The Leela Palace Udaipur

This was the BEST hotel choice we made in India. Well, we liked the Oberoi in Mumbai, too, as well as the Imperial in Delhi… and the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur was great in its own way (this hotel - I think - is a better option for a stay of a few days and I’ll review that historic and singularly unique island hotel separately), but the Leela was just perfect. The staff was so warm, friendly and kind, the location is amazing and the rooms and grounds were truly spectacular. And soooo photogenic. You have several luxury lakeside options in this city, but THIS is the one to choose. After all, J Lo was here to entertain at a billionaire’s lakeside wedding a week before we got here (the internet told us so, not the staff) and I have a feeling she knows how to live well. A beautiful 10 minute boat ride from the hotel dock near the City Palace and you’re at the Leela. And it’s a great-looking boat, btw. Better than the other hotels’, I have to note. We also had the hotel car pick us up at the very modern and tidy airport. It’s a bit of a drive through a not-all-that beautiful main city but once you get to the old town and the lake, you’ll realize it was all worth it. The car driver and the boat driver could not have been nicer. What a great way to arrive in a city and a hotel. As soon as you do arrive on the grounds, you are greeted with tossed flower petals and a local band playing classic Indian songs. It was a bit over the top but you know what? Kind of nice and much appreciated. We enjoyed it and it made for a memorable entrance. We were shown to our room and it was beautiful. And it had an incredible view overlooking the grounds and pool facing towards the lake and palace. You can’t believe this hotel is less than 20 years old AND that the lake is fake, as are all the lakes in Udaipur (though they are hundreds of years old). That said, this is the most romantic city in India (where all the big weddings take place) and possibly the most photogenic… although there is stiff competition in that latter category. The lake… especially at sunset… is magical… and the Leela Palace has the best location on its shore. Every night, we’d have drinks at a little outdoor bar right by where the boat landing is. J Lo had her pics taken there for the wedding (again, we found her pics on the internet), and so did we. So stunning. Breakfast was served every day in a large room but also adjacent outdoor patio, where we chose to eat every day. And the staff was so nice… I mean, SO nice… you just enjoyed their company. On our last morning, the morning crew served us a “bon voyage” cake and wanted to get photos with us. How sweet is that? I’m telling you, the people here were just delightful. And the food was always tasty, whether at the buffet breakfast, that restaurant at night on our patio or from room service when the restaurant was full. There’s a lovely, though unheated, pool that’s quite beautiful but kinda cold and not very used (in December, anyway). I found it relaxing. The gym was fine and adjacent to it. A highlight was when we took a tuk tuk to the City Palace one day through the back streets and had the best driver in the world... Raj. I hope I’m remembering his name correctly… I’ve attached a photo of him in his full, regal driver’s outfit, just in case. He was so good we arranged another tour of the whole city with him a day later, which was a lot of fun and I’d highly recommend doing it. What a nice, nice guy. Raj, you are the best! Other staff to note by name include AK, Nikhil and Anil. I wish I got more names because so many people were standouts but the hotel and service is so stunning it’s hard to get all that info on your phone while you’re enjoying the beauty of this resort. A tip for a first-time visitor… the City Palace is better to enjoy from the outside rather than the inside. The tour of it (and I suppose you need to go if you’re in town) is cramped and very crowded. Almost claustrophobic... you have to hunch your way through dozens/hundreds of old rooms in an endless line of people and there's no way out unless you finish it. Still, you can’t not take it. Just don’t expect a relaxing, reflective visit. Looking back, we are SO glad we picked the Leela. We looked into all our options and we made the right choice. This is India at its finest.

Arrival by boat across the lake was very special, hotel had been excellent in arranging transport from the airport, the service was impeccable, nothing was too much trouble, often anticipating your needs before you even ask. The food was delicious, great selection for all meals. The room was very comfortable, with fabulous views. Special mention to Vishal, the Palace service associate, he went the extra mile every day to make sure we were comfortable, gave good recommendations, he also made my partners birthday very special, with handmade cards, cake and music, so thoughtful and a memory we will cherish.

Dear Team, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the wonderful hospitality extended during my recent stay. A special mention goes to Prachi, whose kindness and dedication truly stood out. I had misplaced my sunglasses, and she went out of her way to help search for them, which I deeply appreciate. Additionally, although we missed our scheduled breakfast timing, she thoughtfully ensured that we still had something to eat before our departure. Her attentiveness and care made our stay memorable for life. Thank you once again for your warm hospitality. Warm regards,Pratishtha

I had a wonderful stay at The Leela Palace, Udaipur. The hotel is beautiful and the view of lake is amazing. The staff is very polite & helpful.A special thanks to Vishal Mehra ,our butler.He took great care of us & made sure we had everything we needed. The service staff was also excellent always smiling and quick to help.

Staying at The Leela Palace Udaipur was nothing short of magical. The lake views, architecture, and service make it feel like a royal retreat. Special thanks to Chef Nishad for the incredible dining experience — every dish was crafted to perfection and his recommendations were spot on. Vishal, our butler, for flawless, heartfelt service. The entire team delivers luxury that’s personal, not just grand. Already planning our next visit.