Last Updated : Oct 30, 2025  |   Author : Monika Verma   |   View Count : 944   |   Read Time : 6 min

Exceptional Hospitality in the ‘City of Lakes’: Luxury Hotels in Udaipur that Exude Royal Charm

When you see something so beautiful it almost doesn't seem real, you feel like you’ve walked into a TV show. That's exactly what happened to me when I first laid eyes on Udaipur. This “City of Lakes” has its way of making you feel like royalty, even if you're just a regular traveler looking for an incredible experience. Now I've stayed at a lot of luxury hotels over the years, each one's got its own flair. Some made me feel like I should be wearing a tiara. Others were so I forgot I was really staying in a palace. And that’s exactly what I’m going to talk about in this blog, the finest luxury hotels in Udaipur.

Accessibility: For those flying in from the USA, the best way to reach Udaipur is to first fly to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. From there, you can take a direct domestic flight to Udaipur.

What makes Udaipur's luxury hotels so special compared to other five-star properties?

Luxury Hotels in Udaipur are former palaces and heritage buildings converted into stunning accommodations. Unlike standard luxury hotels, these properties feature original 18th-century artwork, marble architecture, private pools, and unparalleled lake views. From the floating Taj Lake Palace in the middle of Lake Pichola to the palatial Oberoi Udaivilas with its 30 acres of gardens, each hotel is bound to leave you fascinated with their royal charm.

Table of Contents
1. The Oberoi, Udaivilas: Lakeside Royalty
2. Taj Lake Palace: Luxury in a Pristine, White Marble Wonder
3. The Leela Palace: An Exquisite Family Experience by the Lakeside
4. Taj Fateh Prakash Palace: Another Taj Gem, on the banks of Lake Pichola
5. Raffles: Experience Regal Hospitality & Exquisite Dining
6. When is the Ideal Season for American Travelers to Embark on a Trip to Udaipur?

The Oberoi, Udaivilas: Lakeside Royalty

The Oberoi Udaivilas is one of those places that takes your breath away from the moment you walk in. And it has ranked number 1 in multiple “world’s best hotels” lists! The property is built over 30 acres of gardens & every corner has been designed to give you views of either the lake or the gardens. It's hard to decide which is more beautiful.

The suites here are actually palatial. Marble everywhere, and I mean everywhere. Many have their own private pools too. The decor strikes the right balance– you feel like you're in a palace without it being over the top or theatrical. Their signature restaurant, the Udaimahal, is perfect for dinner. Have you ever tried to eat while being completely distracted by a view? It's a good problem to have; you’ll have the magnificent City Palace lit up across the water.

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Taj Lake Palace: Luxury in a Pristine, White Marble Wonder

The Taj Lake Palace is in a category by itself. This place doesn't have lake views. It is in the lake. Yes! It sits right in the middle of Lake Pichola like a fairytale dream. And getting there needs a boat ride, which in itself makes you feel like you're entering somewhere special. No cars, no roads. Just you, the boat, and this floating palace getting bigger as you approach.

Out of the only 83 rooms they have, mine was a corner suite that felt more like a royal apartment than a hotel room. Original 18th-century artwork on the walls, a four-poster bed that once housed actual princes, and windows on three sides offering different perspectives of the lake and city. Waking up surrounded by water is an experience I can't really put into words.The Lily Pond Courtyard suites, however, are the crown jewels, with private terraces that quite literally extend over the water. The Jharokha restaurant here serves some of the best Rajasthani food I've ever had. Their laal maas is a must-have, but only if you can handle spicy food!

TL;DR: Udaipur's luxury hotels offer unmatched royal experiences, with properties like Taj Lake Palace floating on the lake and Oberoi Udaivilas providing palatial suites.

The Leela Palace: An Exquisite Family Experience by the Lakeside

The Leela Palace has solved what I call the "luxury family travel paradox." Parents want that royal treatment and gorgeous surroundings. Kids want to not be bored out of their minds in fancy places where they're afraid to touch anything. The pools are gorgeous, and there's enough space for kids to run around while adults can still find quiet spots to relax. Which is harder to find than you'd think at most luxury hotels. No small feat in a city where luxury often skews heavily toward romantic couples.

Sitting on the banks of Lake Pichola, this grand hotel has an entrance that makes you feel important just walking through it. The rooms are spacious and most have lake views that are just stunning. The property has multiple places where you can enjoy food as amazing as the views, but Sheesh Mahal, their two-level open-sky restaurant, remains unmatched. Even if you’re not staying here, you can book a table & indulge in a romantic dinner here.

Taj Fateh Prakash Palace: Another Taj Gem, on the banks of Lake Pichola

This hotel is actually part of the City Palace complex. Which means you're staying inside one of Udaipur's most important historical buildings. Talk about beating this location now! You can pretty much walk from your room to explore the palace museums and courtyards. The rooms here retained the original architectural features that make you feel like you're living inside a history book. Hand-painted walls, carved stone details, and windows that frame the lake like living paintings. Some suites still have the original furniture pieces used by the royal family.

My room had a balcony that looked out over the lake and gave me a perfect view of the Lake Palace. But what really made my stay special was the access it gives you to the City Palace. You can explore the museums and courtyards before the crowds arrive, and in the evening, you have this incredible historic complex mostly to yourself. The Crystal Gallery here is worth seeing too. It's full of furniture and decorative items made entirely of crystal, commissioned by the then Maharaja.

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Raffles: Experience Regal Hospitality & Exquisite Dining

Raffles Udaipur is the newest one on the block, and they've really raised the bar for luxury in the city. Bringing one of the world’s most loved luxury hotel brands is no small feat. The property sits on an island on Udai Sagar Lake, which is quieter and less crowded than Lake Pichola. represents what happens when someone takes everything magical about traditional Rajasthani design and pairs it with contemporary luxury hospitality. The result is pretty spectacular.

The suites are huge, with private terraces and some have their own pools. The attention to detail is incredible. This property manages to feel authentically local without falling into the tourist trap of over-the-top theming. Everything flows together organically. The dining here is exceptional. The Sawai Kitchen serves modern Indian cuisine with a Rajasthani twist, and it really stood out to me. Their spa is built around serene lotus ponds, creating this separate world within an already magical property.

When is the Ideal Season for American Travelers to Embark on a Trip to Udaipur?

The best time to visit Udaipur is between August and March when the weather is actually pleasant. During the later winter months, daytime temperatures are perfect for sightseeing, and evenings are cool enough to enjoy those beautiful hotel terraces.

The monsoon season (July to September) brings rain, but it also makes everything incredibly green and beautiful. I personally love this season to visit Udaipur. Just a word for caution for some indoor time if it rains heavily.

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FAQs

1. How far in advance should I book these luxury hotels in Udaipur? 
For peak season (December-January), I'd recommend booking at least 3-4 months ahead. Especially for properties like the Lake Palace or Udaivilas. For other times of the year, 6-8 weeks is usually sufficient, but the most popular suites and rooms with the best views fill up quickly regardless of season. Don't wait if you have your heart set on a particular property.

2. Can I visit multiple hotels in Udaipur even if I'm only staying at one? 
Absolutely! Most hotels welcome non-guests for dining or drinks, though some may charge a nominal fee for using facilities like pools or spa services. I always recommend calling ahead, especially for the Taj Lake Palace which requires a boat ride to reach. It's a great way to experience different properties and decide where you might want to stay on your next visit.

3. How should I get around Udaipur from these hotels?
The most comfortable way to get around in Udaipur is via private chauffeur-driven cars, arranged by luxury travel agencies in India. With them, you get complete freedom over your schedule with a vehicle at your disposal all the time.