suggestions that carry a huge weight.
- Lake-facing rooms and the top floors have maximum views.
- Best weather (peak season) Travel October-March, book early.
- Make a reservation before a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, use hotels as a base and schedule your rooftop dinner here.
In case of budget consideration, look at hotels within 5-15 minutes walk of the ghats, you will not miss the lakeside loveliness.
Thoughts, conclusion and speedy action plan.
If you want a stay that balances comfort, location and value, Udaipur’s 3-star hotels are an excellent choice. Just prioritise location (near Lake Pichola) and view for couples, space and safety for families, and centrality and helpful staff for solo travellers. And for an authentic lakeside meal with a relaxed vibe after a day of exploring, don’t miss Jajmaan Restaurant, conveniently to many 3-star hotels near Pichola and a warm local favourite.
