Some have mentioned that visiting for lunch/dinner only is not possible. While I was there, I am pretty sure I saw a few visitors (which is what gave me the idea in the first place)- but reading more into it online, it seems perhaps it may be an unofficial low-season offering which isn't really talked about (whoops 😂).
Thanks for the insider scoop! Snagging a reservation at the Lake Palace is like hunting for a unicorn - rare and magical! But fear not, there are a couple of secret passages to get in: The Amex Platinum Concierge is your golden ticket! They've got the wizardry to make it happen. They did it for me. Or, befriend a General Manager from another Taj Property and get them to sprinkle some Taj-tastic charm for you. Now, here's the catch: The Lake Palace insists on a princely minimum of $100 per person. A bit brutal, but hey, it's not every day you dine on a floating palace! 🌟🏰💰
I think the minimum is fair for what you're able to do. As for AMEX, can I ask which country your card is from? This insider tip will be valuable 'ammo' for me over the next months as I reply to hundred of "you can't visit" comments 😂
I’ve been lucky enough to stay at the flagship properties of just about every luxury brand and the Taj Lake Palace was the only one I rated a 100/100 perfect score. Incredible is an understatement to describe this place!
My disagreements with your review: in India I prefer to have the hot water kettle and tea bags, and I drink a lot less coffee when I'm there. It seems like in India the fancier the restaurant the milder the spices. I'm not sure why. I love the huge Indian bats. I was recently at the Taj Mahal New Delhi. Fantastic hotel!
Loving the India series. Clicked the like button less than twenty seconds into the video. Not disappointed :-) Back in my day (circa 1990) you could boat over there and have a wonderful dinner. Had probably the best beer of my life, thanks to the setting and the fact the beverage was served in what must have been a chilled silver goblet. A favorite moment in my life. Now that I'm older and none the wiser, hope to go back and enjoy a few days there. In those days, the town was still highlighting the James Bond flick "Octopussy" filmed on location a few years prior. One restaurant had a signed picture of actor Roger Moore. Funny and endearing, and more than anything, the whole city is truly stunning!
I stayed at the Taj Fateh Prakash Palace last month. The property is on the smaller side and there is no cultural show but the rooms are bigger and the fact that it's in the same complex as the City Palace is a huge plus.
I stayed here a couple years ago, and I think you have perfectly captured the beauty of this palace in your videos (as you typically do in all your videos). However I have to disagree with your conclusion. None of the "on-land" hotels have nearly the same confluence of luxury and history. There is a feeling about being in the middle of a lake in a "floating" palace that others just cannot compare. While the other resorts may have more space, they are not iconic, and are either "new-luxury" or historical while unkempt (for the price). I spent 3 nights here and left yearning for more. Walking around in the early mornings and evenings was absolutely magical. I do agree though that the Fateh Prakash palace is not worth staying in, though the hotel in the city palace (Shiv Niwas) is honestly run down, and while the rooms were ginormous, I would never stay there again. Finally, I know it comes down to personal preference, but as a huge Forest Essentials fan myself (and I'm in my 30s), the rose scent from the Lake Palace's collection is heavenly. Sadly FE doesn't sell that scent in their stores, and I still use the lotion to this day!
I agree the others don't offer the same level of history- perhaps for me, it would just be hard to stomach paying the same (or triple during high season) and not be able to sleep because of the bird symphony lol. Thanks for watching 🩴
Your Vlog about the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur was truly impressive. I appreciate the unbiased review and the meticulous attention to minute details that often go unnoticed by hotel reviewers and guests and perhaps even the hotel management itself. I have noticed your opinion always stays true to facts and is unmoved by the flashiness and glamour of these high end properties. Your content adds real value for anyone planning to visit these beautiful destinations. Keep up the great work!
Appreciate those comments as I do always try to stay 'level headed' regardless of the lavish (or not) surroundings I find myself in. Thanks for watching 🩴
What an incredible place, must have felt more like staying at an art gallery - the details at every turn were just stunning. Thanks for bringing this to us!
