The Points South Point of View – India is a vast continent, it is best not to attempt covering both the North and South unless you have abundant time. In the North the landscape and the climate are more harsh, with arid desert plains and rocky outcrops. The food is different to the South, more meat is eaten, with dishes more familiar to the Indian food served in restaurants in the UK. The tourist trail is over established, especially in Rajasthan, with tour busses ferrying weary tourists around the “must see ” sights on hectic schedules, however it is still possible to enjoy the less known sights by staying in the smaller restored palaces, where the owners insight can often lead to special discoveries. It is often said that doing three places well in Rajasthan can be far more rewarding than six places in haste, as the scale of the magnificent forts and palaces and the distances between them can be tiring on the chaotic roads. The Tiger reserve at Ranthambore offers a contrasting environment and excursion.
| Delhi | |
 | The Oberoi, New Delhi - The Oberoi is a luxury hotel situated in the heart of India's cosmopolitan capital city. The hotel has recently been closed for two years, undergoing an extensive refurbishment. The décor is a contemporary interpretation of Sir Edwin Lutyens' New Delhi architecture, and the rooms are splendid, authentically furnished and equipped with high-tech iPad interface. Sophisticated and stylish. |
 | The Imperial - This iconic hotel designed by Blomfield, an associate of Lutyens, opened in 1931. The Imperial has been awarded the best luxury hotel in India and retains many superb original features as well as a fascinating art collection. Four excellent restaurants including the award-winning Spice Route, the famous 1911 bar adorned with military memorabilia. A superb Spa, health and racquet club, as well as a large pool and gardens. The spacious rooms are all beautifully furnished using period piece and sympathetic décor. An outstanding Heritage hotel, located in the centre of New Delhi. |
 | The Oberoi Gurgaon - The Oberoi Gurgaon is a modern hotel built over nine acres of land. An urban sanctuary with 24 hours' services for the convenience of customers arriving late. |
 | The Maidens - One of Delhi's oldest hotels, built in the early 1900's and retaining a colonial charm. The hotel is located in the Old Delhi residential area. The property sits in eight acres of gardens with a huge Banyan tree and a good pool. There is a restaurant, terrace café and bar. The rooms are spacious and decorated in a simple style, using interesting artefacts. The hotel is part of the Oberoi group. An excellent choice for mid-range budget. |
 | Four Points Sheraton - Located close to the airport - but not under the flight path - this recently refurbished hotel is a convenient place to stay when catching a very early flight or transferring from one destination to the next. Restaurant, pool and coffee shop. This modern hotel enjoys good views of the Taj from the executive rooms. |
| Jaipur | |
 | Samode Haveli - Located in the heart of old city, this beautiful mansion was built 150 years ago for the rulers of Samode. Sympathetically converted into a charming hotel, the former royal apartments are now deluxe rooms, with smaller rooms overlooking the central courtyard. Well-tended gardens lead to a beautiful pool built in a Moorish style offering quiet seclusion from the busy city. |
 | Raj Mahal Palace - One of the many fabulous palaces in Jaipur. Raj Mahal palace was opened as a luxury hotel in 2015 by the renowned Sujan group. The property has been superbly modernised whilst embodying the period features and fascinating history. Set in lovely gardens with a spa this provides a peaceful retreat from the busy city. They have their own vegetable garden, and afternoon tea is served each day in the conservatory. Part of the Relais en Chateaux group. |
 | Alsisar Haveli - Situated near to the centre of the city and set back behind a wall with courtyard gardens and a lovely pool. Alsisiar is a lovely retreat from the busy city, authentic and well run with good sized rooms. The hotel is decorated and furnished in a traditional and comfortable style. There is a beautifully decorated dining room and terrace to dine on. |
 | Jas Vilas - A family run guest house with fourteen spacious rooms, situated on three floors with a balcony overlooking a courtyard garden with a pool. The property is set back from the road with lawns to the front. Meals are taken on the terrace or in the dining room. Standard and Heritage rooms. |
