The Leela Palace Jaipur

We recommend the Leela Palace to travellers seeking an authentic Rajput palace without sacrificing modern comfort, couples on honeymoon or forty-somethings fond of Indian history and culture. Families find their place thanks to the spacious rooms and gardens, but the clientele remains predominantly adult, between safaris to Ranthambore and visits to the forts of Amber. It is an address for stays of three to five nights, with a private chauffeur to explore the region.

The palace opened in 2011 to designs by Hirsch Bedner Associates, who transposed 17th-century Mughal architecture into a contemporary building. Gilded copper domes, Jaipur pink sandstone arcades, frescoes hand-painted by local artisans, white Rajasthan marbles. Public spaces reach 8 metres in height, with crystal chandeliers and bespoke furniture inspired by royal palaces. The property comprises 200 rooms and suites across three floors, all with balcony or terrace overlooking the gardens.

Four venues at the Leela Palace. Le Cirque Signature serves contemporary Indian cuisine beneath a painted dome, with tasting menu and spice list. Mohan Mahal offers Italian cuisine in a room with mural frescoes, terrace open in the evening. The Sukh Mahal provides international cuisine in buffet style at breakfast, the Library Bar serves cocktails and single malts until midnight. Room service operates 24 hours, with full menu and silver-service delivery.

The palace sits in Kukas, on the NH11 highway linking Jaipur to Delhi, 15 km north of the historic centre. Amber Fort is a 20-minute drive, City Palace and Hawa Mahal 30 minutes depending on traffic. Jaipur International Airport lies 25 km away, a 35-minute journey, with free shuttle provided by the hotel. The neighbourhood is residential and quiet, ringed by arid hills, with no shops or restaurants nearby: plan for a chauffeur-driven car for all transfers.