Rajasthan has once again strengthened its reputation as one of India’s finest luxury and heritage tourism destinations. Two hotels from the state have secured places on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Hotels 51-100 extended list this year.
The Johri in Jaipur has been ranked at No. 94, while The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur has claimed the No. 98 position.
Although the two properties offer completely different experiences, both represent the distinctive charm of Rajasthan’s hospitality. One is an intimate boutique retreat hidden within Jaipur’s historic jewellery market, while the other is a sprawling palace-style luxury resort overlooking the famous Lake Pichola.
Their recognition came ahead of the complete World’s 50 Best Hotels rankings, scheduled to be announced in Paris on September 15.
The Johri Jaipur: A Boutique Gem Hidden in Johri Bazaar
Located in the heart of Jaipur’s historic Johri Bazaar, The Johri offers a luxury experience that is deliberately intimate and exclusive.
The boutique property is housed inside Lal Haveli, a beautifully restored 19th-century haveli with historical connections to India’s freedom movement.
Unlike large luxury hotels, The Johri has only five suites, giving guests a highly private and personalised experience. Each suite is named after a precious gemstone and opens towards a shared central courtyard.
The restoration and interiors were led by New York-based designer Naina Shah, who combined traditional Rajasthani craftsmanship with carefully preserved heritage elements.
Hand-painted artwork, intricately designed lattice windows, antique furnishings and traditional Rajasthani textiles give the property a distinctive character.
The Johri was developed by Abhishek Honawar of Honawar Hospitality and Siddharth Kasliwal of Gem Palace. It became their second hospitality venture in Jaipur following the launch of 28 Kothi in 2016.
A Growing List of International Recognition
Despite its small size, The Johri has earned significant recognition in the global hospitality industry since opening in December 2020.
The boutique hotel received a Michelin Guide Key in 2025 and was also recognised in the World’s 50 Best Hotels rankings. It additionally secured a place on Tatler Asia’s 100 Best Hotels 2025 list.
Its latest ranking at No. 94 on the World’s 50 Best Hotels extended list further highlights its growing reputation among international travellers and hospitality experts.
The Oberoi Udaivilas: A Grand Palace Experience on Lake Pichola
While The Johri offers an intimate heritage stay, The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur delivers luxury on a much larger and more dramatic scale.
Spread across approximately 50 acres along the banks of Lake Pichola, the property draws inspiration from Rajasthan’s magnificent palace architecture.
The resort features 37 domes and incorporates a 20-acre wildlife sanctuary within its expansive grounds.
Guests are welcomed into an environment surrounded by landscaped gardens, colourful bougainvillea and views of the Aravalli Hills. Private boat arrivals further add to the palace-like experience.
Luxury Rooms, Pools and Spectacular Views
The Oberoi Udaivilas offers 87 rooms and suites, with several accommodations featuring private or semi-private swimming pools.
Although the hotel reflects the grandeur of traditional Rajasthani palaces, it was designed as a modern luxury property rather than simply being a restored historical structure.
Since opening in 2002, the hotel has consistently received recognition from the global hospitality and tourism industry.
Among its achievements is India’s National Tourism Award for Best Hotel in the 5-Star Deluxe category.
The Oberoi Udaivilas previously featured in the World’s 50 Best Hotels rankings in 2023 and has now returned to the extended list at No. 98.
Two Different Hotels, One Rajasthan Success Story
The Johri and The Oberoi Udaivilas could hardly be more different in size and style.
One offers just five carefully designed suites inside a historic Jaipur haveli, while the other spreads across 50 acres as a spectacular palace-inspired retreat beside Lake Pichola.
Yet both hotels showcase what makes Rajasthan such an important destination for luxury and heritage tourism.
Their inclusion in the World’s 50 Best Hotels 51-100 list is another major recognition for Indian hospitality on the global stage and highlights Rajasthan’s ability to offer everything from intimate boutique stays to grand palace experiences.
With the complete World’s 50 Best Hotels rankings set to be unveiled in Paris on September 15, the spotlight will now turn to the final list and the properties that secure places among the world’s top 50 hotels.