The charming Pink City is already loved for its impressive luxury experiences & unmatched royal heritage. In a city awash with lavish palace accommodation options, these five properties stand out to me as the best boutique hotels in Jaipur. Expect stays flanked by true royalty, off-beat cultural immersions at the property itself & personalised service unlike any other in the world.
1. Samode Haveli
Samode Haveli is one of the most loved boutique hotels in Jaipur. This 225-year-old former residence wasn’t built to be a hotel, and that’s exactly what makes it stand out. Travelers love their impeccable hospitality, preserved for ages, combined with the graceful architecture displayed in every frame. So, walking through the palace is a delight– each of its corridors, courtyards & rooms are uniquely decorated with Rajasthani artwork & murals. Reflecting a centuries-old maximalist design, the walls & ceilings are hand-painted with elaborate elephants, peacocks, and floral patterns.
Closely overseen by the owners themselves are the extraordinary recipes prepared at the hotel’s grand restaurant. For most, the moment they sample their traditional Laalmaas is worth the entire trip. A refreshing retreat, away from the Jaipur heat, can be enjoyed by the hotel’s mosaic-tiled pool, surrounded by pillared pavilions. Or perhaps you’d prefer an exclusive sundowner at the Samode terrace as you look out at the bustling old town.
2. RAAS Rajmahal Palace
This palace has hosted prominent dignataries– even the late Queen Elizabeth II! Holding an impressive heritage, the RAAS Rajmahal Palace boasts a grand collection of royal items, including Polo trophies & old images of the Royal family. was home to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh & Maharani Gayatri Devi for many years and is still resided by Rajmata Padmini Devi. The masterminds behind this late 18th-century palace restoration have pulled off the seemingly impossible: they preserved its old-world grandeur while sneaking in every contemporary luxury.
The jharokhas (overhanging balconies), beautiful archways & hand-painted murals on the walls– all add to the true Indian experience. The rooms, too, strike that perfect balance between “I’m definitely in Rajasthan” and “I don’t have to sacrifice comfort for atmosphere.” Bathrooms are as grand as something you’d want to recreate at home. The terrace offers stunning views of the entire Pink City as it starts to glow golden at sunset. It’s the kind of view that makes you forget to check your phone for hours.
3. The Raj Palace by Small
A 16th-century palace that makes Versailles look like it could try harder– that’s the Raj Palace for you. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, it is resplendent in all ways, from its carved pillars to gilded surface. This mansion is also the oldest in Jaipur, having been built in 1727. The Presidential Suite—once the Maharaja’s actual apartment—is less a hotel room and more a private museum where you’re allowed to touch the exhibits (and sleep in them). Even the “standard” rooms here would be presidential suites anywhere else.
What makes The Raj Palace worth every rupee is the way they turn ordinary moments into royal experiences. Regular dinner is not a thing here. Instead, you’ll dine on 107-piece silver dinnerware sets in a room where generations of royalty once entertained. This is an experience at their award-winning signature restaurant, Swapna Mahal, which serves delectable international cuisine.
4. Taj Jai Mahal Palace
If the Taj Group wrote a masterclass on luxury hospitality, the Taj Jai Mahal Palace would be exhibit A. Originally built in 1727, this palace hotel is set amidst 18 acres of gorgeous, manicured gardens. So, despite its location in the heart of the Pink City, this retreat feels intimate. The property’s Indo-Saracenic architecture is surely a striking first impression, but it’s really the grounds that will have you extending your stay. The swimming pool too, framed by the palace buildings, is the kind of setting that makes even a simple swim feel momentous.
The paths inside the palace are, at times, confusing– you might take a wrong turn on the way back from breakfast and be fascinated by what you discover instead– its Mughal gardens, fountains, artful rooms & pavilions. Food here deserves special mention—from authentic Rajasthani thalis at Cinnamon (where dishes arrive like edible art) to international cuisine at Marble Arch. What truly keeps me coming back to Taj properties is how the staff seems to anticipate what you need before you even know you need it.
5. Shahpura House
There’s luxury that comes from opulent surroundings, and then there’s luxury that comes from genuine hospitality. Shahpura House excels at both. It is owned and run by actual descendants of the Shekhawat clan of Rajputs. While it might not be the largest property on this list, Shahpura makes up with personal touches that chain hotels simply can’t match.
Each of the 65 rooms tells its own story through distinct Rajasthani design elements—mirror-work ceilings in one, hand-carved four-posters in another. The rooftop restaurant at Shahpura House deserves special mention, not only for its authentic Rajasthani cuisine but also for the cultural performances that accompany dinner.
FAQs
Besides the well-known grand palace hotels of Jaipur, there exists a rather small collection of intimate boutique hotels & resorts. The best small hotels in Jaipur are Taj Jai Mahal Palace, Samode Haveli, RAAS Rajmahal Palace among many others.
The best time to visit Jaipur in India is between October to March, when the weather remains pleasant & cool. Avoid traveling to Jaipur in summers– temperatures go as high as 50 degrees Celsius, owing to its location in a desert state.
The best way to travel within Jaipur is via a privately booked vehicle. You can enquire your hotel concierge for their availability of private cars or book through a reputable travel agency, such as TRAVELOSEI.
Jaipur has an endless array of historic & vibrant sites to discover. From those, the must visit are: Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Albert Hall Museum & Jantar Mantar.
