ITC Rajputana

ITC Rajputana is a large luxury hotel on Palace Road, close to Jaipur's main railway station, and part of Marriott's Luxury Collection. Unlike the converted palaces elsewhere in the city, it is a purpose-built hotel, but its design takes its cue from the traditional havelis of Rajasthan: a red brick exterior, a central atrium with floors rising around it, long corridors, secluded courtyards and fountains, combined with clean, modern interiors.

The hotel is especially strong on food and drink, with five restaurants and bars. Peshawri, the best known, serves North-West Frontier kebabs, breads and dals at lunch and dinner. Jaipur Pavilion is the all-day restaurant with Rajasthani and international dishes, and Jal Mahal offers buffet breakfasts and dinners around a water feature. The Sheesh Mahal Bar, with mirrored walls inspired by the mirror palace at Amber Fort, is open from 11:00 to 23:00, and the open-air Jharokha lounge beside the pool has live folk music and performances in the evening.

For relaxation there is an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and Kaya Kalp, the hotel's spa, which draws on traditional Indian healing practices. Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out at noon. Pets are allowed for a fee. The building holds LEED certification for existing buildings, and the hotel was a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice winner in 2021.

ITC Rajputana works well for business travellers, families and anyone who wants a reliable international-standard hotel with a strong restaurant line-up, without the higher prices of the palace hotels. Its central position is practical for arrivals by train, and it makes a convenient base for day trips. Book early for the winter season from October to March.

The hotel's central atrium and courtyards make it easy to find a quiet corner, and the evening folk music at Jharokha gives guests a gentle introduction to Rajasthani performance.

Jaipur International Airport is about 13 km away; the hotel does not run a free shuttle but can arrange private car transfers for a fee. MI Road and the old city gates are a short taxi ride away, and the restaurants mean you do not need to leave the hotel for a good dinner after a long day of sightseeing.