Samode Palace

Utterly spectacular. Impeccable service. Delicious food.

If you want to experience how a movie is filmed and the behind the scenes this place is for you ! If you are however traveling to Jaipur, looking for a remote and calm hotel to escape the city, this isn’t for you. Throughout the duration of my stay an full scale movie production set up in and around the hotel, claiming not only the nicest rooms for filming but also made moving around the hotel almost impossible. On my journey to breakfast I was aggressively scolded for ‘walking to loud’ whilst scenes were filmed in common areas and almost hit on the head by filming equipment being carried on set. The hotel staff seemed more excited by the fact that this movie was being made and claimed that ‘many films are made here’ - rather than being sympathetic to the situation. The staff themselves were very very kind and sweet in all other aspects (this however is also the case in every hotel I have visited in India) nonetheless they were great. I did not blame the film production for making the experience unpleasant, I blame the management - either you are a hotel or a movie set - it’s not acceptable to welcome guests in such circumstances. I rarely ever write reviews, moreover negative ones, yet I rest assured as the hotel I’m sure turns a healthy profit hosting plenty ‘weddings and movie productions’

My husband and I had stayed here 18 years ago. This time, our friend Mandy was with us. I don't think the place has changed much since our first stay – its indomitable charm and heart live on. Mandy said that our arrival was probably a highlight of her holiday in India – we arrived in the dark and the yellow palace was twinkling like something out of a fairy tale. They had upgraded us to the hugest suites in the hotel with spacious balconies with a view of the mountains and the infinity pool we had fallen in love with all those years ago. The food, both at dinner and breakfast was excellent – so was the service from the friendly waiters in their wood-block-printed kurtas and their characteristically dapper Rajasthani moustaches. We had forgotten how stunning the palace's ceremonial durba hall and ballroom are and were deligted to be given a free guided tour by the resident jack-of-all-trades, who was also an excellent photographer. He also took us on a walking tour of charming Samode village, which you enter the moment you exit the last arch in the palace wall. Crumbling old houses with stunning vestiges of colour, a great hole-in-the-wall jewellery shop and an Aladdin's cave bangle shop – we all bought something. Yes, we adored our stay. But our last calm afternoon by the infinity pool was sadly interrupted by a hoard of a TV/film crew on a research trip – the hotel is clearly going to be earning a fortune when they shoot here in the future. At the expense of the comfort of guests. We complained to the manager. He compensated with a candlelit dinner for the three of us on the terrace of our suite. It was magical, but still our afternoon had been ruined. I must also add that we had booked our stay about one year in advance. Then, at some point prior to our stay, we heard that they had received a "better booking" – for a wedding – which meant they could not accommodate us for all the nights we'd reserved. Samode Palace is a wonderful hotel, but I would advise anyone reading this review to check with management that your possible stay will not be upended by some event or other. These days, lucrative events are clearly the lifeblood of certain hotels. A high point after our candlelit dinner came next morning. We thought the party was over, but for the langur monkeys it had clearly just started. Clearly they are very fond of roses!

Had a wonderful 2-day stay at Samode Palace celebrating my wife's birthday. The property is beautiful, and the location is even more magical on a rainy day. The views of the Aravalli ranges were breathtaking. We were lucky to get a complimentary upgrade to a suite, which had a lovely little balcony overlooking the hills. We really enjoyed the pool, Jacuzzi, palace tour, and the elegant bar. The highlight for us was definitely the food and service. A special mention to Mr. Saha, who took great care of us throughout our stay. His recommendations were excellent — the Thai curry was delicious, and the Laal Maas we had on my wife's birthday was outstanding. He even surprised us with a birthday cake, which made the evening extra special. Thank you to the entire Samode Palace team for the wonderful hospitality and for making our stay so memorable. We’ll definitely be back!

We had our daughters wedding in this hotel on 8th to 11th February 2026. The hotel staff, facilities, the cleanliness was unbelievable. The best experience we all have ever had. The attention to details were phenomenal. No money can buy the level of services that we received. All the staff members were amazing and professional. The quality of food and the ambience in the restaurant was outstanding. I will highly recommend this hotel for anyone who is planning a destination wedding.