Samode Haveli

Our first extended family trip turned out so memorable & fantabulous. Samode Haveli is a beautiful property but what stood out was the team. They took care of our every comfort and really ensured our every need/demand was met. They even arranged kites for us to fly in the terrace. The service of the staff was impeccable and Sujit requires a special mention. We were a group of 8,he ensured each of our demand was met with a smile on their face. We had one of the most memorable holidays at Samode Haveli

We absolutely loved the Samode Haveli. The courtyard bar is a gorgeous place to hang out in and have a drink. The interval room is quite quite beautiful where they greet you with a drink. The area by the pool is relaxing also with three cabanas and the service friendly and lovely. The pool is a delightful space. Sunbeds facing the garden are best. The gym is modern and has a nice aspect in an air conditioned glazed balcony overlooking the pool. Our room, 118 was super large and comfortable. Housekeeping and laundry were impeccable quick and polite. Food at the restaurant was delicious - from the breakfast dhosas, bhurji to the evening tikka / tandoori chicken with delicious breads and jeers or veg rice and amazing vegetable dishes. Service was impeccable through out. The courtyard was cool enough in August for us to eat outside in the evening but the restaurant room is glorious as is the winter bar next to it which is stunning. Casting around for an issue the only one I could find was that I went to get our bags on arrival as I wanted a swim and they took a while to arrive. In other words Samode Haveli is near perfect. We had a lovely stay in the Oberoi in Agra and were wondering if we should’ve gone to them in Jaipur - Samode was by far the better choice with atmospheric and beautiful settings and top service. Loved it.

The room was clean and beautiful, the staff helpful, the facilities and pool well kept and the food was good. The staff were kind and helpful

Second leg of a trip from Agra, on to Jaipur where we wanted to experience a more ‘homely’ stay. From the website and reviews, Samode Haveli looked ideal. It was within the old town walls to give a local experience, but had the look of a regal and extensive home. The place itself had immense character and was a sight worth staying for. Arrival had us escorted to a quaint drawing room with ornate decoration, comfortable, antique-style furniture and lots of fascinating, old edition books. Check-in was conducted whilst we enjoyed this space, and an overview of the ‘hotel’ provided by a staff member. The Haveli consists of a myriad of courtyard rooms, passageways with more rooms, and a section containing the pool, a bar, changing rooms and spa, on the way to the dining room and another bar. Met en route by a security guard ‘shooting’ a rifle to scare off monkeys! Near reception, a courtyard bar looks over a lovely space shared by the main reception and a few boutique shops. Overall, a lovely environment unexpected within the city walls and an island away from the hustle and bustle on the streets. The staff were overall attentive and pleasant, in a way adding to the homelier feeling that contrasts with what we might expect when staying in more well-known, international hotels. With few other guests during our stay, it did feel as if there were too many staff loitering around with not enough to do, though. Good selection of local food on the menu. We enjoyed a GnT at the poolside bar, although not allowed to sit in the jacuzzi with the drink, so had to walk over to the table and return to jacuzzi or pool between sips. Second morning breakfast offered a contracted choice with no hot buffet choice. However, staff were obliging in providing for requests that were not set out and not specified on the menu. Minor irks that can be addressed to help the hotel improve further: No small spoons for yoghurt on table or near the yoghurts. Grabbed the spoon from my coffee saucer - there’s always a solution! We went with a hotel-organised 4-hour city tour plus guide and car. Was a great way to see the city and main sights. Just be warned, it is the norm for tour guides to divert to commercial stores (fabrics, gemstones) where owners will give some spiel about the craft, and then try to sell wares, often at ‘tourist-friendly’ yet inflated costs (with the tour guide receiving a commission). Our guide was pleasant, knowledgable. The diversion to stores is seen as their livelihood, although for us, the collusion and tourist prices are unfair on the other stores who could benefit from passing trade. Often it is best to take a walk along the bazaars and negotiate significantly better deals with regular store owners. It might still be more than a local pays, but significantly less than the tourist traps. Glad to see another hotel that does not encourage individual tipping of staff, but a collective tip at the end of the stay that is shared amongst staff. Note, this apparently does not apply to a tour guide (even if organised via the hotel) and the driver of the hotel-branded car.

Excellent property made even better by their wonderful staff and hospitality. Shout out to Pushpinder, Prateek and special mention of Nazim who helped us retrieve our lost phone.