I ventured to Udaipur as a small prize to myself after a long time of strenuous hard work at the office. Read on to find out how The Oberoi Udaivilas fared on its immense status of luxury and one-of-a-kind hospitality.
As one sits on the boat that takes us across the Lake Pichola to the hotel, I can’t help but marvel at the breathtakingly beautiful hotel. At first glance, it looks like a palace. If I didn’t know better, I’d have thought it was.
The hotel plays well balanced act of modern royalty. There are small brass and copper decorations such as swords and spears, but the floors are modern. Black strikes against the white marble foundation at the entrance and extends into a mix of black and white through the rest of the lobby.
While the entire hotel has a Mewari touch to its interiors, the rooms are luxurious but not in a traditional royal way; there is a vibrancy of green, orange and blue that make the decor distinctively attractive. This was quite unexpected and fun.
Chandni, a fine dining area of the hotel, comes alive in the evenings with live traditional music and the glow of several candles. The water of the lake subtly glistens from the moonlight, and the city shines in the shades of golden and yellow. It is one of the most memorable experiences of the hotel.
The staff of the hotel was polite, organized and experienced. I did not find them in a situation once that they were not equipped to handle gracefully.
Also, a vital part of the hotel is its relationship with the wildlife of Udaipur. There are trees and gardens throughout the property, and the sight of a dancing peacock is not uncommon as one leisurely strolls through the hotel.
This, perhaps, was one of the most extraordinary things about the hotel. Rarely does one find a resort, that is not located on a sanctuary or rainforest, that incorporates the surrounding natural environment into its design so well. This shows, perhaps, that a little consideration goes a long way.
