Oberoi Udaivilas Resort Udaipur

After the deserved success of the Vilas properties in Jaipur, Agra, and Ranthambhore, Oberoi's superdeluxe Udaipur property, opened in 2002, has followed suit, and in the last 2 years has won awards too numerous to list. The palatial property features magnificent grounds (beautifully landscaped gardens as well as a wildlife conservatory where deer and peacock roam) and stunning interiors, including a massive central dome, lit up at night, that wouldn't look out of place on St. Peter's. Intricately crafted pieces and fabrics are artfully combined with Western decor to create the most elegantly dressed rooms and luxurious bathrooms in Udaipur. That said, there are a few conceptual flaws -- primarily, the lack of access you have to the lake, despite the fact that the property is built on its shores. Almost none of the public spaces have views -- you can see the lake from the spa pool, but the deck has been designed in such a way that all the lounge chairs face away from the lake waters. It seems a pity to travel all this way only to find yourself in a resort and room that could be anywhere (though as long as the lake remains dry, this is hardly an issue). Another seemingly good idea that ends up being impractical is the infinity pool that stretches the length of the superior deluxe wing -- should you plunge straight in, you will disturb your neighbor's privacy and likewise, which kind of ruins the exclusivity of an otherwise absolutely gorgeous room. However, service standards at the Udaivilas are world-class, with well-trained staff ready to meet your every need. Dining is also superb, with executive chef Jean-François Pelaez there to ensure that the kitchen produces the most outstanding Western-Asian fusion meals -- and the Indian food is hands-down the best in Udaipur.

2 restaurants; lounge/bar; 9 pools (5 private); Banyan Spa (including Ayurvedic treatments); boating (when possible); adjacent wildlife conservatory; travel desk; limousine transfer from airport on request; Wi-Fi enabled; boutique; salon; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; laundry; doctor-on-call; butler service; CD/DVD library. In room: A/C, DVD/CD, TV, Internet connections, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, fresh fruit and newspaper daily, hair dryer, iron on request, electronic safe, scale, magnifying shaving mirror.

None as such. but had some problems with the check-in and had to wait for few hours and it was really frustrating.