Udai Kothi

This heritage property offers a captivating blend of traditional architecture and modern comforts, making guests feel as though they have stepped into a royal palace. Its signature feature is the stunning rooftop ambiance with breathtaking views of the city and lake, providing a memorable backdrop for relaxation and dining. The hotel is particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic escape and families looking for a unique cultural experience, thanks to its spacious accommodations and royal aesthetic. While many guests praise the beautiful design and comfortable rooms, some highlight inconsistencies in service and room maintenance. To ensure a smooth stay, guests should be mindful of the hotel's location in narrow lanes, which affects vehicle accessibility, and consider confirming specific room amenities upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel boasts impressive rooftop pools that offer magnificent views, though some guests note that the water can be cold or that space around them is limited. The property also features a charming garden area, providing a peaceful retreat from the city's bustle. Guests can enjoy a unique experience at the in-house brewery, which serves craft beers. While a spa and massage services are available, some guests have reported slow service when ordering drinks or towels by the pool. Connectivity can be an issue, as Wi-Fi is often described as poor in rooms and non-existent in pool areas. The hotel has an elevator, but some guests found it to be small, outdated, or not connecting all sections of the property.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is notably mixed. Many guests describe the rooms as spacious, cozy, and comfortable, appreciating the beautifully decorated interiors that evoke a royal ambiance. The marble bathtubs are a particular highlight for some, adding a touch of luxury. However, a significant number of reviews mention issues with cleanliness, including stained linen, leaking showers, and a general sense of being run down or unmaintained. Some rooms are noted to have a damp smell or dim lighting. While some find the beds comfortable, others report uncomfortable pillows. Issues with hot water supply and non-functional air conditioning or safes have also been reported, indicating a need for more consistent maintenance.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience, particularly the breakfast, receives highly varied feedback. While some guests find the breakfast to be good, healthy, and delicious, many others describe it as underwhelming, spartan, or lacking variety, often featuring the same items daily. There are also complaints about the quality, with mentions of stale or oily food and basic items like coffee and tea jugs being empty. The prominent rooftop restaurant, Baro Masi, is praised by many for its amazing ambiance, delicious food, and breathtaking views, especially at sunset. However, a considerable number of guests found the food quality to be poor, describing it as overrated, with issues like uncooked starters or unclean glasses. Room service for dining is frequently noted as being slow or unavailable.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, placing guests within easy walking distance of major attractions such as Lake Pichola, Ambrai Ghat, the City Palace, and various shopping areas. The rooftop views of the lake and city are consistently highlighted as a significant advantage. However, accessibility is a major recurring concern. Due to the narrow lanes in the old city, traditional taxis cannot reach the hotel directly. Guests typically need to be dropped off some distance away (around 600 meters to 1 kilometer) and then take an auto-rickshaw or walk to the property. While the hotel offers an auto-rickshaw service, some guests found it to be insufficient or slow, leading to inconvenience, especially with luggage.

Staff & Service
The feedback regarding staff and service is notably polarized. Many guests commend individual staff members, particularly in the restaurant and housekeeping, for being helpful, courteous, attentive, and providing warm hospitality. They are often described as going the extra mile to assist guests. However, there are significant and frequent complaints about the overall management and front desk staff. Issues include rude and unresponsive behavior, particularly concerning refunds and check-in processes, with some guests reporting long delays or refusal of early check-in despite room availability. Some guests felt the staff were understaffed or overworked, impacting service efficiency. The hotel's handling of guest concerns, especially regarding booking discrepancies and financial matters, has led to considerable dissatisfaction among a segment of visitors.

Additional Information
The property is widely celebrated for its Instagram-worthy aesthetics and royal vibe, making it a popular choice for those seeking a visually stunning experience. However, guests should be aware of certain operational aspects that have caused frustration. A significant number of reviews highlight persistent issues with refunds, with guests reporting long delays and unhelpful responses from the finance department. While the hotel aims to offer a blend of heritage and modern amenities, some guests noted that certain fixtures and plumbing systems are old or unmaintained. The hotel's location in the narrow lanes means that larger vehicles cannot access it directly, which can be a logistical challenge, particularly for those with a lot of luggage or during emergencies. The rooftop areas can also host lively events with loud music, which might impact guests seeking a quieter experience.