It looks lovely. You are rapidly becoming one of the best travel reviewers. Thank you for taking us to these places that we could only dream of. I'd love to break the 9-5 routine; you give us hope :D
If not done already, you should also plan a stay at another Taj property as part of your India series, the Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad. Fantastic heritage palace and hotel under the Taj umbrella.
I’m surprised you want mediocre room coffee when they will happily bring you coffee & treats for free. On a side note, I would like to point out that every time I ordered morning coffee and snacks at Four Seasons, St. Regis, One & Only, I also got a hefty bill for it at the end of my stay. The fact that Taj does it free of charge should be commended.
Nespresso (as an example) is the same coffee I drink at home five times a day. If you think it's mediocre that's fine, but it's a hell of a lot higher quality than I'm sure they're using behind the scenes. But that's besides the point, I would rather have a crappy in room (non-instant) option than need to call and wait for coffee. I prefer not to see or speak to anyone until I'm on my third cup 😉 Side note, I've never once been offered free coffee delivery in the morning at any of the 5 Taj properties I've been to- including when I've called to ask if they have an espresso machine lol.
I visit India quite frequently to see family. Free coffee, Tea and snacks at any point throughout the day is common at Taj and Oberoi. Not once have I been charged for it on my final bill on my many stays at both brands 😃
Heavy metal birds at 4am, lacklustre coffee in the rooms, geezer scented amenities and chargeable boat rides, all for only $1500 USD 😅😅. I 💯 agree about staying at one of the mainland hotels and visiting just for a meal. Nice place though and a great video as always 😊 Edit: just saw your comment about being able to visit if you’re not a guest, I would still say at hotel on the mainland and live vicariously through your vlogs
Wow!! I normally understand all of your comments describing your experience. However, you got me today. Describing a scent as ‘elderly’ has me stumped. Being elderly I am trying to figure what that smell is . 😂😂
To be honest, it's really not about age and more about being past the prime. There's really no easy and nice way to say this- that I've thought of at least haha. Image a bottle of rose perfume. Now imagine it was 15 years old and the scent has gone 'off' a bit. Combine that with a bit of powdery potpourri and we're on the right track 🙃
We stayed at the Lake Palace way back in 1995 . . In a corner room , a little bigger than your room , as there were the three of us , myself, husband and daughter .The hotel wasn't quite as buffed up and polished as it is now . Also not as expensive .The staff were lovely , probably the younger versions of the older staff , you liked . We nearly got run over by an unexpected elephant , in a narrow lane near the City Palace .
I am sure this video will inspire a lot of people watching it to discover new parts of the world they might not have thought going to before watching this. Just like you inspired me to travel to Vietnam (flying Vietjet) and stay at La Siesta Premium Hang Be (what a gem 💎!) and visit Sapa where I’m watching this right now in our room at Hotel De La Coupole MGallery….Still so happy and grateful to have discovered your channel. Thank you for your fantastic reviews 🙏🏼💫
Ahhh in the past few days I've been in the middle of a super cyclone... in the desert (imagine my surprise lol)... I'd very much love some of that Sapa air right now!
I stayed here a few years ago and it was spectacular. Its a small hotel but the "wow"factor was out of this world. Amazing that they can get done in the middle of a lake. The finishings from the 1700s are unbelieveable and the service was top notch and I would agree formal. They take alot of pride in the hotel. Def the most unique hotel I have ever stayed in.
Thank you, Kevin for this Review!!! Really enjoy your input of your wonderful trips around the World!! Hope one day you make it to New Zealand!! Keep up the amazing blog and I so appreciate how honest you are! :-)
I’ve always wondered about fancy living at these high end hotels what is the tipping culture like ? Is it like a 10-15% type thing ? Are you constantly having to tip every time you ask for assistance ? Opening doors for you etc ? What about attire ? Are you really wearing flip flops as you walk about the property ? Do they have dress codes for dinner at the restaurants?
