The Scene
Located on a quiet stretch northeast of the city, Raffles Jaipur captures a feeling of exclusivity from the moment guests arrive through its massive wooden gates. The approach is grand, with guests arriving in a walled courtyard surrounded with marble columns draped in ivy — a reflection pool at its center. In the midst of Rajasthan’s frenetic capital, it feels like an oasis of cool serenity, with plenty rooted in the country’s heritage of rich spectacle. Think: a fleet of vintage cars on standby, the lilting of live flutes, and intricately engraved coasters under every drink. Ultimately, this is a true palace hotel — the embodiment of respite from the outside world.
The Proprietors
Founded in 1887, the Raffles brand began with its first property in Singapore, and has since become known for their grand gestures and theatrical strain of hospitality. The late 1990s gave way to its international expansion and in 2015, they became part of the Accor Group. While most known for their own signature flair, this latest project feels especially rooted in Rajasthani heritage. For example, guests can learn how to craft bangles from a traditional, local bangle-maker, watching expert hands soften strands of Lac, a natural resin, over gentle flame to form a perfect circle. The area’s musical influence is incorporated as well, with live performers staffed throughout the property. Though Raffles staples like the Writer’s Bar, afternoon tea, and fine pastries indeed exist, the emphasis here feels more rooted in the India of it all. This is also the second Raffles property in the country, following their 2021 opening in Udaipur, a popular Indian wedding destination — a languid, lakeside sibling to its more lively Jaipuri counterpart.
The Design
Despite being a new build, the property pays homage to historic design — inspired by Rajput, Mughal, and the region’s British colonial architecture. Nothing here is subtle or understated; every detail is hand-carved, sculpted, painted, or printed, awash in light, candied shades of creamy orange, blush pink, and periwinkle blue. Details include Italian marble inlays, curtains bearing the region’s iconic block printing, painted ceilings, and intricate metalwork light fixtures, all of which demand a second glance. The property is modeled after a sumptuous queen’s palace, which after visiting a few in the Old City, felt true to form. It’s an unabashedly maximalist space where a flurry of patterns and textures blend surprisingly harmoniously. Take their restaurant, Arkaa, where one may find a near absurdist alchemy of pattern play: a combination of leopard, striped, and floral prints (all in one!) upholstering the chairs. There’s an enormous attention to detail, measured across a palatial scale. It keeps the world feeling immersive and cohesive, rather than overwhelming. A favorite olfactory detail: The spa and Writers Bar carry the scent of Indian rose and neroli, a fragrance worth bathing in. Strongly consider finding a way to bring a bottle of this bespoke perfume back with you.
The Crowd
Well-dressed society women stopped by for afternoon tea service, while evenings see a mix of non-guests who come solely for the dining. With only 50 rooms, it never feels overly crowded. It’s too soon to give a deeper report on the crowd, but Raffles Jaipur appears to be catering to guests seeking a truly royal treatment, a competitive choice in a city known for its grandeur.
The Rooms
Every room here is indulgent, featuring a private outdoor water feature, from jacuzzis to dipping pools depending on price. Each room is south or southwest facing, so guests are treated to unspoiled views or secluded lounge areas. The Landmark rooms, the most entry level option, carry the same spirit of lavishness as the suites, offering a private balcony, ample seating, and freestanding bathtubs. The grandest, the Rajmata suite, is a sprawling 2,572 square feet with a steam room. Guests seeking a full pool should opt for a lower-level suite. Past that, there is diminishing value to upgrading. Despite, or maybe because of their opulence, the rooms still feel very cozy — the marble floors, tall ceilings, and metal detailing that could feel cold are softened by warm textiles, rugs, and drapery, in shades of easter egg pastel, and burnished florals. Of special note are the bathrooms, where all soaps and toiletries are produced locally and exclusively for the property. Additional room amenities, from embroidered robes to an engraved water cup, felt signature and luxe.
The Service
The service here is outstandingly warm and highly attentive, a reflection of the country’s approach to hospitality at large. Though only premier suites come with dedicated butlers, guests in other suites share floor butlers — a fitting arrangement for a city hotel where much time is spent off property exploring anyways. Raffles’ new “The Butler Did It” campaign puts a spotlight on their service offerings and the butler service does impress. After a day of sightseeing, guests might return to a surprise milk and neem bath or turmeric soak, accompanied by a selection of pastries from the hotel’s patisserie and handwritten notes from the staff. The ability to WhatsApp the butlers for anything from morning coffee service to ironing an evening’s outfit captures the Raffles style of hospitality: a little extravagant, but with an understanding of what truly elevates a stay. Execution is relatively seamless, with any mishaps easily chalked up to the newness of the property.
The Food & Drink
Arkaa, the North Indian restaurant in the lobby, offers strong options for every meal, with an emphasis on vegetarian dishes that showcase the region’s flavors. The tasting menu is a smart choice for a sample of everything. Dessert here deserves special attention, and anything with lavender or rose is not to be missed. Food presentation throughout matches the hotel’s style, with tableside chaat service (don't miss starting a meal with the gol gappa — five delicate, bite-sized shells filled with an array of broths, from cool mint to spiced garlic), frequent floral garnishes, and dishes served on engraved metal platters. For sunset views, head to the rooftop bar, framed by pillars, a dipping pool, and cozy cabanas — perfect for a cocktail before dinner.
The Writers Bar, a hallmark of Raffles, feels fittingly less moody here than at other locations, with sky-blue walls, a floor-to-ceiling library of over a thousand books, a wine cellar, and private event spaces. A tea in the atrium is a worthwhile treat for those with extra time, and locally sourced ingredients add a freshness to each meal, complemented by an Indian wine on the menu alongside global selections.
