RAAS Jodhpur: India's Most Luxurious Desert Escape?
RAAS Jodhpur: Is This Desert Dream Really Worth the Hype? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, let's be real. When you google "luxury escape in India," RAAS Jodhpur pops up, and your jaw literally drops. The pictures? Unreal. That iconic sandstone facade against the blue city? Instagram gold. But is it all just smoke and mirrors? I'm here to spill the chai (and the truth) on my experience. Buckle up, buttercups, because this is gonna be a rollercoaster.
First Things First: Getting There & Getting In (Accessibility & Conveniences)
Finding RAAS actually wasn't too painful. Jodhpur airport's pretty manageable (and they offer airport transfers - major convenience!), and the hotel handled everything seamlessly. Now, here's a thing: I'm not in a wheelchair, but I do appreciate thoughtful design. And RAAS? They've got it. Facilities for disabled guests are clearly a priority. Elevators (thank god!), ramps, and accessible rooms are available. I'm talking proper consideration, not just a token ramp slapped on the front door. Also, the 24-hour front desk, concierge, and valet parking are lifesavers after a long journey. This is luxury, folks. They're anticipating your needs before you even know you have them.
Internet & Tech: Bless Their Hearts (Mostly)
Okay, Wi-Fi. This is where my love/hate relationship with any hotel begins. RAAS says "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and they mostly deliver. I had a few blips (like, you know, needing to actually connect sometimes), but overall, decent connection speed. I mean, I could upload my Insta stories without wanting to throw my phone. Internet access - LAN is also available if you're old-school (or need a seriously stable connection for work, which I didn't…shh!).
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Squeaky Clean (and Safe!)
This is HUGE, especially post-global-pandemic. RAAS takes cleanliness seriously. They're all over the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I felt safe. They even have Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. The staff are trained in safety protocols. They have CCTV in common areas, Fire extinguisher in the room, Smoke alarms. The hotel are clearly using Sterilizing equipment everywhere. I appreciate all these things, especially Safe dining setup and their Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. The Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit and the Security [24-hour] made me feel secure. They even offered Room sanitization opt-out available. It's all about those details, right? Made me feel really safe. They've clearly put in the work.
The Rooms: Sandstone Dreams & Blackout Bliss
Alright, let's talk about the rooms. My room was…wow. I had a non-smoking room. Gorgeous. Seriously. The exposed sandstone architecture is breathtaking. Blackout curtains? Essential. I’m a light sleeper, so these were a godsend. The Air conditioning worked perfectly. I had a bathtub big enough to swim in. Bathrobes, slippers, toiletries, the works. A private bathroom is a must for me and I got one. The Complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker (crucial for that morning caffeine fix) and the mini bar was a nice touch. I had a refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, and of course, Wi-Fi [free]. There were little details: a reading light, an alarm clock, even an umbrella. Okay, I might have taken a few (ahem, many) pictures. It was just so beautiful. The safe box and in-room safe box made me feel secure, but honestly, I wasn't really worried – the place felt incredibly secure.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Food glorious food! (And Drinks!)
Right, this is where RAAS really shined. I'm a bit of a foodie, and I was not disappointed. The Restaurants are stunning. There’s a fantastic Asian cuisine in restaurant and a Western cuisine in restaurant! I had both! The Breakfast [buffet] was INSANE. Everything you could possibly want, from the usual (eggs, bacon, and so on), to local specialties. I loved the Asian breakfast, although the Western breakfast was great as well. I got Breakfast in room several times, which was amazing. The à la carte menu was just as good. The Poolside bar is a must! I highly recommend the cocktails at Happy hour. There's a snack bar for light bites, and there’s coffee/tea in restaurant, and I enjoyed a good deal of Salad in restaurant. I indulged in desserts in restaurant more than I should admit! The Bottle of water was constantly replenished. So, yeah, food was a highlight.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Time and Relaxation Heaven
This is where RAAS REALLY delivers on the "escape" promise. Okay, the swimming pool… unreal. The Pool with view overlooking the city is just… wow. And the spa? HEAVEN. I spent an afternoon at the Spa, had a massage, Body scrub and a body wrap. I felt like a new person. They have a sauna and a steamroom. I wasn't particularly in to spending time in the Fitness center or in a Gym/fitness, but I did try to use the Foot bath. Even if you’re not into the traditional spa stuff, there are plenty of options for relaxation. The terrace is perfect for relaxing. I spent a lot of time just wandering around the grounds, soaking up the atmosphere.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
RAAS nails the "convenience" game. Daily housekeeping is on point. Luggage storage is available if you need it. They have laundry service and dry cleaning. I also found the currency exchange and cash withdrawal options super helpful.
