Hotel Lakend

Among Udaipur's many hotels, the Lakend falls somewhere in the middle of the pack. From the outside, it mimics the Rajasthani architecture found across this area, with grander palatial touches added as well. Decor inside is equally pleasant, with lots of tan marble and pops of turquoise, plus the curvilinear lines typical of Mughal and Rajasthani design. Everything is impeccably clean. The main appeal of a stay at this property is its setting, where lawns include an outdoor pool and terrace that front picturesque Lake Fateh Sagar. The vibe at the hotel tends to be quiet and relaxed, unless there’s an event taking place. Hotel Lakend is geared toward domestic travelers, and local weddings are big business here (that means lots of noise when they're taking place). It’s worth noting that the staff aren't the best at communicating in English, so this hotel is better suited to tourist families seeking cultural immersion. 

The location is the main draw at Hotel Lakend, which fronts Udaipur’s Lake Fateh Sagar. The area surrounding the hotel is a quiet residential neighborhood, and there are limited shopping, entertainment, and restaurant options within walking distance. The closest attraction is a local market, which is five minutes away by taxi. Udaipur's major tourist attractions -- including the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and Bagore Ki Haveli Museum -- can all be reached within a 10-minute drive. The train station is also a 10-minute drive away and reaching Udaipur's airport by car takes around 40 minutes.

Like the rest of the hotel, rooms at the Lakend have a largely brown palette, with hardwood floors and solid wood furniture. Splashes of color are provided via bold teal fabrics and teal-painted ceilings, which create a darker feel than necessary given that the rooms are a good size. There are some traditional touches to add character, like ornate headboards and framed prints, though the overall look is relatively modern. Amenities include air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs, but the hotel’s Wi-Fi signal isn't exactly reliable in the rooms. Minibars come with limited free soft drinks and bottled water, and they're refilled if you stay for more than two nights -- otherwise additional items are at a fee. Coffee- and tea-making facilities are said to be provided, although we didn’t spot any on our visit. Tiny marble bathrooms have bold feature walls plus walk-in showers and simple toiletries. There’s a choice of city-facing or lake-facing rooms (the latter are well worth the upgrade in our view), as well as a range of Suites that have a brighter color scheme and large balconies. However, these are smaller than many other suite category rooms in Udaipur.

The view is Hotel Lakend’s trump card; the gardens lead right to the edge of the lake, and views of the glistening waters can be enjoyed from the outdoor pool and wooden deck with its lakefront sun loungers. Indoors, The Urban Tadka serves up a North Indian and pan-Asian menu, and Frangipani by the Lake offers finger food and small plates. Room service is also available. An extensive buffet breakfast at The Urban Tadka is included in the rates -- previous guests recommend opting for the Indian dishes over poorer-quality Western items. Other features include a traditional spa specializing in ancient Ayurveda as well as Western techniques. Three treatment rooms include a couple’s room, an outdoor whirlpool, and a fitness room with cardio equipment. For younger guests, there’s a colorful little kids’ club with games and books. Wi-Fi is free in public areas and there are a couple of meeting rooms for business guests. Ample on-site parking is available free of charge.