FizzicJim
Google
Second leg of a trip from Agra, on to Jaipur where we wanted to experience a more ‘homely’ stay. From the website and reviews, Samode Haveli looked ideal. It was within the old town walls to give a local experience, but had the look of a regal and extensive home. The place itself had immense character and was a sight worth staying for.||Arrival had us escorted to a quaint drawing room with ornate decoration, comfortable, antique-style furniture and lots of fascinating, old edition books. Check-in was conducted whilst we enjoyed this space, and an overview of the ‘hotel’ provided by a staff member.||The Haveli consists of a myriad of courtyard rooms, passageways with more rooms, and a section containing the pool, a bar, changing rooms and spa, on the way to the dining room and another bar. Met en route by a security guard ‘shooting’ a rifle to scare off monkeys! Near reception, a courtyard bar looks over a lovely space shared by the main reception and a few boutique shops.||Overall, a lovely environment unexpected within the city walls and an island away from the hustle and bustle on the streets.||The staff were overall attentive and pleasant, in a way adding to the homelier feeling that contrasts with what we might expect when staying in more well-known, international hotels. With few other guests during our stay, it did feel as if there were too many staff loitering around with not enough to do, though.||Good selection of local food on the menu. We enjoyed a GnT at the poolside bar, although not allowed to sit in the jacuzzi with the drink, so had to walk over to the table and return to jacuzzi or pool between sips.||Second morning breakfast offered a contracted choice with no hot buffet choice. However, staff were obliging in providing for requests that were not set out and not specified on the menu.||Minor irks that can be addressed to help the hotel improve further: No small spoons for yoghurt on table or near the yoghurts. Grabbed the spoon from my coffee saucer - there’s always a solution!||We went with a hotel-organised 4-hour city tour plus guide and car. Was a great way to see the city and main sights. Just be warned, it is the norm for tour guides to divert to commercial stores (fabrics, gemstones) where owners will give some spiel about the craft, and then try to sell wares, often at ‘tourist-friendly’ yet inflated costs (with the tour guide receiving a commission).||Our guide was pleasant, knowledgable. The diversion to stores is seen as their livelihood, although for us, the collusion and tourist prices are unfair on the other stores who could benefit from passing trade. Often it is best to take a walk along the bazaars and negotiate significantly better deals with regular store owners. It might still be more than a local pays, but significantly less than the tourist traps.||Glad to see another hotel that does not encourage individual tipping of staff, but a collective tip at the end of the stay that is shared amongst staff. Note, this apparently does not apply to a tour guide (even if organised via the hotel) and the driver of the hotel-branded car.