For the Kids: Family Friendly (Maybe?!)
I didn't travel with kids, but I saw families around. RAAS is listed as Family/child friendly, and they do offer Babysitting service and Kids meal. I can’t speak to how good the facilities are from personal experience, but they seem to cater well to children.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Getting to the airport, and around Jodhpur, is easy. Airport transfer is available. They also offer Taxi service and Valet parking.
The Minor Imperfections (Because Nothing's Perfect)
Okay, I can't pretend everything was flawless. There were a few minor hiccups: The Wi-Fi sometimes flaked out, the prices are definitely on the higher end (but hey, it's luxury!), and sometimes, the service felt a tiny bit… over-attentive. But these were minor annoyances compared to the overall experience. Also the hotel chain that it is, means that there are some downsides to the fact that the hotel can't be as personal or quirky.
The Verdict: Is RAAS Jodhpur Worth It?
YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, yes. If you're looking for a luxurious desert escape, a place to truly unwind, and you’re willing to splurge a little, RAAS Jodhpur is worth every penny. The service is impeccable, the rooms are stunning, the food is incredible, and the atmosphere is pure magic. It's an experience, not just a hotel stay.
RAAS Jodhpur: Your Desert Oasis Awaits!
Ready to escape the ordinary? Book your unforgettable stay at RAAS Jodhpur today and experience the ultimate in luxury and relaxation! Indulge in unparalleled comfort, personalized service, and breathtaking views of the iconic Blue City. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. Click here to book your desert dream now! You deserve it.
Hanoi's Hottest Hotel & Spa: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned travel brochure. This is me, about to get lost in the dusty, delicious chaos that is Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and specifically, RAAS Jodhpur. Or at least, that's the plan. (Famous last words, right?)
RAAS Jodhpur: Jodhpur, India - A Messy, Emotional, and Utterly Human Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and a Whole Lotta "Wow"
- Morning (or, "Whenever My Flight Lands, God Willing"): Land in Jodhpur. Airport chaos, as always. Expect haggling over rickshaw fares, the overwhelming smell of spices that somehow smells both incredible and like my own questionable life choices, and a general sense of "Where the heck am I?" Hopefully, I've pre-booked a ride to RAAS. This place is supposed to be an oasis – fingers crossed!
- Anecdote Alert: Last time I flew into anything smaller than Heathrow, my luggage ended up in… well, let's just say it wasn't the same country. Pray for my suitcase. And my sanity.
- Afternoon: RAAS Check-in and Jaw-Dropping. Okay, breathe. The hotel is a stunning juxtaposition of old and new. The architecture is a complete showstopper. The check-in process… well, let's just say I hope my Hindi is up to scratch. (Spoiler: It's not.) I'm particularly excited to see the pool, which looks like something out of an Architectural Digest spread. Actually, it looks like something a Bond villain would own, but in a good way. In the case of RAAS it is.
- Quirky Observation: The staff's outfits are probably more stylish than anything I own, even in my wildest fashion fantasies. I'm already feeling severely underdressed.
- Late Afternoon: Exploring the Hotel and That Pool. Find the pool. Immediately. Plunge in. Pretend I'm a glamorous Bollywood star. Probably splash around a bit. Take a million photos. Feel smug. This level of aesthetic perfection is almost too much. Almost.
- Evening: Dinner at RAAS's Restaurant - More Than Just Food. Ugh, I'm starving. Dinner at the hotel restaurant, which is meant to be top-notch. Probably order way too much food. Try to look cultured while sampling everything. Hopefully, there's some sort of live music. Maybe I'll even try to learn a few Bollywood dance moves (highly unlikely).
- Emotional Reaction: The view from the restaurant, overlooking the Mehrangarh Fort lit up at night, has the potential to bring me to tears. It's that beautiful. It's going to be a big night.
Day 2: The Blue City and a Deep Dive into Sensory Overload
- Morning: The Blue City - A Blue-tiful Mess. Hire a tuk-tuk. (Negotiate the price beforehand, trust me.) Get utterly lost in the maze-like streets of the old city. Wander. Get jostled. Get photographed by someone who thinks I'm exotic, even though I'm just a pasty tourist.
- Imperfection Alert: I will inevitably get lost. Multiple times. I will probably stumble into someone's laundry and apologize profusely.
