If the color pink had a home, then Rajasthan’s capital Jaipur would be it. Before King Edward VII’s visit in 1876, the entire city was given a fresh coat of pink paint. Close to 150 years later, Jaipur still preserves that rosy glow. At its heart sits the magnificent city palace, which continues to be home to the former royal family. Around it, Jaipur’s chaotic streets are brimming with autorickshaws, striking Rajasthani architecture of the original Pink City, and delicious street food. And, of course, the magic of the Thar desert beckons just beyond the city. It’s also where sits the striking Amber Fort, Jaipur’s star attraction. If you’re a gay traveler, then you’ll be happy to know that there are many gay friendly hotels in Jaipur. Not only do you have choices, but they also suit a whole spectrum of budgets.
That said, Jaipur doesn’t have much of a gay scene. It doesn’t have any gay scene, for that matter. If you’re looking to party, then maybe you’re better off heading to Goa or Mumbai. But, if you’re interested in exploring the vibrant world of Rajasthani heritage, then Jaipur is a must-see destination on your India sojourn. One thing you need to keep in mind is that Rajasthan is one of the most conservative Indian states. So, it’s important to be mindful of the local customs, regardless of whether you’re an LGBTQ gay traveler or not. With that in mind, you’ll not have any problems in the city as an LGBTQ traveler. And even though it’s not exactly a gay destination, Jaipur sure welcomes all kinds of travelers with open arms. To that end, here are the top 11 gay friendly hotels in Jaipur.
Taj Rambagh Palace
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If living like a royal has always been your dream, then the Taj Rambagh Palace fulfills that dream – and how! This former royal residence-cum-hunting lodge sits on a sprawling green land just south of the city. What’s more, it’s a 15-minute drive from the historic center Pink City and many of Jaipur’s attractions.
Given that this is a former royal abode, the hotel is foreseeably opulent. A stunning courtyard forms the beating heart of the hotel. It features a manicured lawns and Romanesque fountains, complete with dancing peacocks! You’re welcomed with a shower of rose petals and flower garlands, just like you’ve seen in movies. The staff is unfailingly attentive, and the service impeccable. For instance, you’re invited to a candle-lighting ceremony every evening. It’s followed by pre-dinner entertainment with traditional dance music, cocktails, and even complimentary henna tattoos. The buffet breakfasts are equally opulent, as is the high tea à la the English. Modern touches include the decadent spa complex with fabulous indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and a whirlpool.
With just 78 rooms, staying here is as intimate as it can get. The rooms are extraordinarily spacious and packed with grand furnishings and antiques. Marble bathrooms, traditional artwork, wooden floors, and satellite TVs complete the space. It’s no surprise that once you’ve stepped in here, you won’t feel like stepping out.
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The Oberoi Rajvilas
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Located just outside Jaipur’s limits, the gay friendly Oberoi Rajvilas is the perfect hotel to rejuvenate your tired senses. It’s an opulent yet lovely base for exploring Jaipur, with only the sounds of temple bells and birds in the distance.
The imposing hotel’s red-brick facade is reminiscent of a Rajasthani fort, complete with jewel-toned handmade Jaipur tiles and floral arches and designs. Marble floors, sandstone sculptures, and peacocks walking the 32-acre manicured grounds lend the place an absolutely ethereal feel. and lapwings. Service is impeccable, and the staff goes out of the way to make you feel special. For instance, you and your partner can renew your vows on an ancient temple on the property. Post a swim in the luxurious turquoise pool, head to the spa for a unique Himalayan stones massage. If you want to explore the region, the concierge can arrange for everything from unusual sightseeing expeditions to shopping jaunts. Finally, the restaurant on-site serves delicious meals, right from breakfast to dinner.
Every one of the 72 rooms here, including the entry-level ones, are spacious to boot. Although the feel is old-fashioned with brass keys, the amenities are thoroughly contemporary. The awning with bay windows is a heavenly place to sit early in the morning. The highlight is the courtyards in front of rooms that have floral trellises and fountains.
