The hype
Guests are blown away by the architecture and views but consistently mention that the rooms (especially bathrooms) are starting to look tired and the service can be slow.
Jagat Niwas Palace
$135-250/ night
Book this if You want the quintessential Udaipur 'floating palace' vibe without the $800 Taj Lake Palace price tag.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location right on Lal Ghat with direct lake access
- Rooftop restaurant 'Chandni' offers one of the best sunset views in the city
- Heritage architecture that feels like a living museum, not just a hotel
Quick Take: It’s a stunning 17th-century haveli that suffers from its own Instagram fame—expect crowds of influencers in the common areas and noise from the rooftop restaurant.
Reviewed by @Trintravels_: I honestly felt like I was living in a fairytale here. The window seat in my room overlooking Lake Pichola was my favorite spot to just chill. If you want that royal Udaipur vibe without breaking the bank, this is the one. The rooftop at night is pure magic.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'peaceful' lakeside retreat is often interrupted by the sound of furniture dragging in the restaurant above or wedding photoshoots in the courtyard.
- You prioritize views and atmosphere over modern plushness
- You want to be walking distance to City Palace and Jagdish Temple
- You enjoy heritage charm like antique furniture and jharokha windows
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some guests report missed spots in corners or under furniture.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean but aging. Expect some worn grout or older fixtures, but no major hygiene red flags like mold.
- Maintenance: Heritage charm means some wear and tear—chipped paint or stiff door latches are common.
- Linens & towels: Fresh but not luxury grade; some recent reports of 'yellowish' or tired-looking sheets.
- Odors & scents: Mostly neutral, though the courtyard can trap kitchen smells during dinner service.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Dragging chairs from the rooftop restaurant directly above upper-floor rooms
- Echoes from the central courtyard
- Early morning temple bells and city sounds (part of the charm, but audible)
Before you book
Good to know
- Alcohol is served here (fully licensed bar), which isn't true for all havelis in the old city.
- There is a small elevator, a rarity for heritage buildings, making it accessible for those with limited mobility.
- Breakfast is often not included in the base rate and costs ~₹1121 ($13) pp; guests say it's decent but pricey for what you get.
What to pack
- Earplugs for the restaurant noise
- Comfortable walking shoes (the Old City is best explored on foot)
- Power bank (outlets can be oddly placed in heritage rooms)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Heritage Room Lake Facing (worth the splurge for the jharokha window seats)
- Jagat Suite (spacious, best views)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Haveli Rooms (often small, dark, and face the noisy courtyard)
- Rooms directly below the restaurant kitchen/dining area
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am booking a Heritage Room and kindly request a unit on a higher floor that is NOT directly underneath the restaurant dining deck to minimize furniture noise. A corner room with a jharokha would be preferred.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Does the hotel have a pool?
Yes, there is a small rooftop swimming pool (often described as a plunge pool) with great views, but it's more for dipping than doing laps.
Can a taxi drop me at the door?
No. The streets are too narrow. You will be dropped at a nearby parking area (Chandpole or Jagdish Chowk) and need to take an auto-rickshaw or walk the last 5-10 minutes.
Is the food good?
The views are 10/10, but the food is generally rated as 'good but not great' and slightly overpriced. You are paying for the ambiance.
Is it suitable for seniors?
Surprisingly yes, as it has an elevator connecting the floors, which is very rare for Udaipur havelis. However, the surrounding streets are uneven.
Do all rooms have a lake view?
No. The 'Haveli' and 'Standard' rooms face the courtyard or street. You must specifically book a 'Lake Facing' category to see the water.
Is there a spa?
Ayurvedic massages are available upon request, but don't expect a full-service luxury spa facility.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast one morning and go to 'Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar' just a few steps away for better coffee and a fraction of the price.
- ✨
The hotel has its own private boat jetty; ask the front desk to book a sunset cruise on their boat 'Jagat Sagar' for a more private experience than the public ferry.
- ✨
Request a room on the top floor for the best light, but bring earplugs because you'll be closer to the rooftop restaurant noise.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Standard' rooms are significantly smaller (approx 180 sq ft) than the photos suggest.
💡You might wake up to the sound of pigeons cooing loudly on your window ledge—nature's alarm clock.
💡The wifi is notoriously spotty in the stone-walled rooms; don't plan on taking Zoom calls.
💡During wedding season, the courtyard can become a staging ground for elaborate photo shoots that block pathways.
💡The hot water supply can be temperamental in the mornings; let it run for a minute.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Jagat Niwas Palace is located and what's nearby.