The hype
Guests are dazzled by the architecture and pools but frequently let down by inconsistent housekeeping and event noise.
The Royal Retreat Resort & Spa
$65-150/ night
Book this if You want a visually stunning, 'Royal Rajasthan' Instagram backdrop and don't mind being a bit isolated from the city chaos.
Why People Love It
- Opulent 'heritage' aesthetic with antique furniture and black lobby interiors
- Three swimming pools (so you can usually find a spot)
- Located near Badi Lake, offering a greener, quieter vibe than the congested city center
Quick Take: A beautiful wedding factory disguised as a tranquil resort—check the event calendar or bring earplugs.
Reviewed by @hannahware: I felt like actual royalty walking through these corridors. The glass house dinner was the highlight of my trip—watching the sky turn pink over the hills while eating under a chandelier was magic. You have to see the pool in person, it's so peaceful.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Royal' treatment often disappears when the hotel is fully booked for a marriage function; service becomes slow and public areas get crowded.
- You have a car and want a scenic base near the Monsoon Palace
- You love 'maximalist' decor and taking photos in antique-filled hallways
- You are attending a wedding here (obviously)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.2
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Some guests report missed spots and dust, while others find it pristine. Daily service is standard but may need prompting.
- Bathroom hygiene: The biggest weak point. Reports of stained grout, water spots, and occasionally 'not clean properly' upon check-in.
- Maintenance: Aging gracefully in some spots, poorly in others. Watch for peeling paint or stiff balcony doors.
- Linens & towels: Generally fresh, but check for wear and tear. 'Egyptian cotton' is advertised but quality varies.
- Odors & scents: Usually fresh due to the open air, but musty smells can occur in older rooms during monsoon.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Wedding DJ/Music from the lawns
- Echoes in the stone corridors
- Guests returning late from parties
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is expensive (approx INR 1000/person) if not included in your rate.
- Uber/Ola availability can be spotty this far out; arrange a driver or keep the front desk taxi number handy.
- Monsoon season (July-Sept) is lush but brings bugs and humidity.
What to pack
- Earplugs (non-negotiable due to wedding risk)
- Mosquito repellent (you are near a forest/lake)
- Swimsuit (3 pools to choose from)
Room Genie
Best picks
- King Room near the swimming pool (often quieter and better maintained)
- Super Deluxe Rooms with balcony (for the Aravali views)
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms facing the main banquet lawns (direct noise path)
- Ground floor rooms near the reception (high foot traffic)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper. Please assign a room in a block furthest from the banquet lawns and main reception, preferably a King Room near the swimming pool on an upper floor.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it really far from the city?
Yes, about a 20-30 minute drive to the City Palace or Lake Pichola depending on traffic. It's a retreat, not a city hotel.
Is the food good?
Generally good Indian cuisine (Laal Maas is a highlight), but breakfast gets mixed reviews for variety and temperature.
Does it have a gym?
Yes, there is a fitness center, but don't expect Equinox. It's functional for a quick workout.
Is it pet friendly?
No, pets are generally not allowed.
Can I get alcohol there?
Yes, there is a bar (Noir/The Lounge), but it's pricey. You're paying 'resort' markups.
Is there a heated pool?
No, the outdoor pools are not heated. They are refreshing in summer but chilly in winter (Dec-Feb).
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for a room upgrade upon arrival; if there's no wedding, they often have empty suites.
- ✨
Skip the hotel taxi for short trips if you can; they charge a premium over local apps.
- ✨
The 'glass house' restaurant (Zudora) gets hot during lunch; sit there for dinner instead.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'cleanliness score' on some aggregators is shockingly low (around 62%), mostly due to bathroom maintenance issues.
💡The 'black lobby' is cool but can feel dark and gloomy if you prefer natural light.
💡You might see horses wandering near the property (they offer horse riding).
💡Room service can be agonizingly slow during peak dining hours.
💡The WiFi speed is actually decent (100+ Mbps reported), which is rare for this location.
Local Playbook
Map
See where The Royal Retreat Resort & Spa is located and what's nearby.