CHECKING IN: Samode Palace
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Have you ever stayed in a palace?
I have. And I can say with 100 percent certainty, it’s as cool as it sounds.
India is known for its over the top opulence. Former palaces of the country’s rulers have been transformed into luxury hotels sure to make any traveler feel like the Maharaja they were always meant to be.
Samode Palace is one of the most legendary of these palace hotels. This 16th-century palace boasts hand painted murals, a room made of mirrors and a location that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the busy Indian cities. Sound magical? It is.
TAKE A TOUR OF THE HOTEL IN THE VIDEO BELOW!
THE PALACE
I heard of Samode Palace from my mom who had stayed there on her previous trips to India. She couldn’t stop talking about the grandeur, opulence and exceptional service. For my mom to rave about any property, I know it has to be amazing.
Samode Palace is part of the Samode Hotel group and is one of four properties spread throughout India. But in my humble opinion, Samode Palace is the jewel of the bunch.
Arriving late in the evening gave us the chance to see the palace lit up at night. The long and winding drive up to the palace builds just the right amount of anticipation for what awaits you beyond the massive gates.
It’s impossible standing at the bottom of the giant set of stairs leading up to the former palace not to imagine India back in the height of its glory days. It’s as if you’ve stepped back in time when you arrive at Samode Palace.
LOCATION
Samode Palace is about an hour outside of Jaipur and is certainly an ideal location for relaxing. My advice if you do plan to spend a few days in Jaipur, would be to tack on at least a night or two at Samode. That way you can truly relax and unwind before or after you’ve done your sightseeing in Jaipur.
THE PROPERTY
This truly is an old palace. The hotel has maintained and restored the enchanting elements of the former palace which are now sewn into the guest experiences. While you’re there, make sure to ask for a tour of the Durbar Hall (pictured above). This is the iconic hall where you’ve most certainly seen photos of the hand-painted murals and mirrored room. This is also the place where the former kings gave audiences to their subjects and entertained guests.
There really is a surprise around every corner and I highly encourage anyone staying here to allow yourself time to wander and explore the property. And make sure to ask staff questions. They are MORE than happy to share stories and teach guests about their beloved hotel.
ACCOMMODATION
The hotel has 43 rooms split into 3 different categories: 4 royal suites, 20 deluxe suites, and 19 deluxe rooms. Each of the rooms has its own unique style and is fashioned to feel like it would at the time when the Royals called it home.
I loved the claw footed tubs and the four poster beds in our room. Do not expect the rooms to feel modern but they do offer modern conveniences such as a mini bar, tv, coffee machine, and hair dryers.
DINING
The hotel offers a few places to dine. None really have names and are often referred to as the fine dining restaurant and the multi-cuisine restaurant. But don’t let the fact that they don’t have their own names let you think either is anything less than spectacular.
The multi-cuisine restaurant is where we ate breakfast and lunch each day. Sometimes breakfast is served outdoors but it was SUPER hot while we were there so we ate inside. The room has floor to ceiling stenciling in gold and is bright and welcoming.
In the fine dining restaurant, the atmosphere is more intimate and during high season I would recommend making a reservation. We actually didn’t eat here because the hotel set up a fabulous dining experience for us next to their infinity pool. This was an incredibly sweet gesture and something that can be set up if you would like to take your dining experience to the next level. (perfect for couples but also cool to do with your mom like I did LOL).
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO PLAN A TRIP TO INDIA - MAKE SURE TO CONTACT SCORBY TRAVEL AND CRUISE
ACTIVITIES + SERVICES
Samode Palace has a spa and two swimming pools. One infinity pool on the roof and the other just outside Durbar Hall. There’s a gym with treadmills and weights or you can hike the nearby hills for exercise.
You can also visit Samode’s sister property Samode Bagh (Bagh means garden) and wander through the hotel’s stunning gardens. Horse and camel safaris can be arranged and the hotel offers visits to nearby sand dunes. Make sure you take some time to leave the property and wander around the local village. OOOOO and don’t forget to stop in the hotel’s gift shop - it’s by no means average.
PRICE POINT
Rooms range from the low $100s in low season and high $300s in high season. If you’re looking to book a room or plan your trip to India - click here to get in touch with Scorby Travel and Cruise.
Overall my experience at Samode Palace was nothing short of royal. I love how the hotel combines luxury, history and exceptional service. Truly, a trip to India would not be complete without a visit to Samode Palace.
If you’re planning a trip to India here’s some other articles you might find helpful:
DINING AT THE #1 RESTAURANT IN INDIA
HOW TO PACK FOR CONSERVATIVE COUNTRIES
HOW TO TAKE THE PERFECT PHOTO AT THE TAJ MAHAL
HOPE THIS HELPS! ADVENTURE AWAITS!
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