The entrance to this hotel in the old town does not give the best impression, but fears are soon allayed once you see the hotel grounds. The reception area also does not help as it is extremely small and modest if you will, and doesn't fit at all with the rest of the hotel. These are some of the quirks this hotel has.
However, that said, this hotel is gorgeous and filled with history. We walked all around, studying all the photos on the palace walls, explored interior courtyards, walked the expansive and beautifully manicured lawn where you can take refreshments or play croquet. The pool is small but beautiful-located in an alcove surrounded by statues with a full length mirror on the back wall which further enhances its otherworldly appearance. We didn't have the opportunity to dip more than a hand in the pool but it looked very clean and the water was not cold.
Foodwise, there are two possibilities: the formal Swapna Mahal Restaurant where we ate once. it,s beautiful but my partner who really enjoys Indian food wasn't blown away by the food. The other food option is a coffee shop where there is all-day dining. I found the food adequate but for the most part, not memorable. I found the fixed meal times, outside of which the menu is quite limited, inconvenient at times. In the coffee shop, there is a glass case with cups signed by celebrities, mostly Indian, who have stayed at The Raj. Our waiter, and he was our waiter wherever we ate, Ghandsi, was wonderful. The restaurant manager was also great, always there to ensure that we got the best service. And by the way, breakfast was excellent.
In the evenings, there was a performance, on a stage set up on the lawn, featuring Indian percussion music and 3 female dancers. The young principal dancer danced with 5 pots piled on her head and was incredible.
Our room was spacious and comfortable so that we were happy to return each day. As for tv, don't expect CNN or the BBC but rather prepare yourself for Bollywood. It was an opportunity to become familiar with Bollywood films even if we didn't understand the language.
Another reviewer had mentioned free water, I too had been under the impression that a bottle of water was included each day but in the end we were charged for every bottle. This was something that I did notice at this hotel- there were little charges left, right and center, some of which I frankly didn't understand. The hotel shops were incredibly expensive, even for a hotel of this quality.
The hotel, upon our request, provided us with a car and an excellent driver who spoke English and was very knowledgeable re: the location of shops as well as sights we wanted to see. He also was very helpful, helping me up the steps of the Monkey Temple (I suffer from angina) and showing me how to act at the shrine.
If you want to spend time shopping and exploring the old town of Jaipur, this hotel is well located. Myself, I was a bit disappointed with the old town of Jaipur so in the end, probably would not have minded staying at a hotel such as the Rambaugh Palace outside of Jaipur.
Two of the three nights we spent at this hotel, there were no other guests so it felt a bit lonely and strange. I had the impression that perhaps the hotel was frequented more by Indians rather than foreigners. But the third day, a French tour group dropped by for lunch and in the evening, there were two other tourist couples.
Would I return to The Raj Palace, probably not. I found three days there too long. However, it is a special place filled with history and definitely worth a visit.