• Rating: 9/10
• Rooms at Fairmont Jaipur start from $433 (£330) a night
• Rooms at Fairmont Jaipur start from $433 (£330) a night
Chaotic, bustling, busy—India can be overwhelming even for the most seasoned traveler, which is why a sleepover in a luxurious hotel is often a welcome break once in a while. Whether you're traveling to the fascinating country to check out things to do in fascinating Madurai or Hyderabad, are drawn to seeking out the most beautiful temples in India, or on a journey to find the best places to practise yoga in India, chances are you'll create life-lasting memories along the way. This was my second trip to the Pink City of Jaipur, but this time, instead of slumming it in $6 (£5) a night rooms, I stayed at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel and loved every minute of my super luxurious stay.
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| My room at The Fairmont Jaipur |
Jaipur makes up part of India's famous Golden Triangle, along with Agra, a stopping point for the Taj Mahal and Delhi, where I flew into. This well-travelled tourist route allows you to see three different parts of India with the convenience of each destination being a comfortable drive or flight away. Jaipur is known as 'the pink city' since many of the buildings are painted in fabulous shades of pink. Simple, but eye-catching and certainly photogenic. A stone's throw from Jungle Book territory and just a short flight from Delhi, Jaipur is the perfect place to relax after trips to the magnificent Taj Mahal and the crowded capital. Numerous low-cost airlines make the one-hour flight from Delhi to Jaipur, but you can also take a train; it takes around four and a half hours and costs anywhere between $1.60 (£1.35) to $8.50 (£7.15) depending on coach class and seats. It's an exciting way to make the journey; you get to see some great scenery, chat with locals and snack on delicious train food, plus it's better for the environment.
How far is Fairmont Jaipur from the city?
Once you arrive, grab a taxi or auto rickshaw from Jaipur train station to the Fairmont, remembering to fix fares before your journey or pre-book with the hotel beforehand. This journey takes around 30 minutes. |
| My train snacks; vegetable samosa & chai for $0.14 (10p) |
What's the vibe at The Fairmont Jaipur?
Just like the Fairmont Hamburg, as soon as I stepped out of the taxi, the pomp and splendour of the place hit me. A welcome trumpet fanfare played from the turrets above, and I was whisked into a symmetrical frangipani garden before settling into the opulent reception with a juice and cool towel. The first and only Fairmont Hotel in India, built in the traditional style of the region's grand Mughal palaces, this really is a luxurious stay.How are the rooms at The Fairmont Jaipur?
The Fairmont's 245 rooms have everything you'd expect of a five-star hotel—huge, comfy beds, luxury furnishings, touches of art that echo India's creativity and diversity—but the highlight in my room was the bathroom. In each one sits a grand and beautiful stone bathtub, which, on request, is filled with steamy water bubbles and rose petals by the hotel's staff. The ideal tonic to a long day of sightseeing.
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| My evening bath being prepared |
What is there to eat and drink at The Fairmont Jaipur?
There's a choice of six restaurants and bars at The Fairmont Jaipur, with one of my favourites being an all-day dining restaurant, Zoya, which offers a variety of Indian and Western dishes. They serve delicious Indian food such as the traditional Rajasthani dish, Laal Maas, made with lamb and plenty of red chilli. However, they also offer a wide range of other options from around the world, including Thai, Malaysian, Italian; you name it, they probably have it. Anjum, the tea lounge, serves wonderful cakes and homemade pastries as well as fabulous Masala Chai (milk tea made with spices like cardamom and cinnamon). I enjoyed lunch at Anjum during lazy pool days, but it is also the place to experience the Fairmont's 'Tea Tasting Ceremony,' giving guests the chance to sample some of the finest teas from across the globe, accompanied by scones, sandwiches, and homemade macarons. On the last day, my flight to Mumbai was quite early, so I missed breakfast, but the staff kindly packed some treats for my onward journey.
Any highlights?
There's a choice of six restaurants and bars at The Fairmont Jaipur, with one of my favourites being an all-day dining restaurant, Zoya, which offers a variety of Indian and Western dishes. They serve delicious Indian food such as the traditional Rajasthani dish, Laal Maas, made with lamb and plenty of red chilli. However, they also offer a wide range of other options from around the world, including Thai, Malaysian, Italian; you name it, they probably have it. Anjum, the tea lounge, serves wonderful cakes and homemade pastries as well as fabulous Masala Chai (milk tea made with spices like cardamom and cinnamon). I enjoyed lunch at Anjum during lazy pool days, but it is also the place to experience the Fairmont's 'Tea Tasting Ceremony,' giving guests the chance to sample some of the finest teas from across the globe, accompanied by scones, sandwiches, and homemade macarons. On the last day, my flight to Mumbai was quite early, so I missed breakfast, but the staff kindly packed some treats for my onward journey.
As mentioned previously, the bathtubs are heavenly and the best part of the already dreamy rooms. The hotel's pool is also a highlight and perfect for relaxing with a cocktail in hand.
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| Hawa Mahal |
Location-wise, the hotel is in perfect proximity to Amer Fort, only 15 minutes away by taxi, as well as the city centre. The fort itself is stunning, and the informative audio guide is well worth picking up. If, like me, you're into beautifully ornate buildings, stop by the Hawa Mahal too; it's one of the most impressive buildings I've ever seen, and not too far from the hotel.
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