Not to be confused with the royal palace in Jodhpur of the same name, Umaid Bhawan is a mid-range heritage hotel housed in an ornate pale-yellow structure composed of multiple levels with traditional Rajasthani balconies (jharokas). Guests enter through a magnificent arched door covered with gorgeous and intricately hand-painted floral motifs. Inside, the lobby features marble floors and bench-style seating, with beautiful hand-painted ceilings covered with floral designs (similar patterns are found throughout the rooms). The hotel attracts international travelers who want the look and feel of a traditional Rajastahni hotel without paying the oftentimes exorbitant prices common to India's five-pearl properties.

Umaid Bhawan is located in Bani Park, a primarily residential area just west of the Pink City that's known for small heritage hotels and private residences. It's a 15- to 20-minute walk to the Jaipur Railway Station, and the shops and restaurants on M.I. Road are just another five or so minutes away on foot. It's about a 10-minute drive to the historic Pink City. Getting to the main Gangori Bazar and its surrounding historic attractions, including the City Palace, the Hawa Mahal, and the Jantar Mantar take about 15 minutes by car. It takes roughly 12 minutes to reach Albert Hall Museum and 15 minutes to get to the Birla Mandir, both of which are south of the Pink City. Factor in about 30 minutes by car for Amber and its famous namesake fort. The airport is a half-hour drive away from the hotel, traffic permitting.

This hotel offers a ton of room types, from Royal Deluxe Single Rooms clear up to suites designed for families -- there's also a service apartment with three bedrooms for up to six people. All rooms are air-conditioned and many have small balconies. Each room has its own decor and ambience, though in general rooms have four-poster or canopy beds, marble floors with dark-wood furnishings, and lovely painted ceilings and moulding. Standard amenities include desks,  minibars, free Wi-Fi, and safes. Bathrooms are contemporary, with walk-in rainfall showers and some in higher categories have separate tubs. 

Umaid Bhawan offers lovely amenities, starting with its charming outdoor pool, situated in a courtyard flanked by frescoes and covered with a huge screen to prevent debris from falling in (or monkeys from sneaking in). There are a few lounge chairs, but it's a shady area and perhaps not the best place for getting a tan. Drinking and dining options here are also quite good. There's an outdoor rooftop restaurant and an indoor option downstairs with frescoed ceilings and walls, plus crystal chandeliers and lanterns. All sorts of Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes are served for lunch and dinner (a la carte) and there's a free and varied breakfast buffet included in room rates. Room service is available during kitchen hours and there's a bar with a great selection of spirits and beers. Buffet breakfasts come included in room rates, and half-board packages with breakfast and dinner are available.

Other features include concierge services, a business center, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Folk dance and puppet shows are held regularly at the property. Free pick-ups from the railway or bus station are provided.