We dined for lunch at their main restaurant.

Yes, the service is impeccable, and yes the setting is gorgeous ..... but you better be very rich, or on business expenses, and a good actor.

We were staying in a nearby hotel, and had an empty few hours, so decided to find out if the lofty reputation was well deserved :

1. The gardens are stunning
2. The decoration and quality is of palace standard
3. You will be treated like royalty.

But ....

4. You better be rich, or pretend to be rich, because everybody there is dripping in designer clothes, and looking around to see if you rank above or below them. After a couple hours this can become quite unnerving.

If you are not somebody, you better be a good actor, as almost everybody else there is somebody.

If you are not a captain of industry, nor famous, then good luck trying to keep your act going.

Summary - dazzling, but extremely pretentious. Is that you?

My wife and I travel a great deal. We have stayed in the finest hotels all over the world. We have occasionally said of a hotel, "This is one of the best in the world."
We have never before been able to say "This is the best hotel in the world." But we now can say, "The Oberoi Udaivilas is THE BEST HOTEL IN THE WORLD."
Thank you for your hospitality, the wonderful experience we have had here and the treasured memories of India that you helped create.
Jacqueline and Barry Panter, MD

Outstanding service, Great rooms, fabulous food, beautiful hotel with a great view of the lake.

Well I can't think of anything that I would ask more from this hotel. The staff goes out of their way to make sure you get what you want.

Truly amazing hotel and well deserving of the top resort hotel of the world badge !