A Global Stamp of Excellence
The World's 50 Best brand is a globally recognized authority, celebrating excellence in restaurants, bars, and since 2023, hotels. Making it onto their list, even the extended 51-100 ranking, is a significant achievement. The list is compiled from the votes
of over 800 anonymous experts, including hoteliers, travel journalists, and seasoned luxury travelers, ensuring an unbiased and credible selection. For two Indian hotels to be featured is a testament to their world-class service, exceptional design, and the unforgettable experiences they provide to guests from around the globe.
The Lakeside Palace: The Oberoi Udaivilas, No. 98
Making its debut on the list at number 98 is The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur. Situated on the 200-year-old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar on the banks of Lake Pichola, this sprawling 30-acre property is the embodiment of a modern palace hotel. While it opened in 2002, its design, featuring grand domes, intricate walkways, and serene courtyards, evokes the feeling of a centuries-old royal residence. Guests are treated to views of the City Palace, and many rooms have direct access to a semi-private pool that snakes around the property. The hotel is celebrated for its Mewari-inspired architecture, shimmering mirror mosaics, and the sincere, heartfelt hospitality that defines the Oberoi brand. From private lakeside dining to curated cultural experiences, it offers a deep dive into the romance and grandeur of Rajasthan.
The Jewel Box Haveli: The Johri, No. 94
Clinching the 94th spot is The Johri, a jewel in the heart of Jaipur's historic jewellery bazaar. This property offers a different, though no less luxurious, vision of hospitality. Set within a restored 19th-century haveli, The Johri is an intimate, five-suite boutique hotel. Each suite is uniquely designed and named after a precious gemstone, with a corresponding jewel-toned color palette. This thoughtful restoration has created a blissful and cinematic retreat, complete with a tranquil inner courtyard and a celebrated vegetarian restaurant. Its inclusion highlights the growing appreciation for boutique heritage properties that offer a deeply personal and culturally rooted experience, standing out in a world of sprawling resorts.
A Tale of Two Experiences
The presence of both The Oberoi Udaivilas and The Johri on the same prestigious list tells a wonderful story about the diversity of luxury travel in India. On one hand, you have the magnificent, palatial grandeur of Udaivilas, a resort built to make every guest feel like royalty. On the other, the intimate, story-filled elegance of The Johri, which offers a quiet, curated escape within a bustling city. Together, they represent the pinnacle of Indian hospitality: a seamless blend of opulent heritage, meticulous service, and a profound sense of place. Their recognition is not just a win for two hotels, but a celebration of the rich tapestry of experiences that India offers to the world.
