The Oberoi Rajvilas - Jaipur, India 

If I had arrived at this hotel as my first destination in India, I would probably have been blown away by it. The entrance to the hotel is very impressive, the arrangement of villas around attractive gardens full of peacocks and water features is very seductive, and the omni-present, smiling staff make you feel welcome and pampered. However, our overriding impression was that this hotel failed to live up to the superlative standard set by its sister establishment, Amarvilas in Agra, where we had spent our previous 2 nights. Renovations may have been carried out since our visit, but we felt that Rajvilas was beginning to look a little tired. Paint was clearly peeling off the outside of outside of our villa, and the much vaunted bathroom, with it's sunken bath, was definitely beginning to show its age. We also found the restaurant somewhat disappointing - while the Indian food on the menu was executed competently enough, the western items consisted of poor-quality produce (in particular, the meat consisted chiefly of fat) ineptly prepared. Also, because we arrived "out of season" (during the summer), much of the grounds had been cordoned off with imposing fences, presumably for some sort of refurbishment project, which rather spoiled the atmosphere of the place.

The hotel complex was stunning, staff and service excellent. Really enjoyed lazying on the mattress beds around the pool - free water and suntan lotion a lovely touch. My husband was unwell, they arranged for a doctor, rearranged our travel plans, arranged suitable food - nothing was too much. I also liked the idea that you don't tip the staff individually, but leave a tip for all the staff on check out. Would definetly recommend the hotel to everyone.