I believe tipping should always be based on where you are, not where you're from as some suggest. 100% there is no obligation of tipping at any hotel I've ever been to in India- though it is a common practice, generally more as a way of showing off than actually rewarding outstanding service if I'm honest. In places where tips are appreciated but not expected, I do things a bit differently. Rather than handing out small tips here and there throughout the day, I prefer to tip less often but in larger amounts. So, while many may give out $5 four times a day, I'd much rather put that $20 into the hand of a truly exceptional member of staff, if there happens to be one. As for dress codes, 1000% during the day I live in flip flops and shorts. If it's practical I continue with the same at night. On some occasions at certain fine dining restaurants, we'll close the toes and cover the calves. Indian dress codes are often over stated and under enforced. "Formal Attire" would be the tag line, but in reality a polo, pants and shoes (or even 'dress' sandals) is perfectly acceptable.
@@tfft Thats fantastic to know. I’m headed out there for my first time in December at the more budget friendly shiv nivas but may splurge for a night at the lake palace! Awesome video btw!
Kevin, just want to highlight that the Lake Palace does not allow non-resident guests to visit or even land on their property. So no "dinnner or lunch reservations" can be made just to visit the hotel. You need to have a stay reservation to make it on to the property. So your suggestion will not work. No day trippers is the way they maintain the mystique and exclusivity of the place.
A couple others have mentioned the same, but then it makes me wonder what I saw when I was there- which surely looked like a few visitors. Perhaps as I've seen just now online, it is an unofficial low season offering. Thanks for watching 🩴
I agree. What you noted is probably an unofficial low season offering limited to their other property residents (Fateh Prakash Palace). I cannot imagine the chaos and cacophony of having non-residents milling around the property, not to mention the logistical nightmare and cost of getting day trippers to and from the hotel. It would completely ruin the experience for residents and the exclusivity of what is already a relatively small space.
Can you please share the website where you booked the hotel? I am planning to visit the same month you visited, October , but the rates are $900+ per night. Wondering how you got such a great price .
91/100 - do not stay here 😂 Nah, your logic makes absolute sense, plus as you said in your video for the other palace in the lake, being able to view the Taj Lake Palace's exterior is a benefit of that hotel, but it's not something you can do from the TLP itself, without paying extra (a bit cheeky, I agree) for the boat ride.
Hi Kevin I believe you had to wake up early 😢 due to birds I think stuff that interrupt sleep are frequent for a full time traveller. Do you have any fix for such instances? Ultra lux hotels are more like just in case instead of just in time so coffee machine should have been there, but on request I believe it would have been provided.
Great review! Quick question - are they allowed to install air con in the rooms or is the palace protected from renovations like say a Grade 2 listed cottage in the UK. I couldn't see it from the video.
Yes all facilities in the hotel have AC. With high temperatures in Udaipur averaging over 105° during summer, I don't think they'd have many visitors without it haha.
Omg the birds🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛ - 😂! That was intense and not nice if its waking you up at 4am. But nonetheless what spectacular panoramic views of Lake Pichola👌🏽 wonderful content yet again.
I did rip my hair out but I'm sure some of it will grow back. Another excellent video Kevin and perfectly narrated. Totally agree with you on every single point especially the size of the hotel and the bird noise.
I feel like the bird symphony must have not come across in the video well since multiple comments mention they’d enjoy it but I can assure you, the only people that would enjoy birds that loud pre-4:00 are deaf 😅
Nice one Kevin … so I was wondering if all the bats and the birds eat all the mosquitoes and flies ? And yes , the high season room rate is ‘almost’ extortionate imho . Thanks , as always… 🙏
Besides the fact that of course there's a lake, it's a very hot and arid desert-like environment so I never noticed any bugs while I was in Rajasthan. Thanks for watching 🩴
Until and unless they have changed something recently because I stayed there 4 months back. One is not allowed to visit until you are an overnight guest of this hotel. So, if one has to visit they must stay.