- Mid-Morning: Mehrangarh Fort - A Fortress of Awesomeness. Make my way to Mehrangarh Fort - the majestic fort. Honestly, I'm expecting to be overwhelmed. But the view from up there? Epic. Worth the climb (or the elevator, let's be real). Explore the fort, marvel at the history, the architecture, the views.
- Lunch: Street Food Adventure (or Suicide Mission?). Okay, I know, everyone says to be careful with street food in India. But come on, it’s the law to try! Find a place that looks busy (good sign, apparently). Order something spicy. Cross my fingers. Enjoy the explosion of flavors.
- Opinionated Language: If I get food poisoning, I'm blaming all the online travel blogs that told me to do this. But it'll probably be worth it.
- Afternoon: Back to the chaotic maze: Markets, and the Search for a Perfect Souvenir. Get lost again. This time on purpose. Dive into the markets. Bangle shopping! Textile shopping! Spice shopping! Try not to buy everything. Then probably buy almost everything.
- Messy Structure Alert: The afternoon is just a blur of colours, smells, and frantic Bartering. I will buy things I don't need but definitely want.
- Evening: Dinner Outside the Hotel - A Local Experience (hopefully). Find a restaurant in the old city. Embrace the chaos. Eat something that makes my taste buds sing. Experience the absolute gorgeousness of India.
Day 3: RAAS Redux and Farewell (Sob)
- Morning: Sleeping In (Blessing!) & A Leisurely Breakfast. Finally, a chance to recover from the sensory onslaught. Sleep in. Maybe have breakfast in bed. Or, if I'm feeling ambitious, try that yoga class the hotel offers. (LOL. More like "attempt" the yoga class.)
- Mid-Morning: A Deep Dive into the Spa (And My Own Self-Pity): RAAS has a spa, right? I need a massage. A deep tissue massage. Probably multiple massages. This is no longer a want, it's a need. It's therapy. It's self-care. I will emerge feeling like a new person. Or at least slightly less stressed.
- Doubling Down on the Experience: I'M GOING TO SPEND HALF THE DAY HERE. Massages. Facials. Maybe even a dip in the pool. It's my last day, and I need to make the most of it!
- Lunch: One Last Meal at RAAS (Savouring Every Bite). Savor. It. All. The food. The atmosphere. The perfection. Because it's probably the last time I'll have this level of luxury and beauty for a while. Even my own personal flaws have a sheen in RAAS.
- Afternoon: Souvenir Shopping Part Two (Because I Forgot Something Essential). Realize I forgot to buy something for someone. Rush back to the markets in a panic. Find the perfect (or "good enough") souvenir.
- Evening: Sunset From Somewhere Special – The End is Nigh! Try to find a rooftop bar with a view of the fort at sunset. Watch the sky explode with color. Reflect on the trip. Get a little bit sad. Maybe shed a tear or two. Accept that I'm leaving a piece of my heart in Jodhpur.
- Emotional Reaction: This whole trip has been a rollercoaster of emotions - from the sheer joy of discovery to the exhaustion of navigating a new culture, and I have loved every moment of it. I'm going to miss this place desperately.
- Departure: Goodbye, Jodhpur. Until We Meet Again. Head to the airport. Fight back tears. Vow to return someday. Take a last look at the blue city fading into the distance. Land in the real world, a changed human.
Postscript (Because the Chaos Never Really Ends):
- Things I Didn't Mention But Will Probably Happen:
- Get hopelessly lost again.
- Over-pack and then wear the same three outfits.
- Try to speak Hindi, and humiliate myself.
- Fall in love with the local food and gain five pounds.
- Come home with a suitcase full of spices, textiles, and regrets (mostly about not staying longer).
- The Takeaway: India (and especially Jodhpur) is an assault on the senses. It's messy, beautiful, frustrating, and exhilarating all at once. Go. Get lost. Embrace the chaos. And prepare to be utterly, irrevocably, changed. And if my luggage disappears? Well, at least I'll have some incredible memories. And probably a good story.
Is RAAS Jodhpur REALLY as luxurious as they say? I mean, is it, like, *ridiculous* luxurious?
Okay, lemme put it to you this way. Remember that scene in *Crazy Rich Asians* where they’re all, like, dripping in diamonds and eating gold-leafed everything? RAAS is kind of like that. But instead of diamonds, you're surrounded by stunning sandstone architecture, and instead of gold-leaf…well, the food COULD be gold-leafed, if you ask. It's not just "nice." It's a total sensory experience. You walk in, and *bam!* Smell of jasmine, cool breeze, and you’re suddenly a whole other version of yourself. The kind that drinks champagne at 10 AM and doesn’t apologize for it.
