Rajasthan - Devi Garh
Spring 2008
Frank's view 
'ticks almost every box'
Elizabeth Hurley put Devi Garh on the front pages of the world’s press in February 2007 when it became the central venue for her wedding entourage as it toured India. Although she didn’t marry here, (the ceremony was in Jaipur) she, and her husband, Arun Nayar, took over the entire hotel (39 suites) for the best part of a week.
The paparazzi camped in the village below, which must have caused great amusement for the people of Delawra who, no doubt, ensured the photographers contributed generously to their prosperity.
Devi Garh is an 18th Palace Fortress, which was in a decrepit state when it was acquired by Boutique Hotels, who restored the building and converted it into a luxury hotel.
The hotel talks a great deal of social responsibility and its commitment to the local community. It is fascinating to look down on village homes from the terraces or balconies of the hotel and watch the people go about their normal daily work and chores. Villagers and children waved to us suggesting that hotel and village do indeed enjoy a good relationship.
Devi Garh is a fascinating maze of rooms, courtyards and narrow staircases. Each step climbed brings a new discovery of ancient India. There are several lounges and a number of stunning small rooms which may be booked for private dining. However, these are very often booked well in advance so last minute reservations are unlikely. It’s best to ask when you book your suite.
The marble swimming pool is vast and would make a fabulous infinity pool if it were slightly restructured. It is surrounded by huge loungers, wide enough for an intimate couple. Depending upon which pool attendant is on duty, you may or may not be charged 100Rps for a bottle of water.
Devi Garh operates a tipping policy whereby 5% is added to your bill at the end of your stay, and this amount is distributed between all the staff. It totally removes the clamour for tips that exists in most Indian hotels where guests are constantly under pressure to find rupees.
The suites are all large, light and well equipped. The bathrooms have two wash basins, a large walk in shower and huge marble bath. However, the air conditioning in our suite was noisy and not for light sleepers.
The hotel Internet access is fully wireless and, refreshingly, it is free. It worked very efficiently.
The bar was probably this camel’s favourite venue. Sipping a cocktail on the terrace, this is the place to be as the sun sinks into the Aravali hills.
Devi Garh’s restaurant produced very good food from both East and West, but the inside ambience was unappealing. Our preference was lunch in the shade of the bar, and dinner on the restaurant balcony.
Laundry is inexpensive and fantastic. If only people back home could do as good a job. Toiletries are also very good. Indian hotels do not, as a rule offer much in the way of sunscreen, so bring your own.
The Devi Garh brochure claims that the hotel ‘creates a new image of India for the 21st Century’. It certainly is a fabulously different hotel and is perfect for a two night stay as part of a visit to Udaipur.
Devi Garh
Delawra
Rajasthan
+91 2953 289 211
http://www.deviresorts.com/
The paparazzi camped in the village below, which must have caused great amusement for the people of Delawra who, no doubt, ensured the photographers contributed generously to their prosperity.
Devi Garh is an 18th Palace Fortress, which was in a decrepit state when it was acquired by Boutique Hotels, who restored the building and converted it into a luxury hotel.
The hotel talks a great deal of social responsibility and its commitment to the local community. It is fascinating to look down on village homes from the terraces or balconies of the hotel and watch the people go about their normal daily work and chores. Villagers and children waved to us suggesting that hotel and village do indeed enjoy a good relationship.
Devi Garh is a fascinating maze of rooms, courtyards and narrow staircases. Each step climbed brings a new discovery of ancient India. There are several lounges and a number of stunning small rooms which may be booked for private dining. However, these are very often booked well in advance so last minute reservations are unlikely. It’s best to ask when you book your suite.
The marble swimming pool is vast and would make a fabulous infinity pool if it were slightly restructured. It is surrounded by huge loungers, wide enough for an intimate couple. Depending upon which pool attendant is on duty, you may or may not be charged 100Rps for a bottle of water.
Devi Garh operates a tipping policy whereby 5% is added to your bill at the end of your stay, and this amount is distributed between all the staff. It totally removes the clamour for tips that exists in most Indian hotels where guests are constantly under pressure to find rupees.
The suites are all large, light and well equipped. The bathrooms have two wash basins, a large walk in shower and huge marble bath. However, the air conditioning in our suite was noisy and not for light sleepers.
The hotel Internet access is fully wireless and, refreshingly, it is free. It worked very efficiently.
The bar was probably this camel’s favourite venue. Sipping a cocktail on the terrace, this is the place to be as the sun sinks into the Aravali hills.
Devi Garh’s restaurant produced very good food from both East and West, but the inside ambience was unappealing. Our preference was lunch in the shade of the bar, and dinner on the restaurant balcony.
Laundry is inexpensive and fantastic. If only people back home could do as good a job. Toiletries are also very good. Indian hotels do not, as a rule offer much in the way of sunscreen, so bring your own.
The Devi Garh brochure claims that the hotel ‘creates a new image of India for the 21st Century’. It certainly is a fabulously different hotel and is perfect for a two night stay as part of a visit to Udaipur.
Devi Garh
Delawra
Rajasthan
+91 2953 289 211
http://www.deviresorts.com/
Be Frank: agree or disagree? What do you think?
