Guest User
February 27, 2024
We diverted from our planned route in order to stay at the Udai Bilas Palace hotel on the strong recommendation of the travel agent. In terms of location it was simply perfect. A temple shimmered in the lake in front of the palace and clearly money has been invested to provide everything you could possibly want, including a beautiful swimming pool. We were thrilled to arrive until we were shown to our rooms. My room was up a very steep set of uneven stone steps which was a challenge for me in the light of severe mobility issues. The room was a bit of a squeeze but was just about acceptable, even though it was in an annex, hard to access and not what we had been promised. My friend however was given a room that would have been better suited to being a broom cupboard. The bed was a single 'orphan' iron bedstead, straight from Jane Eyre, and the bedside table was in the middle of the floor as the room was too tiny to accommodate it. Shower curtains served as interior decor for the prison like windows and the balcony was a health and safety hazard. What was most disappointing was the response of the manager when we pointed out that this was not what we had been sold. His tone was hectoring. He bullied , he shouted and he blustered. The truth was that he had sold out every room to accommodate a party of 40 people and we were collateral damage. The day was ruined for us and when eventually a room was miraculously found for my friend at 8 30 at night, it was too late. We had been treated very shabbily and it just isn't what you expect in 5 star establishments in India. The owner has created a hangar bar with a real aeroplane and a themed dining area. He has created an amazing bar at the end of the huge barn full of vintage cars. There is a beautiful organic vegetable garden and the staff were keen to be helpful and kind. However, all of this is pointless if the manager in charge is ready to bully single female travellers and willing to sacrifice their well being in the interests of a better booking.