 | Royal Heritage Haveli - Located in the army area of Jaipur, this well restored Haveli is set well back from the road. With lovely gardens, a lovely courtyard pool and spa, two restaurants, one with terrace and indoor dining area, bar and coffee shop. The rooms are very spacious with marble floors, decorated in a traditional style with painted ceilings. |
| Udaipur | |
 | Kankarwa Haveli – A family run Haveli located on the side of Lake Pichola. Kankarwa haveli is an old mansion which has been in the Kankarwa family for 180 years. The roof top restaurant and some of the rooms overlook the lake. The rooms are furnished in a traditional manner with local fabrics decorating the beds and soft furnishings. The hotel has a small courtyard, but no pool. Kankarwa is situated in a quiet back street, in a convenient location for exploring the town. |
 | Bujera Fort - Bujera Fort is a recently built fortress, constructed using traditional lines, with hand carved columns, salvaged Rajasthani doors and windows creating the feel of a much older building. It is located in the Aravalli hills, on the west side of Lake Pichola. Fifteen minutes’ from the busy town, this is a perfect place to re-charge after sightseeing. With a pool, spa, shop and library. Forty minutes’ drive to the airport. |
 | The Oberoi Udaivilas – Originally conceived as a replica of a traditional Indian Palace, Udaivilas is located on the far side of Lake Pichola. Arrive by boat and wander through the rambling courtyards and gardens, resplendent with fountains and pools. The luxurious rooms all have terraces opening onto a semi-private pool with distant views. Spa with separate pool, yoga and meditation. Three restaurants. |
| Agra | |
 | Oberoi Amarvilas – Situated in an unrivalled location within walking distance of the Taj Mahal. All the rooms have a view of this iconic mausoleum. Built in a style inspired by Mughal architecture, with lovely gardens with fountains and a large pool, the property provides a relaxing environment to re-charge after sightseeing in the bustling city. Two restaurants and spa. |
 | The Trident, Agra – Built of red stone to reflect the Mughal style, The Trident is located 1.5 kms from the Taj Mahal. With delightful gardens and a good sized pool. This popular hotel is decorated in a contemporary Indian style, with a restaurant overlooking the gardens and bar. The Trident is part of the Oberoi group, an excellent mid-range hotel. |
 | ITC Mughal - Set in 35 acres of grounds only 4 Kms from the Taj Mahal, this 233 room hotel offers excellent facilities including the award winning Kaya Kalp spa, located in the new boutique wing with a separate pool and suite rooms. The hotel has three restaurants, including the popular Peshwari. There is a roof top viewing platform with views of the Taj. ITC offers an excellent, less expensive alternative to the Oberoi. |
 | Radisson Blu - The Radisson is a modern hotel located very close to the entrance of the Taj Mahal, ideal for an early visit. |
| Jodhpur | |
 | Ratan Vilas - Maharaj Ratan Singhji, a renowned horseman and polo player, built this charming mansion in 1920. The property was converted into a small hotel by his great grandson; the family still resides here. The rooms are spacious, furnished with period pieces and traditional hand blocked fabrics. Interesting family memorabilia lines the walls. There is a good garden with a swimming pool and a restaurant in the evening. During the day, meals are taken on the veranda or in the courtyard dining room. |
 | Umaid Bhawan Palace – Dominating the cities horizon, this vast palace was built in 1929. The current Maharajah Gaj Singh occupies one third of the palace; the remaining part is now a fabulous hotel. The Art Deco interior and lavish furnishings combined with many fascinating artefacts create a fabulously grand hotel. The hotel is run by the Taj group. There are three restaurants, a spa and two pools - one indoor, and one in the lovely gardens. |
 | Raas - Located in the centre of the town with superb views towards the Meherangargh Fort. This converted Haveli combines Heritage character with the charm of a boutique hotel, though most of the rooms are in the modern wing. The pool is set in the courtyard gardens. The property has a great atmosphere. |
| Jaisalmer | |
 | Killa Bhawan – The city of Jaisalmer rises out of the Thar desert like a scene from Arabian Nights. It was built of sand stone in 1156. This fascinating medieval city is renowned for the magnificent sandstone palaces and forts. The hotel is comprised of three town houses built into the fort walls. The three terraces command magnificent views. The rooms are decorated with vibrant colours. This small boutique hotel is a charming place to stay in this ancient city. |
