Mewar Haveli is one of the hotels we suggest you stay at in Udaipur. It is placed in a romantic city, perfect for honeymooners, luxury travellers and mid-range budgeters. This honest review will help you decide if it meets your criteria for your trip.
Romantic – Yes, especially if you have a lake facing room. Even otherwise, it is a cosy hotel with tasteful attention for detail and the roof top restaurant takes up a different mood from morning to sunset to night.
Backpacker friendly – Not really, initiating interactions with other guests in the hotel did not seem easy. It gets a varied age group and families, so not a high percentage of young backpackers.
Children friendly – Mewar Haveli does not have any games room or activities per se for children. Yet, families with kids would be comfortable here. It is easy to step out and get around on foot; again the restaurant with the lake view would always be fun for the kids.
Rates – Remember Mewar Haveli is between a budget and value for money hotel. Rooms start at INR 1,400 and go up to INR 2,100 approx.
The room was spotlessly clean, clean linen and cushy bed (nice soft mattresses).
The bathrooms are perfectly adequate, running hot water and very clean.
The staff were polite and non-pushy.
It has an elevator to get to the rooftop restaurant, other similar hotels around the lake do not have an elevator. And it feels a little uncourteous to walk up passing other people’s rooms.
The rooftop restaurant prepares lovely non-greasy, fresh and non-spicy vegetarian food. And the prices seemed fair.
What we did not like
Personally we did not have any complaints for the Mewar Haveli, Although the following is good to bear in mind –
The rooms are of different sizes and most of them are compact. Not a deal breaker, but if you travel with a lot of suitcases you might fill the room up.
That they only have two lake facing rooms. The rest are equally comfy, but after having stayed at both, you want to try and book in advance to get a lake facing room.
We hope this review has given you a better idea of what to expect and make a decision! If you have any questions or need any assistance do get in touch with us, we would be happy to help you.
When you think of India you think of its spirituality and diversity. For being on every backpacker’s trail because it’s just so, so cheap. Right? Wrong. India is also the land of royalty, of opulence, home to dozens of erstwhile rajas and nawabs. Our thirst for over-the-top-luxury has since been honed to reflect the sleek, subtler undertones of the modern rich. So no matter how you choose to define luxury, India has it all.
I’ve had the good fortune of tasting some of this splendour myself, from glamping in the great outdoors to dining in the halls of palatial forts.
Here are five top recommendations from the most high-end hotels in the country
Standing majestically the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai (Photo Credit – Mihir Upadhyay)
Udaipur
A fairytale city set in a bygone era and populated by romantics. Squeeze through the tiny bylanes of the old city and you’ll suddenly find yourself in the shadow of the ancient royal palace. With its stark white walls delicately moulded into trellised balconies and awnings overlooking the lake.
Decades ago, the James Bond’s movie ‘Octopussy’ is what made the luxury Taj Lake Palace iconic. It is still just as thrilling, though it’s now been converted into one of India’s finest heritage properties.
The Oberoi Udaivilas is a sprawling complex of uber-luxe buildings and grounds. It is the proud winner of the Best Indian Hotel for three years in a row. Each room here comes with its own private lagoon outside your door. Moreover, every room offers gorgeous views of both the Lake and City Palace.
All said and done, though, they’re still not my final pick.
Dive in your own Luxury Suite Pool (Photo Credit – The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur)
The serai, Jaisalmer
Understated and restrained, yet oozing with lavishness. No expense is spared to provide the absolute highest quality experience in these luxury tents. It is spread on hundred acres of shimmering desert.
Gourmet food, the best wines, private, heated, candlelit pools, privately guided safaris, a world-class spa, private tours, the list is endless. All this, set in the lap of natures bounty among the shifting sands, glinting golden in the warm summer sun.
Kumaon
Originally a kingdom in its own right, these majestic mountains rise up above their misty shrouds in a world of complete and pristine isolation. It’s the perfect getaway if you’re looking to cosy up with someone you love in a world of your own. When you’re up for some adventure, you can explore the history of this regal martial race, their gorgeous architecture and culture.
