Ladies and gentleman, I give you Diggi Palace, a heritage haveli hotel in Jaipur, India. Think of a true Maharaja Palace yet it’s affordable, charming and offers incredible food.I could sit for hours and just look at the most stunning table decor of floral prints, lime green and glorious pink; grown up, bohemian-inspired Indian textures and colours. The food was simple and light but so, so tasty – I ordered butter chicken twice and fell in love with each tender mouthful. I still imagine myself sitting there dipping my chapatti in the butter chicken with so much food happiness; a fond memory.
However, I would avoid the buffet as it was a little disappointing in both quality and variation of dishes. The restaurant customer service is personable if a little slow but the waiters will remember your order and serve with a smile. I highly recommend you visit Diggi Palace for dinner but arrive early so you settle with a drink (I enjoyed the hot ginger tea on a number of occasions), watch the resident puppet show and traditional dancing.
The architecture and traditional decor made Diggi Palace the most Instagram-worthy picture perfect hotel. You’ll walk through a magnificent archway on elegant tiles into an idyllic courtyard with tempting little seating areas calling you to just sit. Just sit and admire the view. I took away a list full of interior ideas including those gorgeous black and white tiles!
I should probably mention the hotel itself. We actually visited twice as we loved the hotel so much and stayed in different rooms. On arrival to the hotel we met with a slightly grumpy hotel manager but nonetheless, I liked him. The bell boys are amazing and will carry your heavy bags up the stairs to your room – do give them a tip, they deserve it!
The first room we stayed in was close to reception on the first floor with a view of the garden restaurant. The rooms are huge with separate sleeping and lounge areas and a large shower room. They are simple and could do with updating but clean and comfortable. Our second room was a little disappointing as it was tucked further away in the second courtyard and up three flights of stairs with no view but we still had a good night sleep.
This was our seating area outside the first room with views over reception courtyard and the garden restaurant at the far end. It was peaceful, relaxing and the most beautiful escape from our hectic Golden Triangle Tour. At only 5-10 minutes drive from the centre of Jaipur this is a lovely retreat and a good option to experience a true haveli hotel in India.
The breakfast is plentiful and there is an outdoor pool but I don’t think it is open to guests really, it’s more of a water fountain feature.
If you are looking for an affordable yet traditional hotel in Jaipur, do check out Diggi Palace, it’s honestly one of my favourite hotels from our trip to India. We booked through Hotels.com and you can also book via Expedia from £45 per night.
And if you stay elsewhere, please do go and experience the butter chicken, it’s heavenly melt-in-your-mouth good. This is not a goodbye but a ‘See you soon, Diggi Palace’ for I have to visit again in my lifetime.