Excellent episode. Great cinematography, as usual. Appreciate all the background infos included in the reviews, as it really does add depth to them. While I know that no commentary usually means 'good', I'd love a regular note on the bedding (quality of mattress, pillows and linen), since, apart from a detailed shot of the bed, this usually remains rather invisible. PS. AUH to LHR on EY in First?
Thanks very much. As for your guess: ✅ For the commentary, you are spot on. It won't begin in videos until around February, but in the future there will be an overlay graphic that will address in detail the mattress type and quality, linen/towel quality and feel, pillow types and AC performance.
Legit don't understand how a coffee machine is a waste of time. I wake up, press a button and 60 seconds later have coffee. That seems like a marvelous use of time to me.
Hi Kevin, I've stayed here quite a few times, so I wanted to address some things. It's not possible for outside guests to visit Lake Palace (unless you have connections with the higher managerial staff or a VIP of some sort, in which case they make exceptions). Now for your least favorite things: I've only seen few birds here and there during my stays, never what you experienced. As far as coffee, I personally would not want to operate anything on my vacation. I've always called for coffee, and they brought gourmet coffee in minutes with snacks (free of charge every time). The food is something the Chef can adjust anytime. To say "as the food is intended to be made" doesn't tell the chef much. The majority of the western audience cannot handle the spice level of what regular Indians eat (OfCourse there are exceptions) Now the reason why I would give a 100/100; you are literally staying in a Maharaja's palace which 100 years ago would be accessible to Maharaja's family and close circle. The thought of a common man staying there would have been unimaginable. Just on that fact alone makes this place a 100/100 to me.
As to the policy of visiting, I addressed it in my pinned comment. The idea came to me since I saw it happen. Perhaps it's a low season offering. As for coffee, certainly there are many that prefer room service- and many that prefer not to speak to or see anyone until they've had their third cup, like me 😉 Thanks for watching 🩴
Agree fully, dont stay, go for a boat ride, have lunch or dinner and come back. Udaipur anyway is too too expensive for middle class Indians. Great city but at that price, hotels are no value for money. Delhi and Mumbai have far better 5 star hotels at 30% the price.
Your idea to visit for lunch or dinner will not work. Firstly they only allow it on a limited basis during off season. You have to book it with the concierge of other luxury hotel. There is a minimum spend per person which is quite high. Also there are very limited spots each day (only on days where occupancy is low). So really, you need to be lucky. If this place is in your bucket list, don’t count on this strategy.
I have shown both these hotels fateh prakash and lake palace on my channel luxury stay and dine but i would say that fateh prakash even has lesser amenities only the pool is sort of worth spending some time, lunch and dinner in lake palace is expensive and doesn't suffice what is offered in comparison to fateh prakash, secondly there is a hotel behind fateh prakash called shiv niwas palace which is available in half the cost so if you wish to enjoy the palace compound you can stay there as well, see lake palace will help you create better memories as compared to fateh prakash rest is personal choice
Sure, regardless of the size of the hotel though, from FPP you can still at least easily walk around the area as an extension of the hotel. At the Lake Palace, you'd need to swim 😅 Thanks for watching 🩴
@@tfft its honestly a culture thing in a different way. I guess for us an espresso machine was never a requirement so its not something we miss at all. Although, what are your thoughts on the Tata Coffee Grand sachets that are present at most Taj properties? I really enjoy that and started buying the same at home. So good marketing on their part I guess!
@flyingdutchmanism if that was consistently what they offered, I’d still disagree but I’d understand. At Taj properties in the past year I’ve had two different kinds of instant (Tata & Nescafé), one had French press Lavazza (with “exclusively for Taj” on the bag) and one had an espresso machine 😅
@athavahemade4546 Tata owns 4 airlines, a car company, a truck company and I’m sure many other things relevant to this comment. I’m sure they could figure out how to get the coffee from the coffee growing regions to where the white people are lol.
Where on earth does the sun rise before 4:00? lol This was hours before dawn. Edit: Yes, I know midnight sun exists, I've seen it myself in Alaska. Point being, we are in India.
