Palace
Opulent Rajasthani palace — all glittering mirror work, antique four-poster beds, bougainvillea courtyards, and ceremonial dining. Theatrical without being tacky. Still partly inhabited by the owning family.
Book a Royal Suite for a private terrace Jacuzzi and fireplaces — worth the splurge for honeymooners
Why It Matters
One of India's most intact heritage palace hotels, converted in 1987 and run by the original royal family. Featured in the 1984 HBO adaptation of 'The Far Pavilions'. Perennial award winner praised by National Geographic Traveller, Harper's Bazaar, and the Michelin Guide. Sheesh Mahal is a genuine 19th-century masterwork — not a reproduction.
Samode Palace is a 475-year-old Rajput fort that became an over-the-top Indo-Saracenic palace in the 19th century and opened as a heritage hotel in 1987. It sits in the Aravalli foothills about 45km from Jaipur — far enough to feel genuinely remote — and is still run by the hereditary Nathawat family. Hand-painted murals that are 250+ years old cover the walls, the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) dazzles with gemstone-studded mirror work, and the 43 rooms are genuinely different from each other. This is the real thing, not a replica.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Deluxe Room
The entry-level option, which is not basic by any stretch. Canopy or four-poster beds, antique furniture, cool stone floors — some have chaise longues, writing desks, and clawfoot bathtubs. Mountain views from all rooms. Each one has its own personality and décor. Balconies on some rooms; first-floor balcony railings are low, so avoid these with small children.
Canopy or four-posterDeluxe Suite
Step up from the Deluxe Rooms and you get a private balcony with Aravalli views and a separate living area with TV and DVD player. Still draped in the same antique furniture, canopy or four-poster beds, and clawfoot baths as the standard rooms — just more space to spread out. Deluxe Suite 216 is singled out by Mr & Mrs Smith for its canopied king bed, marble pillars, mosaic-tiled bathtub, and sweeping mountain views.
Canopy or four-posterRoyal Suite
Top-floor suites that are practically a palace within a palace. Private terrace with a marble or mosaic Jacuzzi, separate living and dining room, study, fireplace — all loaded with gold-leaf accents, carved stone panels, and stained-glass windows. The Royal Suites are where to go for proposals, honeymoons, and birthdays. Indian room service is available round the clock so you can order a full banquet served in the palatial dining room of your suite.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Mount a camel and ride out into the desert and surrounding landscape. A quintessential Rajasthan experience arranged directly through the hotel.
Horse riding through the Aravalli foothills and Samode village environs. Arranged by the hotel on request.
A signature Rajasthani experience that can be arranged for special occasions. Not guaranteed — ask the hotel directly when planning.
A day trip to the local Samode farms with a picnic lunch — a gentle way to see rural Rajasthan life beyond the palace gates.
Evening folk music in the terrace garden with cocktails is a regular feature. Puppet shows and cultural performances can also be arranged.
Learn fresco painting in the tradition of Jaipur's artisans — a hands-on class where you create your own piece using the same techniques behind the palace's centuries-old murals.
The hotel can arrange a guided day trip to Jaipur (about 1 hour away) covering Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and the old city markets for textiles, gems and handicrafts.
Staff-led tour through the palace's historic rooms, including the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), Darbar Hall, and muraled corridors. Highly rated by guests — the history and architecture context adds enormously to the experience.
The hotel staff fly kites from the rooftop — a traditional Rajasthani pastime and a charming, spontaneous spectacle that guests often remember most.
A guided jeep tour through rugged rural terrain, sand dunes, and farmland, culminating in Samode village itself. Walk the cobbled lanes with local guides who share insights into daily life, handicrafts, block-printing, bangle-making, and the small artists' colony where miniature paintings are made.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
The palace does a brisk meetings and events trade. Darbar Hall and various courtyards available for corporate and celebration events.
Complimentary Wi-Fi available in public areas and the central courtyard. In-room coverage may vary given the historic stone construction.
Free breakfast buffet served daily in the courtyard, 7am–10.30am.
Indian fare is available around the clock. Other items on a limited hours schedule.
Babysitting by hotel staff provided free with 24 hours notice.
The standout pool — a seductive rooftop perch with a Jacuzzi pavilion backdropped by the Aravalli mountains. Adults tend to migrate here over the main pool. Best at sunset.
A marble pool flanked by frangipanis, sun-loungers and terrace tables. Has a shallow children's end and a shaded Jacuzzi. Long enough for proper laps. Poolside bar adjacent.
Premium Indian luxury toiletries brand used across all rooms.
Arranges safaris, Jaipur excursions, transfers, and special dining experiences.
On-site boutique selling local crafts, textiles, and Rajasthani keepsakes.
Modern, well-equipped gym for guests wanting to stay active.
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