The Oberoi Udaivilas
Udaipur

Oberoi Udaivilas has one of Ampersand's Top 10 Swimming Pools

Built on the tranquil shores of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas commands one of the most iconic locations in Udaipur, with uninterrupted views of both the shimmering Lake Palace and the majestic City Palace. Inspired by the grand Mewari palaces of Rajasthan, this opulent property is a showcase of traditional architecture and contemporary refinement.

Designed by acclaimed hotel architect Bill Bensley, Udaivilas is widely considered one of his most accomplished works. The hotel is an elegant maze of domes, turrets, reflecting pools and sweeping colonnades, all anchored by manicured gardens and courtyards alive with fountains and bougainvillea. Interiors are bright, refined and tastefully understated, with spacious bedrooms and suites offering a high level of comfort. For the best lake views and added privacy, we recommend booking one of the rooms or suites with private or semi-private pools, these offer a particularly special stay. While the other rooms are equally well-appointed and enjoy peaceful garden settings, they don’t all offer the same lakeside atmosphere.

One of the true highlights of Udaivilas is its spectacular main pool. Curving gracefully around the palace architecture and flanked by lush lawns and the lake beyond, it’s a perfect place to relax after a day exploring the city. Recline on a shaded daybed under a signature Oberoi parasol with a chilled drink in hand, it’s the kind of blissful escape Udaipur is known for.

Throughout the property, pops of colour from hand-painted murals in Oberoi’s signature pink and blue, and flowering bougainvillea add vibrancy to the serene elegance. This sophisticated atmosphere is immediately apparent in the grand lobby, where the welcome is warm and unmistakably Oberoi.

The hotel offers a range of ways to unwind: take part in a lakeside yoga session, book a treatment at the luxurious spa with panoramic lake views, or enjoy a workout in the well-equipped gym. Every detail is designed to balance relaxation with indulgence.

Dining is a standout experience at Udaivilas. The hotel is home to three restaurants: Udaimahal, Suryamahal and Chandni, each offering a mix of Indian and Western cuisine in settings that range from elegant indoor spaces to open-air terraces. For something more special, private dining can be arranged; from a romantic dinner under a candlelit dome to an unforgettable lunch onboard a boat drifting across Lake Pichola.

As expected with Oberoi, the service is exceptional; discreet, thoughtful and delivered with genuine warmth. Whether you’re here for a romantic retreat, a cultural adventure or a little of both, a stay at The Oberoi Udaivilas is always an experience to remember.

I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad.
George Bernard Shaw