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Umaid Bhavan
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The opulent yet serene palace-style Umaid Bhavan packs oodles of charm. The ornately-decorated heritage-style property sits at a quiet cul-de-sac in a residential neighborhood around 10 minutes from Pink City. If you’re looking for an affordable and personable heritage hotel experience in the city, then this would be it.
Umaid Bhavan might be smaller but is no less palatial than its peers. A magnificent arched door with hand-painted floral motifs welcomes you within the pale-yellow structure hock-full of traditional Rajasthani balconies (jharokhas). The courtyard brims with foliage, fountains, and antique furniture, and is the heart and soul of the hotel. The star attraction is the small but stunning pool, complete with vibrant murals. For an inner-city guesthouse, this sure is a bonus. It sits in a shaded area with daybeds and is the perfect place for lounging on a sunny afternoon. Don’t miss having a meal at the outdoor rooftop restaurant, which features stunning views of the city. It’s also where you can dig into a hearty buffet breakfast as well. Besides free Wi-Fi and concierge services, the hotel also arranges for puppets and folk dance shows.
You have lots of choices when it comes to room types, many of which have lovely balconies. Even though each room differs in ambiance, the decor generally has canopy/four-poster beds, marble floors, and stunning painted ceilings. Modern creature comforts and contemporary bathrooms make up the rest of the space.
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Dera Mandawa
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The Dera Mandawa is the perfect place if you’re looking for a boutique heritage hotel to stay in Jaipur. One of the most gorgeous gay friendly hotels in Jaipur, Dera Mandawa sits somewhere between a palace hotel and a guesthouse. It bills itself as a “family-run boutique heritage guesthouse,” so you get the best of both worlds.
The Dera Mandawa is ideal if you’re looking to cut yourself off from the world and live like locals. This is evident in the hotel’s offerings, as it has no outdoor pool or TVs in the rooms. However, the hotel isn’t without character or history. The 1885 property was built by Mandawa’s Thakur Jait Singh Ji for his stay for when he came to visit the Maharaja of Jaipur. In fact, it’s his great-grandson and his family who run this tranquil escape and offer you a living experience of how their ancestors did.
The gorgeous inner courtyard with lovely gardens is the center of all activity, including free puppet shows. The hotel even offers lessons in traditional cooking, turban-tying, saree-draping, and kite-flying. The restaurant/bar serves superb Indian cuisine, while you can curl up with a book in the library on a hot afternoon. Rounding up the list of amenities is the lounge with a TV. But, the most impressive part of the property is the 12 individually decked-out suites. They feature lots of space, lovely Rajasthani charm, standard mod-cons, and ensuite bathrooms. Adding to the hotel’s overall appeal is the fact that it lies a mere 10-minute walk from the historic center of Pink City.
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Tree of Life Resort & Spa
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The hinterland of Rajasthan brims with majestic heritage properties that rise from the landscape like magnificent mirages. If you’re visiting Jaipur and want to live in such a property, then Tree of Life Resort & Spa is where you should be. It lies 30km (18.6 miles) north of the city and is one luxurious sanctuary overlooking the great Aravali Mountain range. It’s surrounded by nothing but lush fields of bajra grain, tomatoes, radishes, and corn, and is a retreat in the true sense.
With 13 villas spread over 7 acres of lush green land, exclusivity here is like a second skin. Each villa is spacious and named after a local flower, making for a one-of-a-kind experience. The focus here is on serenity and tranquility, and every amenity focuses on the same theme. For instance, the yoga pavilion is surrounded by idols of Indian gods sourced from all over, including Cambodia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. A visit to the sauna and spa is a must, and you can even enjoy a couples massage outside your villa. The resort even offers curated experiences like visiting the surrounding villages and learning about local life. You can even ride a tractor or visit the home of the villager on whose land the resort is built. Finally, the Dew Drops restaurant provides everything from hearty breakfasts to bespoke dinners.
