Unveiling Udaipur's Hidden Gem: Khakhri Haveli Hotel's Royal Secrets
Unveiling Udaipur's Hidden Gem: Khakhri Haveli Hotel - Royal Secrets or Just Royal Mess? (My Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm back from Udaipur, and I've got the real scoop on the Khakhri Haveli Hotel. Forget those picture-perfect brochures, because this is the raw, unfiltered truth, warts and all. And trust me, there are some warts. Let's get this royal ramble started.
The Grand Entrance (And the "Accessibility" Gamble):
First things first, accessibility. Khakhri Haveli claims to be accessible, and they technically have an elevator (thank god, because I'm not scaling that mountain of stairs!), but… let’s just say it's more "suggestive" accessibility than a guarantee. The lobby's grand, with this crazy carved wood (like, really intricate), but maneuvering a wheelchair through the slightly wonky flagstones? Not ideal. So, a mixed bag. And I did spot a few Facilities for disabled guests, but assess them yourself because it’s a bit of a mixed bag.
Rooms: Royal Comfort (Mostly) and the Occasional Mystery Smell
My room? Magnificent. Seriously, the Air conditioning blasted cold air like a desert oasis, a godsend in the Udaipur heat! The Extra long bed was a dream, and the Blackout curtains were non-negotiable for my sleep schedule. They even had Bathrobes and Slippers, which made me feel incredibly fancy. Free bottled water – always a win. They also have: Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping (essential!), Desk, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN (Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Yes yes yes!), Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free] - major bonus!), Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window that opens. Basically, everything you'd expect and a bit more. HOWEVER… I did detect a slightly… peculiar aroma on one occasion. Could have been the spices, could have been… something else. Let's just say, it added a certain je ne sais quoi. They do have Room sanitization opt-out available - so maybe take that option!
Dining: A Culinary Adventure (with a Few Hiccups):
Alright, let's talk food! The Khakhri Haveli's got a decent spread. The Breakfast [buffet] was a solid start to the day. They had a Western breakfast in Restaurant, with eggs, bacon (a rare treat!), and toast. If you are feeling adventurous, try the Asian breakfast. And they had Asian cuisine in restaurant for lunch and dinner. The Coffee shop was a lifesaver for my caffeine addiction. And the Poolside bar? Perfect for sipping cocktails while pretending to care about my tan. I particularly enjoyed their Happy hour.
BUT, and this is a big BUT… the service was… variable. Sometimes lightning fast, other times… well, let's just say I had enough time to write a haiku while waiting for my soup.
I wanted to try some local Restaurants and explore the culture. I was happy to see: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Food safety: They take safety seriously, I saw a Sanitized kitchen and tableware items and staff wearing PPE.
Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams (Mostly):
Okay, the spa. This is where things elevated. They have a proper Spa/sauna setup. I opted for a Body scrub and Massage, and it was pure bliss. The Pool with view was stunning. The Sauna was perfect. They also offer Body wrap, Foot bath, Spa, Steamroom, and Swimming pool! What else can you ask for?
Things to do For relaxation, they have a Fitness center and Gym/fitness. For activities, they offer Swimming pool [outdoor].
Cleanliness and Safety: Pretty Damn Good!
Amidst all the grandness, I was thrilled to see a focus on cleanliness. They were on top of the Daily disinfection in common areas, and there were hand sanitizers everywhere. Good job guys! The food served was presented as Individually-wrapped food options, and they had Safe dining setup. And I was so happy to find: Professional-grade sanitizing services, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. I felt like they were taking it seriously.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "What on Earth?"
Alright, the services… this is a mixed bag. The Air conditioning in public area was appreciated. The Breakfast in room option was a nice touch. The Concierge was helpful, if a little overwhelmed at times. The Currency exchange was handy. The Daily housekeeping was a lifesaver (as I said!). The Elevator was a godsend. The Facilities for disabled guests were a bit vague, but I did spot a few. They also have these: Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and Meeting/banquet facilities.
The Doctor/nurse on call was a great option. The First aid kit was available. Hand sanitizer. Hot water linen and laundry washing. Hygiene certification. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
I would have been more excited with these: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
But then there was the Shrine… a very ornate, somewhat random shrine inside the hotel. It was… unexpected. And slightly unsettling.
Business Travelers: Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. On-site event hosting.
For the Kids:
Let’s see, they have Babysitting service, they are Family/child friendly, they have Kids facilities, and a Kids meal.
Getting Around & Other Essential Bits:
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
Security: Access, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms.
In-Room Tech: Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, **
Escape to Wisconsin Rapids: Hotel Mead's Unforgettable Getaway
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel brochure. We're diving headfirst into my Udaipur adventure, specifically at the Hotel Khakhri Haveli. Prepare for chaos, questionable decisions, and maybe, just maybe, some genuine moments of beauty.
Day 1: Arrival and a Date with a Sunrise (Mostly)
Time: 6:00 AM – WHAT WAS I THINKING?!
Event: Arriving at Udaipur Airport. It was actually pretty painless, surprisingly. But getting to the hotel… that's where the fun began. The driver, bless his heart, seemed to think we were on a rally race. I’m pretty sure I saw my life flash before my eyes a couple of times on those crazy Udaipur roads.
Location: Hotel Khakhri Haveli. Actually found the hotel pretty quick without any navigation. it’s a beaut, like, a postcard come to life. The courtyard, you guys! Absolutely dripping with charm. I swear, I was humming Bollywood tunes the moment I stepped inside.