What's the deal with the pools? They look amazing in the pictures.
Oh, the pools. Sigh. The pools. There are several, each meticulously designed. One infinity pool seems to *become* the blue city backdrop. I spent an embarrassing amount of time in THAT one, truth be told. Floating, sipping something that involved passionfruit and a tiny umbrella. I swear, at one point, I floated so long I almost forgot my name. The water is this perfect temperature, the sun is kissing your skin, and you just… *become one with the luxury.* (Okay, maybe I’m overselling it…a *little*.) Just be prepared to fight for a sun lounger. Everyone wants one, and I blame the camera angles. They’re *that* good.
Is it kid-friendly? Because I'm traveling with… *shudders* …children.
Okay, deep breaths. Yes, they *technically* are kid-friendly. By which I mean, they have things like a kids' pool (yes, another pool! The decadence!) and can arrange activities. But let's be real, RAAS isn't built for screaming toddlers in the same way a Disney resort is. It's more for the "let’s-try-to-look-chic-while-the-kids-are-being-mildly-disruptive" kind of family. If your kids are the type who will happily build sandcastles quietly, then you're golden. If they're prone to dramatic meltdowns… well, pack extra earplugs, and maybe a stiff drink for yourself. Just saying.
What's the food like? I'm a serious foodie.
Oh. My. God. The food. Forget what you know about hotel food. This is next level. It’s a culinary adventure, seriously. I’m talking authentic Rajasthani dishes, but elevated to a Michelin-star standard. The *laal maas* (red meat) will make you weep with joy. The breakfast buffet? Forget it. You'll want one of everything. And the service? Impeccable. The staff anticipates your every need. I’m pretty sure they could tell I was craving a spicy margarita before I even knew it myself. And yes, I had several. Don't judge.
Tell me about the spa. Is the spa worth it?
ABSOLUTELY. The spa is *worth* it. I usually think hotel spas are overpriced fluff, but this one… it was a transformative experience. I got a massage that was like a one-way ticket to bliss. Seriously, the masseuse somehow managed to knead away all the stress of… well, life. The setting is gorgeous, the treatments are divine. I remember emerging feeling like a whole new person. So relaxed, so… *glowing*… I genuinely didn’t recognize myself. I’m not sure if I emerged from the spa more relaxed, or more…broke. Probably both. Worth every penny, though. Treat yo' self. You deserve it. Plus, it's a great excuse to hide from your husband and kids for a few hours. Just saying. Win-win.
What activities are there besides lounging by the pool and eating?
Okay, so, lounging by the pool and eating is already a pretty solid itinerary, right? I'd already been sold based on just those two activities alone. But, if you *must* be productive, they have options. They arrange tours of the Mehrangarh Fort (do it, it's incredible). They do cooking classes. You can arrange a private yoga session (I tried it, managed about five minutes before collapsing in giggles). They also organize jeep safaris through the desert. I almost went on one. But, you know, the pool was calling… Look, I was there to RELAX, alright? Activities are optional distractions. They can also arrange for shopping trips to the local markets, where you can buy jewelry, textiles, pretty much anything your heart desires. Just be prepared to haggle!
Is it worth the price? Because… it's not cheap, is it?
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room: RAAS is a splurge. It's a significant investment. Are you going to wince when you see the final bill? Probably. Will you have to explain your credit card statement to your spouse? Definitely. But… here’s the thing. It’s an experience. An escape. A memory maker. And yes, I’m being all emotional about it. The truth is, for me, it was 100% worth it. It was the kind of trip that recharges your soul. It’s the kind of trip you talk about for years. I still dream about that *laal maas*. If you can swing it, do it. Just… maybe start saving now. And maybe, just *maybe*, consider a second mortgage. Just kidding… mostly.
Okay, but *really* – any downsides? Anything I should be aware of?
Okay, let's be honest. No place is perfect. My "downside" is probably the excessive sun-kissed skin, and the need to upgrade my wardrobe after realizing my old clothes weren’t luxurious enough. But, let's see: * **Mosquitoes:** They’re around. Pack bug spray, especially if you are prone to being tasty. * **Service can be slow:** Sometimes, the pace is…relaxed. Embrace it. (It's a feature, not a bug.) * **The prices:** Did I mention the prices? It’s a real commitment to luxury. * **The temptation to stay forever:** Seriously, I almost did. * **The crippling post-holiday blues:** Coming home and back to reality is a BEAST. But honestly? Those are small prices to pay for paradise on earth. So go. Just go. And send me a postcard. (Okay,City Stay Finder
