Iconic hotel brand Raffles has announced the opening of Raffles Jaipur on July 8 — the second to open in the Indian subcontinent.
The first, Raffles Udaipur, opened in 2021. Both hotels are located in Rajasthan, a state in northwestern India known for its stunning forts and historic palaces, such as the Hawa Mahal.
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, earned its colorful nickname after its buildings were painted pink as a sign of hospitality to a visiting English monarch in 1876.
Raffles Jaipur features 50 rooms and suites, each different in layout and decor, according to a press release announcing the hotel’s opening.
Inside the hotel
The hotel has nine levels of rooms and suites, each with butler service and balconies equipped with an outdoor bathtub or plunge pool.
The hotel’s original “Landmark Rooms” are 70 square meters (753 square feet) and can accommodate two people, according to hotel website.
Raffles Jaipur’s original Landmark Room features handcrafted art and carpets woven in Jaipur.
Source: Perowne International
Suites at the hotel include a separate living area and range from the 807-square-foot Junior Suite to the 2,572-square-foot Rajmata Presidential Two Bedroom Suite which has a swimming pool, hammam and kitchenette.
Royal Suite Maharani features a temperature-controlled outdoor pool and private garden.
Source: Perowne International
Hand-carved sandstone columns, patterned marble floors and a furnished Mughal deck in the hotel courtyard.
The courtyard of Raffles Jaipur.
Source: Perowne International
Prices at Raffles Jaipur start at INR 45,000 ($539).
Dinner at the hotel
The original Raffles Hotel, Raffles Singapore, famously introduced the Singapore Sling in 1915.
Raffles Jaipur has its own version of the drink, the pink-hued Jaipur Sling, made with Indian dry gin and orange liqueur. Served in the Writers Bar, one of the hotel’s two bars.
Raffles Jaipur’s Writers Bar has a wine cellar accessible via a spiral staircase.
Source: Perowne International
A second bar, Sehara, is located on the hotel’s rooftop and serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes, according to the press release.
Guests can dine at Arkaa, a progressive North Indian restaurant, where breakfast is also served.
Arkaa at Raffles Jaipur serves progressive plant-based dishes from Northwest India.
Source: Perowne International
Afternoon tea is served daily in the Safir Atrium Tea & Champagne Lounge. Tea foods are served on carts along with loose leaf teas and tea-based whiskey cocktails.
Safir serves traditional afternoon tea and tea-based cocktails.
Source: Perowne International
Raffles Jaipur houses a 6,674 sq ft spa featuring hot and cold mineral pools and individual yoga and meditation sessions.
A small pool in one of the hotel’s spa rooms.
Source: Perowne International
The hotel is planning an Artisan Trail later this year, which will allow guests to observe Rajasthani artisans at work.
Binny Sebastian is the general manager of Raffles Jaipur. He joined Raffles Hotels & Resorts in December 2023, following stints at Taj, Alila and Six Senses hotels in Asia.
Raffles Jaipur is the 22nd Raffles hotel in the world, following the opening of Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain in January.
Two more Raffles hotels are set to open this year: Raffles Sentosa in Singapore and Raffles Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
