The Leela Palace Jaipur

The place looks beautiful, but our stay was deeply disappointing. We booked a villa with a plunge pool, yet were first given an old room with a dusty pool. When we asked to be moved, they told us to inspect another room first and decide whether we wanted it. It took two hours to get the villa we’d originally booked, and I had my eight-month-old baby with me. Dinner was below average, easily the worst food I’ve had on my many trips to Jaipur over the past ten years. I’ve stayed at Trident, Itc rajputana, Le meridien, Fairmont, Hyatt, Clarks, and Radisson. Fairmont’s food was ultimate, and this was worse than all of them. Service at dinner was poor, too. My sister asked a server to bring bread and daal together since the bread was taking a while. He bluntly told her to get the daal from the buffet because it was part of it, though he eventually brought both. It soured our mood. Later, the manager kindly offered ghevar as compensation, but that didn’t erase the experience. We heard staff being told they shouldn’t send guests to fetch buffet food like that and should offer something instead. Thank goodness we taught them some manners. Jitansh did help us get the original villa and made things a little better. I’d booked Fairmont, which is exceptional, but tried somewhere new and was disappointed. I won’t try another Leela hotel. This one can be skipped for life.

The service deserves six stars if I could give them. Staff were kind, helpful, courteous, and attentive to every request, and we felt truly welcome. The property itself is peaceful and elegant, with impressive Indian-style interiors, a large inviting pool, and spacious, comfortable rooms. Ours had an outdoor patio with a huge bed and a fountain, a lovely detail. Meals were memorable, from regional Indian dishes to simple mango or bread and butter at the Peacock Lounge. Even those basics tasted incredible. Dinner at Jamavar restaurant at The Leela Palace was an extraordinary meal, and I’d recommend it to everyone. The spa was also enjoyable, with a jacuzzi, two kinds of sauna, massages, and treatments. We only wish we’d stayed longer. An extra day in Jaipur just to enjoy the place would have been worthwhile. A very positive, memorable visit.

Sandeep was the standout for us. He drove us in his BMW 5 seater, checked that the temperature and ride were comfortable, and shared useful knowledge of the local area and shops. With his help we felt safe. He was also our security contact, tour guide, and adviser, and just an amazing soul. Please ask for him. We’ll return for the Taj Experience with Sandeep, and even just to say hello. Thanks, Sandeep. The staff were engaging and couldn’t do enough for us. Each time we entered the secure gates, Sandeep welcomed us. The restaurant food was finger licking good, and the chef came out to check on us. Kahal Paneet and the other spa staff were pleasant. Leela Palace was clean and comfortable, with great hygiene everywhere. A royal experience.

Pankhuri, my butler, was kind, professional, attentive, and always ready to help. Dev from the Concierge Team was generous and provided excellent service, as did my driver Ashka, whose courteous professionalism made for one of my best service experiences. He’s a real asset to the hotel. The property is beautiful, my room was lovely, and there were plenty of activities. Staff were warm and attentive. Two things were disappointing: my clothes came back from laundry smelling unpleasant, even after they were washed again. The staff tried to help, but never fully fixed it. And the signature massage at the spa was a waste of time and money, far below what I expected from a hotel at this level. Still, the hotel has a wonderful atmosphere and excellent service overall.