Fairmont Jaipur hotel review: rose petal baths & a tea tasting ceremony at Rajasthan's most luxurious stay

• Rating: 9/10
• Rooms at Fairmont Jaipur start from $362 (£304) a night
• Check current rates and availability

Chaotic, bustling, busy—India can be overwhelming even for the most seasoned traveller 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 Madurai or Hyderabad, are drawn to seeking out the most beautiful temples in India, or are on a journey to find the best places to practise yoga in India chances are you'll create some 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 luxurious stay.

My room at The Fairmont Hotel

Jaipur makes up part of the 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 place being a comfortable drive or flight away. Jaipur is known as 'the pink city' because many of the buildings here are painted 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 crowded capital. Numerous low-cost airlines make the one-hour flight from Delhi to Jaipur; Air India offers flights for around $24 (£20) one-way. 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. 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. The journey takes around 30 minutes.

Train snacks; vegetable samosa & chai for 10p

What's the vibe at The Fairmont Jaipur?

Just like the Fairmont Hamburg, as soon as you step out of the taxi, the pomp and splendour of the place hits you. A welcome trumpet fanfare plays from the turrets above and you're 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 199 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 complete with bubbles and rose petals, providing a real treat after a long day of sightseeing. 

My evening bath being prepared

What is there to eat and drink at The Fairmont Jaipur?

There's a choice of seven restaurants and lounges at The Fairmont Jaipur, a favourite of mine was an all-day dining restaurant called Zoya, with a range of Indian and Western dishes. They serve up delicious Indian food such as the traditional Rajasthani dish, Laal Maas, a favourite of mine made with lamb and lots of red chilli. But they also serve a whole range of other options from around the world, Thai, Malaysian, Italian; you name it, they've probably got it. Anjum, the tea lounge serves wonderful cakes and homemade pastries as well as fabulous Masala Chai (tea made with spices like cardamom and cinnamon and lots of milk). I ate lunch at Anjum while having lazy pool days but this is also the place to sample the Fairmont's 'Tea Tasting Ceremony', offering guests the opportunity to taste some of the best teas from around the world, with scones, sandwiches and homemade macaroons. On the last day, my flight to Mumbai was pretty early so I missed breakfast, but the staff had packed me up some treats to go. 

Any highlights?

As mentioned previously, the bathtubs were 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. Location-wise the hotel is in perfect proximity to Amer Fort, only 15 minutes away by taxi, the fort 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 again not far from the hotel.

Hawa Mahal

Anything they could improve on?

Not a thing.

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