My Magical 1-Night Getaway at Raffles Udaipur – A Slice of Heaven on an Island
If there’s one word to describe my experience at Raffles Udaipur, it’s dreamlike.
Nestled in the heart of Udai Sagar Lake, surrounded by the mighty Aravalli hills, Raffles Udaipur isn't just a luxury resort—it’s a private oasis of calm, culture, and indulgence. My one-night stay in May 2025 was short, but it was packed with moments I’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Arrival – The Journey Begins Even Before Check-In
The experience begins 20 minutes before you even step onto the island. After a scenic drive through Udaipur’s countryside from Maharana Pratap Airport, I arrived at Raffles Lakeshore, the resort’s private arrival terminal. Greeted by the ever-courteous Raffles butlers, I was smoothly escorted onto a luxurious electric boat. As the boat glided over the placid Udai Sagar Lake with views of the palace looming in the distance, I could feel the weight of the world lifting off my shoulders.
A Warm Welcome – Raffles Style
On arrival, I was welcomed with traditional Rajasthani music, cold towels, and a refreshing drink at the majestic Great Hall—a picture-perfect space that deserves its own Instagram series. As an Accor Gold member, I was delighted to receive a complimentary room upgrade to a lake-facing sanctuary that overlooked golden sunsets and lush gardens.
The Room – Luxury That Whispers, Not Shouts : Signature Lakeshore
My 60 sqm room was the perfect blend of elegance and comfort. The colonial-style bathtub, rain shower, and walk-in wardrobe felt like indulgences straight out of a royal memoir. The bespoke furniture, mood lighting, and lake views all created a serene cocoon that I didn’t want to leave.
One tip—don’t skip the bubble bath!
Dining – Culinary Journeys Curated for the Soul
Food at Raffles Udaipur isn’t just a necessity, it’s an experience. Dinner at Rasoi, their signature Indian restaurant, was an authentic Rajasthani affair—spicy, flavorful, and beautifully plated. From the mewari dal to the different type of rotis, every dish was a tribute to the royal kitchens of Mewar.
Breakfast the next morning was a lavish buffet spread—think flaky croissants, fresh juices, South Indian classics, and made-to-order dosa—all served with smiles that felt truly heartfelt.
Activities – From Culture to Adventure
Even with just a night’s stay, I squeezed in as much as possible:
The Writers Bar: A charming old-world bar with a rich book collection and crafted cocktails.
Evening Aarti: A spiritual diya-lighting ritual by the lake, followed by a mesmerizing folk dance performance.
Kids Tent: Though I was traveling with family, I couldn’t help but admire their air-conditioned kids’ area—equipped with books, video games, a trampoline, slides in a ball pit, and more.
Outdoor Activities: Zip-lining, lawn tennis, and archery are available for those looking for some adrenaline.
Service – The Raffles Butler Legacy Lives On
The butler service here deserves a standing ovation. Whether it was a late-night tea request, assistance with exploring the property, or turndown service, the team was always attentive, never intrusive. A special shoutout to Arati from the hospitality team whose warm demeanor added that extra sparkle to our stay.
The Only Catch – A Note on Room Categories
A word of caution for future travelers: Raffles Udaipur has recently added Lakeshore Suites at the arrival terminal, separate from the main island. Some guests have mistakenly been booked into these rooms without realizing they're not on the island itself. While they're still luxurious, the overall experience can differ significantly. So, if you’re planning a stay here, call the hotel and confirm if your room is on the island.
How I Booked It for Free
I redeemed 18,000 Accor All points for 1 night. Value of 1 Accor all point is 1.8 INR. Revenue rate for this property was 34k approx.
Most of these points came from my Axis Atlas credit card.
Accor All Gold Status Benefits
Staying at Raffles Udaipur as an Accor ALL Gold member comes with a range of exclusive perks that elevate your luxury experience even further:
1. Complimentary Welcome Drink Vouchers
You'll receive a welcome drink voucher for each guest per room.
The vouchers can be redeemed at the iconic Writers bar located in the Great Hall.
Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included.
Important tip: Check operational hours, if bar opens post-afternoon, so if you're on a 1-night stay, be sure to redeem your vouchers on the day of check-in, as it might be closed the next morning.
2. Early Check-in & Late Check-out Options
Gold members enjoy priority for early check-in or late check-out, subject to availability.
I personally took advantage of early check-in, as I reached around 1 PM, ahead of the standard 3 PM check-in time.
3. Priority Welcome & In-Room Amenity
Expect a warm, personalized welcome at check-in.
A thoughtful welcome amenity is also placed in your room — a subtle but appreciated gesture.
4. Member Rate Discounts
As a Gold member, you get access to exclusive discounted rates not available to general bookings.
5. Bonus Reward Points
Earn bonus ALL reward points on your stay, helping you reach higher tiers or redeem free nights faster.
6. Complimentary Room Upgrade
Gold members can get room upgrade subject to availability, I had booked Flamingo Room which is base category room,I got upgraded to Lakeshore room.
Final Thoughts – Worth Every Rupee and Every Second
From the boat ride to the soulful cultural performances and the stunning room that whispered luxury in every detail, Raffles Udaipur is a destination in itself. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a family bonding trip, or celebrating a special occasion, this island retreat guarantees serenity, beauty, and timeless memories.
Would I return? In a heartbeat.
Quick Tips for Your Visit:
Book via the Accor ALL app to enjoy member privileges like upgrades and early check-ins.
Confirm your room’s location (island vs Lakeshore) in advance.
Don’t miss the evening Aarti and cultural show.
The Writers Bar is perfect for a quiet drink and introspection.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to Raffles Udaipur or plan to visit!
Until next time—travel well, travel slow
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