Shakti 360° Leti, Bageshwar
Contemporary design, traditional building methods and locally sourced materials come together to create these luxurious one-of-a-kind cabins, the pinnacle of privacy.
Floor to ceiling windows offers you an exclusive view of the mountains. And verandahs with individual fireplaces make for romantic evenings unless you wish to spend them indoors wrapped in one of the many pashminas strewn around.
The cabin offers you acres of nature without another soul for miles around. However, liveried staff will still arrive daily with gourmet meals. You can select wines and any other service you can think of to ask of them. Win-win, isn’t it?
(Photo Credit – Shakti 360° Leti, Bageshwar)
Bandhavgarh
Deep valleys, wide grasslands and dense bamboo thickets spread across 437 sq kms. The Bandhavgarh National Park is the quintessential rustling Indian midland forest. It has the highest density of tigers in the country, and littered in between are the hunting lodges of erstwhile Maharajas of the region. A 2,000-year-old fort is worth a trek through the Sal forests.
Mahua Kothi by Taj, Bandhavgarh
A lovingly restored ‘Kothi’ homestead surrounded by 12 private suites with individual shaded access, sheltered verandahs and traditional mud floors. You can bank on the famous Taj hospitality as you let the history soaked in the hand-finished walls and open rafters take you on a journey.
Each morning, coal warmed kettles will be brought to your door for your daily tea. Also, gift baskets of yoga goodies and traditional Indian games will keep you busy between bicycle rides.
Experience dining in the woods (Photo Credit – Mahua Kothi by Taj Bandhavgarh)
Darjeeling
A colonial paradise of quaint churches and orderly tea plantations, Darjeeling is a slice of heaven on a plate. Ride the adorable toy train to some of the most scenic valleys and cliffs in the country. Stop for a quick momo (dumpling)and thukpa (noodle soup) and break to fuel up for a lovely walk through the gardens. There is no stress in heaven.
Glenburn Tea Estates
Glenburn Tea Estates is the epitome of sophistication. The vineyard resorts of Europe is what inspired them. Accordingly, guests can fully experience and participate in every stage of the wine-making process. But the real draw is the gorgeous accommodation, seven themed suites of delicate British good taste.
Hand embroidered linen graces the antique furniture, fresh fruit baskets and flowers adorn the intricate lawn furniture. Mesmerisingly carved wooden panels line the spacious rooms overlooking the green slopes. Pastel shades and soft feathery duvets underline the cosy feel.
Hiking trips, fishing, massage therapies, butterfly watching, camping and cooking classes help you unwind at this gorgeous estate.
Enjoy a slice of Europe here – The Planters Suite (Photo Credit – Glenburn Tea Estate)
Since every single one of these locations is at the top of the exclusivity list, you may have some trouble making a reservation. don’t hesitate to drop us a line, we’ll get the job done!
Feeling Udaipur as your next destination? We can help you with what the most charming things to see in Udaipur during your stay here. The city has lots of historic, beautiful buildings – the Udaipur city palace is a must-see! Plan your trip with us now and find out more!
This charming little city tucked away in the shadow of the Aravalli Mountains, Rajasthan. It’s an absolute favourite with our travellers in North India. Shrouded in romance, it’s dotted with lakes and palaces aplenty, many of which have been converted into luxury hotels, including the City Palace itself.
Grab a beer or a cup of tea at one of the rooftop restaurants at sunset or lose yourself in the mind-boggling network of narrow treasure-filled streets. Explore the winding palace corridors or even set out into the country to ride horses into the hills.
Inside City Palace (Photo Credit – Volker Glätsch)
Things to do in Udaipur
– Get intimate with the historical architecture – from the splendid Udaipur City Palace to smaller monuments like Bajore ki Haveli and Jagdish Temple
– Get lost in the alleys of the Old Town
– Watch the sunset over Udaipur town from the Monsoon Palace