Reaction: Euphoric! I’d been dreaming of seeing Rajasthan for years, so feeling so overwhelmed by the initial experience.
Impression: First impressions are everything, and this place nailed it.
Time: 6:30 AM – Attempting the sunrise view
Event: Woke up at the crack of dawn (or, rather, slightly after, thanks to that rally car ride) and somehow managed to drag myself onto the rooftop terrace.
Location: Khakhri Haveli rooftop, overlooking the lake (or supposed to be overlooking the lake)
Reaction: Disappointment! The sky was pretty, no doubt, but I was expecting some kind of golden hour spectacle. It was more like a slightly glowy grey.
Impression: Well, at least the air was fresh.
Time: 8:00 AM – BREAKFAST!
Event: Devouring a plate of something vaguely resembling Indian breakfast that tasted amazing, and the hotel was serving a buffet breakfast. It was a feast.
Location: Hotel Khakhri Haveli Dining Hall.
Reaction: Pure, unadulterated contentment. After the ridiculous early wake-up, I needed this. The fresh fruit juices were the real heroes.
Impression: A solid start to the day, food-wise. The staff were incredibly friendly, even at that ungodly hour.
Time: 9:00 AM – Actually exploring the Hotel
Event: Wandering around the hotel itself, getting lost in its maze-like corridors and admiring the intricate carvings and the beautiful inner courtyard.
Location: All corners of the Hotel Khakhri Haveli.
Reaction: I wanted to live there, seriously. The details! The little nooks and crannies! I even found a tiny balcony overlooking the street. It's the perfect place to sit with a cup of chai and watch the world go by.
Impression: This place is a mood. Full of character, and so much better than any sterile modern hotel.
Day 2: City of Lakes, City of Regrets? Stay Tuned!
Time: 10:00 AM – The City Palace (and a healthy dose of regret).
Event: Finally, venturing into the real Udaipur world. Taking a rickshaw to the City Palace.
Location: City Palace.
Reaction: I had my camera ready to snap pictures. The palace itself was magnificent, truly. But, honestly, it was a tad overwhelming. So many rooms, so many people, so much history! I started feeling a weird sense of… claustrophobia? And the crowds were intense. I spent a lot of time just trying not to bump into someone.
Impression: Beautiful, yes, but maybe not the most relaxing experience. Maybe I should have hired a guide?
Time: 1:00 PM - Lunch and Lake Pichola (Round Two)
Event: Finding a little cafe near Lake Pichola. Ordered some lunch, feeling a little fragile after the Palace experience.
Location: Little cafe near Lake Pichola.
Reaction: The food was okay. What really got to me were the views. I was gazing at the lake and trying to forget all my problems.
Impression: A much more pleasant experience.
Time: 3:00 PM - Shopping (and some really terrible decisions)
Event: Attempting to navigate the shopping streets.
Location: The bustling shopping streets near the lake.
Reaction: First, the fabrics. Oh, the fabrics! I wanted it all. Then came the bargaining. Which I am notoriously bad at. I feel that I got ripped off.
Impression: I'm pretty sure I could've gotten a better deal. Maybe I’ll stick to visiting the temples to spend my energy and money.
Time: 6:00 PM - Dinner at the Khakhri Haveli
Event: Dinner and planning for day three.
Location: Khakhri Haveli's Dining Hall
Reaction: Again, the food was so delicious. The hotel staff and general ambiance made it all so incredible.
Impression: Great way to end the day and start planning for more in Udaipur.
Day 3: The Road to "Chillaxation" (and Maybe a Bit of Culture)
Time: 9:00 AM – The Jagdish Temple.
Event: Visiting the Jagdish Temple.
Location: Jagdish Temple, Udaipur.
Reaction: I felt a sense of peace inside. Honestly, I’m not a temple person, but there was something about the atmosphere here.
Impression: A truly special place. I felt calm, and I realized I’d been rushing around a little too much.
Time: 12:00 PM – The Boat Ride (attempting chillaxation)
Event: Finally going on a boat ride on Lake Pichola.
Location: Lake Pichola.
Reaction: This was it. The moment I'd been waiting for, the reason I came. The views from the boat with the sun shining. The water shimmering.
Impression: One of the best things I have ever done! I was finally at peace.
Time: 3:00 PM – The Sunset
Event: Finding the perfect spot to witness the sunset over Lake Pichola.
Location: The rooftop of a little cafe.
Reaction: The sunset was the perfect way to say goodbye to Udaipur. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in all shades of orange and pink, I felt a wave of pure contentment wash over me.
Impression: Udaipur, you beautiful, chaotic, wonderful place. You got under my skin. I am already planning my return.
Time: 7:00 PM – Heading Home
Event: Saying goodbye to Udaipur and heading to the airport.
Location: Udaipur Airport.
Reaction: All the feelings. The trip was an emotional rollercoaster, I am grateful for the whole experience.
Impression: A trip to remember.
Okay, spill the tea! What *IS* Khakhri Haveli anyway? And why should I care?
Is it…actually *royal*? Like, are we talking real princes and princesses?
What about the rooms? Are they just…rooms? Or are they actually *good*?
Are the rooms clean? 'Cause I'm a bit of a clean freak…
Besides the gorgeous rooms, what else can I expect there? The pool, the spa...? Is there a pool?!
The rooftop restaurant... what's the food *really* like? And what about the service?
Is it in a good location? Easy to get around?
Is it noisy at night? I need my beauty sleep!
What are some things to do around Khakhri Haveli? Besides, you know, *existing*?
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