Fateh Prakash Palace

At the entrance to Fateh Prakash, it’s difficult to know which way to look -- in one direction lies glistening Lake Pichola; in the other is a 19th-century royal palace. Unlike other hotels that are simply a palace by name, Fateh Prakash is truly royal. Formerly part of the court of Mewar and done in traditional Mewari style, the hotel oozes royal charm and retains many of the original period features from its glory days. This includes plenty of gilded surfaces and portraits of the royal family. One of the loveliest spaces here is the galley, where pastel-cushioned window seats provide spectacular views of Lake Pichola. Though the history is fascinating, the busy and dated decor may a bit much for some -- the vintage floral details in the lobby adorn sofa fabrics, rugs, and even the ceiling. On our visit, we noted musty smells in the elevators and hallways. The hotel draws mostly mature tourist couples with a keen interest in history, as well as business travelers making use of the grand ballrooms.

The Fateh Prakash Palace has a privileged location inside the City Palace complex -- Udaipur’s top tourist site -- fronting Lake Pichola. It shares the complex with another hotel, Shiv Niwas Palace, as well as the residence of the royal family. Security is understandably high. Udaipur was built and developed around the City Palace, so the hotel's location means guests are at the heart of the city. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby. Golf carts are available to take guests around the city palace complex, and Jagdish Temple and the Bagore Ki Haveli Museum can both be reached in a 10-minute walk. The train station is about a 10-minute drive away, while Udaipur's airport can be reached in around 40 minutes.

The decor in the spacious suites isn’t as opulent as is found elsewhere in the hotel, though it's pleasant enough and a nice step up from some of the plainer lower-category hotels around town. The aesthetic here includes shiny marble floors, white walls, period dark wood furniture, and pastel fabrics. Some of the artwork once adorned the walls of the royal family’s home. Previous guests comment on how tired the rooms are looking and there are visible signs of wear and tear, with scuffs to the furniture and rust in the bathrooms. Mod cons include air-conditioning, TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Basic coffee- and tea-making facilities are provided, as are simple minibars. Bathrooms vary between the two room types. Dove Cote Rooms have dated marble bathrooms with claw-foot tubs and over-bath rainfall shower. Bathrooms in the Dove Cote Premier Suites feel more modern, with separate tubs and walk-in showers. All have wall-mounted hairdryers and toiletries. The other differences between the two room categories are the seating areas. Dove Cote Rooms have open-plan three-piece seating areas and deep window seats, whereas the plusher Dove Cote Premier Suites come with seating areas that can be closed off with heavy drapes, plus large balconies with gorgeous lake views. 

Fateh Prakash Palace has many features fitting of a royal home, helping the hotel maintain its upscale status despite rooms that are looking a little worse for wear. The Sunset Terrace restaurant has tables out on the terrace for stunning views over Lake Pichola, live musicians for atmosphere, and an all-day international menu. Breakfast is served here, though it's not included in standard rates. There’s also the Surya Darshan Bar for drinks and afternoon tea. Leisure facilities include an outdoor pool with a handful of sun loungers and a spa. One of the more unusual features here is the Crystal Gallery -- the largest private collection in the world, with crystal objects from dinner sets to a crystal bed. For corporate guests, there’s a convention center with several meeting rooms, a grand ballroom complete with chandeliers, and a conference hall. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Limited on-site parking is available at a fee. Golf carts are available to take guests around the city palace complex. Guests also have access to the bars and restaurants at the palace’s other hotel, Shiv Niwas, and Jagmandir Island Palace, which is located on its own island.