Villas, as described earlier, are unique and rambling, and some even have private pools in the back. Apart from giant bathrooms, bedrooms, and living rooms, they all have above-bed domes with intricate mirror work and in-ground floral inlays.
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Fairmont Jaipur
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Luxury meets grandeur at the Fairmont Jaipur, one of the best gay friendly hotels in Jaipur. It lies on lush green lands outside the city overlooking the majestic Aravali mountains.
The hotel beautifully blends intricate Mughal interiors with Rajputana architecture. So, you’ll see elements of Rajasthani architecture like chhatris (traditional dome-shaped pavilions) and jharokhas (windows). At the same time, curated antiques, miniature paintings, and a mini garden are reminiscent of the Mughal era. These royal influences are sprinkled with contemporary living comforts like a stunning swimming pool, cigar room, library bar, and even a spa and a fitness center. This unusual combination of interiors, architecture, and amenities make for a modern-day rendition of a palace. Throughout the property, the spaces make for cozy and intimate nooks for you to lounge around and enjoy. Moreover, the cuisine here is a real treat, both the breakfast buffet as well as the meals.
The rooms here are massive, to say the least, with contemporary bathrooms and four-poster beds. The wooden floors and beige-and-gold palette lend an earthy yet luxurious look to it.
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Hotel The Raj Palace
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The Raj Palace is rightly part of the “Small Luxury Hotels of the World.” The 1727-built palace was amongst the city’s first palaces and is a reflection of the Mughal era. Featuring utterly charming interiors, the luxurious hotel lies on the northern fringes of the historic center of Pink City. Also, it’s one of the best gay friendly hotels in Jaipur!
The palace-hotel features indescribable levels of grandeur and luxury, while not sacrificing on the personable service. Whitewashed walls sit majestically against manicured green lawns and open, checkered-tiled terraces. The restaurant and coffee shop are no less than a museum, complete with crystal chandeliers, period-era furniture, and lip-smacking food. Since it’s a 300-year-old resort, the hotel has done a fabulous job of not ruthlessly modernizing the interiors. So, the pool, although smaller than other hotels, sits in a very attractive courtyard setting. Similarly, the Prakriti Spa, albeit tiny, is a real bonus unlike many other heritage hotels in its class.
The hotel’s amenities might be modern, but the rooms are fit for royalty. Even the entry-level rooms are extraordinary and feature all 21st-century creature comforts. Besides all the sprawling space, many rooms are peppered pieces from the Royal Family’s museum collection. Moreover, all rooms and suites overlook the lawn from one level up. If you’re looking for tranquility, ask for a room facing the quiet internal courtyard.
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Suryaa Villa
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If a budget heritage experience in Jaipur is what you’re looking for, then Hotel Suryaa Villa is perfect. The former abode of the Peelwa family is now one of the best gay friendly hotels in Jaipur. The hotel sits on lush green gardens in the heart of Jaipur, a mere 10-minute drive from Pink City. In fact, most of the Top 11 Things To Do In Jaipur lie within a 10-minute drive of the hotel. Hence, it’s an excellent base for exploring the city too.
There’s a lot to love about this heritage hotel. Firstly, it’s much smaller than other heritage hotels in the city and feels much more intimate. After a grand welcome, you’ll come upon the heart of the hotel, the lovely outdoor pool. It’s peppered with sunbeds and is the perfect place to lounge on a hot afternoon when you don’t want to venture out. The huge sun terrace is the perfect place to begin your day with a yoga session and enjoy a hearty Indian-cum-continental breakfast later on. You’ll love the fact that the chefs here will prepare food according to your liking, especially if you’re not used to the spice levels. Besides, you can even order room service and book all kinds of tours and day trips at the front desk.
The rooms here are extremely spacious, given that it was a former palace. You can choose between Twin/Deluxe Double rooms, Junior Suites with lovely sit out patios, and the family suite that has all the more space. Rich Rajasthani elements and modern creature comforts like four-poster beds, ensuite bathrooms, and mod-cons make staying here memorable.
