The Samode Haveli has historically been the city house of the Samode Family, descended from the Rajput Kings. Built 200 years ago in fine taste, the haveli operates as an elegant hotel in the historic city centre.
All of the rooms here retain original frescos, and mirror work. The two suites are breathtaking. The walls and supporting pillars are covered with portraits and scenes from the Jaipur miniature school. Frieze work of Islamic motifs surround Rajasthani mirror work. The rooms are opulent dens with low lighting and Indian style cushion covered sofas.
There is still magic in the regular and deluxe rooms which are also rich in paintings. Oversized beds, Indian blockprinted linen and the original furnishings are set amongst arches and alcoves, sitting on marble inlaid floors. The bathrooms, entirely in marble, have a separate bath and shower. Room 109 is endowed with a massive white tub, resplendent with marble pillow, and is almost big enough to swim in. While the living area in this room sports more minimalist decoration, it is the only one with a private balcony overlooking the garden.
Enjoy the narrow marble passageways and courtyards on the way to your room. Indian architecture is a happy confusion of rooms, with passage ways constructed as afterthoughts. On your way through, stop for a look at the photographs on the walls. There are some enchanting scenes.
When I was there, one corner of an immense backyard was having a swimming pool dug. A necessary addition in the desert heat. From the ballroom-cum-restaurant, as richly ornamented as the suites, you'll see the pool and the garden from a table by the back windows. The guestbook highly recommends the food here, but this reviewer did not try it.
Caroline Major
The townhouse of the Samode family, this is another gem, lying in the heart of Jaipur. It is home to some fabulous frescoes and, with its leafy garden, it is difficult to believe that from this sanctuary you can stroll out into the bustling city streets. As with Samode Palace, the bedrooms lie all over the rambling building and are superbly decorated, according to the owners' impeccable taste - Rajasthani style at its best. Two of the suites are covered almost entirely in mirror-work from ceiling to floor and wall to wall. 'The exquisite new swimming pool, with a beautiful poolside bar and supremely comfortable aEUR˜salas', is one of Jaipur's finest and is a draw in itself. Perfectionists to the end, the family are constantly thinking up mouth watering new menus and looking for new wines to stock - any gourmet would be satisfied here. The gentle and caring staff do their utmost to look after your every whim and, since the hotel does not allow groups, each guest receives constant attention and a sense of peace pervades the whole property. Waiting to welcome you, Samode Haveli is the only option for anyone wanting a heritage hotel in Jaipur.
Mahoot
