The photogenic blend of palaces, still waters, rooftop terraces and sunsetting moments is what lingers in Udaipur, the City of Lakes. The selection of a hotel in this case may transform an already pleasant trip into a fairytale: consider a private balcony on Lake Pichola, haveli style, or a contemporary luxury hotel with its gardens and spa. This guide takes you through the steps of choosing a best hotels in Udaipur, the characteristics of a great hotel in Udaipur and the location of the best view hotel in Udaipur, with some local tips and Jajmaan Restaurant, a nice lakeside restaurant near Pichola that would be an ideal place to have some authentic meals after a day of exploring the city.
Why location is important: lakeside, city-centre or hillside.
The first choice is the place where you are going to wake up:
- Lakeside (along Lake Pichola / Gangaur Ghat): Whereas this would be better to view the city, boat rides during sunrise/sunset and close proximity to the City Palace or Bagore Ki Haveli, in case this is how you want to spend your time, opt for lakeside, where you get postcard-views and rooftop restaurants. Lake Pichola itself is an artificial freshwater lake that was created in the 14th century, and the islands and palaces are still part of the romance of Udaipur, nevertheless.
- City-centre / Old City: Perfect place to immerse oneself in markets, temples and walking paths; some options are of less desirable price in the lower end of the category.
- Hillside/outskirts Resorts and properties: here, it provides a more tranquil and greener environment, and in many cases, bigger grounds suitable for families or longer stays.
What makes the best hotels in Udaipur?
Comparing the choices, rate them on the following practical and emotional aspects:
- View/ Orientation: Does the room look out into the lake, palace or the Aravalli hills? To spend a memorable time, it is better to give emphasis on the rooms facing the lake or palace. This visual payoff is the reason why many travellers select hotels.
- Character vs comfort: Heritage character vs modern comfort. Heritage havelis (restored palaces) give atmosphere; 5-star resorts give service and space. Decide which matters more.
- Rooftop seating/terraces: Evening rooftop seating is the answer to sunset view and dinner experience.
- Nearby attractions: In case you want to walk to City Palace or go on the traditional boat ride, make sure that the hotels are close to Gangaur Ghat or Jagdish Temple.
- Checks and balances: Find new photos of guests, recurrent service and cleanliness compliments.
You can go check for ratings, reviews and photos on the third-party apps such as Tripadvisor, Goibibo, etc.
The best lakeside hotels in Udaipur (categories).
The following are the categories of lakeside hotels which you will find in each, depending on your budget and experience:
- Ultra-luxury palaces: Taj Lake Palace and The Oberoi Udaivilas are known all over the world due to the royal concept, the right to access the boat privately and the marvellous lakefront service, which is the obvious decision to make when there is no limitation in terms of budget.
- Heritage havelis and Boutique hotels: Smaller hotels that provide heritage rooms, terraces and personal service that is perfect for couples or travellers who do not require the size.
- Appreciate lakeside hotels and rooftop: Numerous family-owned or boutique hotels have rooftop dining with a lake view at an affordable rate; ideal for a short stay or photo-obsessed travellers.
You can go check for ratings, reviews and photos on the third-party apps such as Tripadvisor, Goibibo, etc.
Selection of the most superior hotel in Udaipur.
If your single priority is the view, do this:
- Reserve a room facing a lake or a palace; ensure that you reserve the room with a view in the written form.
- Request a high-rise room that has a balcony/terrace, sunsets, and early morning light is best taken up high.
- Posted photos (recent) are a preview to check the alleged views. Marketing photos can be misleading.
- Early morning and evening are the best times to spend your stay at the lake, palace, lights and mountains.
Hands-on suggestions (season, transport, cost)
- Time of the year: October-March (good weather, clear skies). The summers are hot; the monsoon promises fresh green scenery with the downpours.
- Transportation: Walking in the areas surrounding the lake is not difficult, especially when you are staying there. Autos and app cabs are cheaper for longer distances.
- Budgeting: Udaipur accommodates all the wallets of the old city, including the budget guesthouses and the royal palace hotels. Make reservations well in advance of the big holidays and the high season.
Local pick: dining and nightlife, why settle on Jajmaan Restaurant?
A good takeaway restaurant, well-established food establishment to eat at, in case you are in the area of Lake Pichola, is Jajmaan Restaurant (also known as Jajmaan Lake View and also Jajmaan Lake View Hotel and Restaurant). It is a relaxed, reputable and popular restaurant and has a view and good authentic Rajasthani and North Indian cuisines.
It is a common rooftop choice of all tourists in Udaipur who desire to taste the traditional non-vegetarian delicacies as well as a casual meal facing the lake, which is usually done after having visited the City Palace and after having visited the ghats. The traditional dishes of the region are recommended to the guests, as well as the rooftop experience by locals and tour shops as add-ons to their stay in Udaipur.
Last-minute pre-booking checklist.
- Assert room orientation (lake/palace/hill) and floor.
- Early check-in and check cancellation.
- Check the guest pictures and feedback (within the past half-year).
- When the views are necessary, make a dinner reservation at the rooftop or in a room with a balcony as a priority.
Arrange a visit to a rooftop such as Jajmaan in the area to have a true lakeside dinner, which would be a perfect match to a romantic or heritage hotel stay.