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Hostel Lumb’s Nest
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If you’re looking for a hostel to stay in Jaipur, then it can’t get any better than the Hostel Lumb’s Nest. The hostel lies in a quiet but busy neighborhood about 15 minutes south of Pink City. So, even though the location isn’t quite central, it’s a great place to escape the bustle of the inner city. What previous LGBTQ travelers have liked about Lumb’s Nest is that the owners are not only just okay with LGBTQ travelers but go out of their way to make them feel comfortable and at home. It’s what makes it one of the best gay friendly budget digs in the city.
Just like other hostels, you have both female-only/mixed dorms and private rooms here. However, since it’s a small property, the beds get filled up fast. So, do book in advance if you’re planning to stay here. The rooms are spacious and immaculate, with equally spotless shared bathrooms. The charming terrace is the perfect place to begin your morning with a cuppa and enjoy the peace and quiet. You can whip up quick meals in the shared kitchen or head to the adjoining restaurant for meals. Finally, the hostel even serves a delicious American buffet breakfast with à la carte options too.
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Treebo Raya Inn
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If you’ll be getting in and out of Jaipur via train, then the Treebo Raya Inn is the perfect hotel for you. The modern hotel is located right next to Jaipur Railway Station and is a mere five-minute drive from Pink City. There’s a lot to like about Raya Inn, besides it being a gay friendly hotel in Jaipur. For one, it’s a value-for-money stay, especially in light of its amenities. Apart from round-the-clock rooms service, the hotel even has a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves everything from complimentary breakfast to lunches and dinners. Besides a doctor-on-call, the hotel even offers same-day laundry services, which is useful if you’ve traipsed all over and are in Jaipur for a day or two. There’s even a souvenir shop in the lobby for some last-minute shopping.
You’ll like the rooms at the hotel too. Despite four types of rooms, all of them have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, ensuite bathrooms, flatscreen TVs, and even tea/coffee-making facilities.
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Mahal Khandela
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If you’re looking for a peaceful heritage experience in the heart of the city, then you won’t find a better base than Mahal Khandela. It sits in a quiet residential area a mere 10 minutes from Pink City and is perfect to explore Jaipur. The best part? It’s amongst the best gay friendly hotels in Jaipur!
From the street, the hotel looks like any other palatial neighborhood home. Its pink facade is covered by trees that lend it a cozy feel. On the inside, every nook of the hotel is jaw-dropping, right from wall murals and intricate mirrorwork to carved marble inlays and the Hawa Mahal-style jharokha windows. The swimming pool is cozy at best, and you must definitely visit the spa too, which is highly recommended. Moreover, the all-day-dining Rawat restaurant takes care of all meals. , making staying here a thoroughly personable experience.
Like most heritage hotels, rooms here are sprawling and have vintage curios and hand-painted walls and ceilings. What’s more, rooms are a mix of old-world and modern, with the larger ones even having sitting rooms with fireplaces et al. Contemporary additions including minibars, contemporary bathrooms, and plush beds.
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Get Some Culture in Jaipur:
- Feronia Fashion Night – This androgynous fashion show is the highlight of Jaipur’s LGBTQ community.
Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Jaipur:
As mentioned earlier, Jaipur doesn’t have an outwardly gay culture. No matter where you head, you need to maintain the conservative social etiquette. That said, these are the best bars/clubs in the city that welcome everyone.
- 100% Rock – This sleek, trendy bar has a retro 70s ambiance. Along with drinks, it serves lip-smacking European, Chinese, and Thai cuisine.
- Aza – This luxurious classic library bar within the gay friendly Fairmont Hotel is akin to an emperor’s hunting lodge. It features an alfresco area, a large regular space, a whiskey bar, and even a cigar room! What’s more, it even has a majestic wine cellar.
- Bar Palladio – This Mughal-style bar at the Narain Niwas Palace is a treat for the eyes – and the taste buds.
Best Gay Saunas in Jaipur:
Unfortunately, Jaipur doesn’t have a gay sauna scene yet. However, we’re truly hoping for this to change in the future!
