Alsisar Haveli, Jaipur

Advantages: Impressive architecture
Disadvantages: Too much hassle to stand and admire it

...A visit to the Palace of the Winds in Jaipur can be a bit of an anti climax. Having imagined it standing in isolation in beautiful palace grounds it is somewhat disappointing to find that it is situated directly on the main road running through Jaipur. Our coach stopped on the same side of the road as the palace which meant that for a reasonable photo you had to cross the road. This is no easy feat in Jaipur. Traffic hurtles towards you, yet we were warned that rushing across the road is more likely to unnerve drivers and cause an accident than an unconcerned amble. Another hazard in attempting to cross the road is the danger of tripping over men women and children trying to sell you all manner of items. In all, it was a rushed and hassle filled moment. There is absolutely no chance of just standing, staring and considering... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average not helpful

Advantages: Amazing Architecture, Great Silver Stuff and Artifacts, Excellent Cultural Heritage, Hospitable People, Great Food
Disadvantages: Pathetic Traffic, Pollution and Crowd in the Old City, Watch out for a rare Stray Buffalo

...and Really cold in winter, so please take necessary precautions in terms of clothing and sun protection lotions. On reaching Jaipur, surprise surprise, I found that not much had changed in the old city. It was as pink as crowded and as fascinating as ever. I almost banged my car into a stray buffalo on the raod. Thank god, my driving skills and wife's sudden outcray prevented the calamity. The new areas of Jaipur however, have come up amazingly well. If it is comforting, that's where all the Great Hotels and Havelis of Jaipur are. Jaipur has been on a fast track and it still is ... if you overlook stray buffalos. To quote an example, GE Capital opened their center in Jaipur a couple of years back. A friend also told me that the overseas visitors to Jaipur have increased by almost five times in last three years. Since my friend is not a statictics... Read review

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Advantages: family runed homely 3 star heritage hotel
Disadvantages: None

...For any traveller to Jaipur wanting a boutique hotel Umaid Bhawan is simply delightful. The exterior and interior of the hotel is restored to a very high level. The hotel is very clean and efficiently run with a friendly manner. I came on my own to Jaipur for business and stayed at the Umaid Bhawan for 7 days. I didn't have a single bad experience at the hotel. The swimming pool is fab and so perfect to cool off in at the end of a long hot day. So surprisingly for a heritage hotel at this level of comfort, beauty and service I only paid around $US65 each night including food. How great is that! Umaid Bhawan ( A Heritage Home) D1-2A,Behind Collectorate, (Via) Bank Road, Bani Park, Jaipur-302016, Rajasthan, INDIA 24-Hour Direct Line to Ranvijay: +91 9314503423 Hotel Lines: +91 (141) 2316184 / 2206426 / 2201276 Fax us: +91 (141) 2207445... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful