I recently visited Jaipur, where I stayed at the Royal Orchid Hotel, decorated in tawny shades of pink and brown.At first glance, its architecture conveys a sense of authenticity jaipurHowever, the reason this is my favorite place to stay is that it is only 3 km from the airport, in Durgapura on Tonk Road. Durgapura Railway Station and Jaipur’s main airport are close to this prestigious 5-star hotel, which has 139 rooms, 8 of which have plunge pools. In fact, the Royal Orchid Hotel is the only hotel in the pink city of Jaipur with a plunge pool in the room.
I got there in the early evening, just as the sun went down and the hotel lights came on. So I arrived at the property and was greeted at the entrance by its illuminated peacock fountain. The staff checked me in promptly and took me to the deluxe club room with bathtub. However, the interior of the lobby is hard to ignore while the staff handles your check-in. You must show photo ID upon check-in. Adding to the traditional Rajasthani look to the ground floor lobby is a metal camel to the right, while to the left is another well-appointed lounge space with modern décor and chandeliers.
In addition, the ground floor houses all three restaurants. The main painting is a golden treasure chest decorated with Rajasthani designs and inlaid with a painting depicting Rajasthan. They also have a small garden on the ground floor next to the Limelight restaurant which was having live music and puppet shows during my visit. The entertainer also sells puppets, Mojri shoes and lacquered bracelets.
Club Room with Bath
When you open the door, you’ll find a 337 sq. ft. deluxe club room with a king-size bed and other amenities such as free WiFi, 42-inch flat-screen TV, 24-hour cable TV, minibar, electronic safe, Tea and coffee makers, as well as irons and ironing boards. In addition to staying in a club room, you can also enjoy free airport transfers.
I can’t draw the curtains for long because this exact room faces the city, so I recommend that you specifically request a room facing the garden so you can enjoy more natural light and views. Had a great evening at the Salsa Lounge Bar, where I had a few Pina Coladas before heading out to the garden to watch the puppet show.
Gym and Rooftop Pool
The next morning, in the sun, the exterior of the hotel looked noticeably different. Before using the gym on the ground floor, I strolled through the parking lot and enjoyed its stunning views.
Although small, the gym is equipped with all the necessary exercise equipment. I also spent an hour at the rooftop pool, which provides a vantage point for a very special city view and reminds you that you are in the pink city of Jaipur.
Breakfast at Spotlight Restaurant
I had a great time having breakfast at Limelight restaurant which serves an international menu and offers all day dining options. The morning menu includes pancakes, a variety of regional breakfast options, and international desserts such as a variety of juices, smoothies and donuts. On these two days, I finished my breakfast with two double espresso shots. Head to Tiger Trail Restaurant and Salsa Lounge Bar for local cuisine.
Travel Desk and Covid19 Guidelines
The hotel has a 24-hour tour desk to help guests with travel arrangements, where you can also request luggage storage services. Due to the coronavirus, the Royal Orchid Hotel has taken extra safety and hygiene precautions. When such rules are in effect, the hotel may require you to provide supplemental identification or proof of travel plans to comply with government regulations. Generally speaking, the Royal Orchid is a luxury hotel that promises a great vacation.
nearby places
If you choose to stay at the Royal Orchid Hotel Jaipur, don’t skip the handicrafts of Jaipur. It is a 42-minute walk away. There are many amusement parks in Jaipur, including Happy Kingdom, which is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. It’s worth exploring adjacent art galleries such as the Calaneri Art Gallery and the Jawahar Circular Garden, a great place to unwind amidst the chaos. Other nearby locations are aquariums, zoos, casinos, museums, cafes, night clubs and restaurants.
