A Global Nod for Indian Hospitality
The World's 50 Best Hotels list is a prestigious annual ranking that sets benchmarks for global travel, voted on by over 800 anonymous experts. Securing a place on this list is a significant achievement. For 2026, two Indian properties have been celebrated
on the 51-100 extended list, both hailing from the vibrant state of Rajasthan. The Johri, a boutique hotel in Jaipur, made its debut at number 94, while The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur was placed at number 98. This recognition highlights a growing global appreciation for India's unique blend of rich history and contemporary luxury.
The Johri: A Jeweller's Hidden Gem
Tucked away in the bustling lanes of Jaipur's historic Johri Bazaar, the city's jewellery market, The Johri is an intimate sanctuary. Occupying a restored 19th-century merchant's home, or haveli, the hotel feels less like a commercial establishment and more like a private residence steeped in history. Opened in 2020, it shuns grand scale in favour of quiet, thoughtful luxury. The hotel is a passion project born from a collaboration that includes Siddharth Kasliwal, a descendant of the family behind one of India's oldest jewellery houses, Gem Palace. This connection to the world of gems is not just geographical; it is woven into the very fabric of the hotel's identity.
Living in a Jewel Box: The Five Suites
The heart of The Johri's allure lies in its five exclusive suites, each named after and designed around a precious gemstone, creating distinct, immersive worlds for its guests. The Manek (Ruby) suite is awash in shades of Jaipur pink and dusty rose, creating a warm, regal atmosphere. In contrast, the Neelam (Sapphire) suite uses cool, powder-blue walls, accented by dramatic black-and-white columns and a vintage swing. The Panna (Emerald) suite features pastoral frescoes, while the Sona (Gold) suite glows with warm amber and gold tones. The crowning glory is the Moti (Pearl) suite, a top-floor penthouse dressed in ivory tones, complete with its own private verandah offering a tranquil escape from the city below.
A Holistic Heritage Experience
The experience at The Johri extends beyond its beautiful rooms. It's about immersing oneself in an authentic, design-led vision of Jaipur. The hotel celebrates its intimate scale with highly personalised service that feels more like being a guest in a grand home. Its acclaimed vegetarian restaurant serves inventive Indian cuisine, and its Pukhraj Lounge transforms from a high-tea spot into a chic cocktail bar by evening. Unlike the sprawling palace hotels, The Johri offers a different kind of luxury—one rooted in quiet elegance, historical storytelling, and a deep connection to its vibrant bazaar surroundings.
Udaipur’s Grand Dame: The Oberoi Udaivilas
The second Indian property to be honoured is The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, a hotel that embodies a different, yet equally compelling, vision of luxury. Ranking at number 98, this property is a modern palace built in the grand Mewari architectural style. Sprawled across the banks of Lake Pichola, it offers breathtaking views and a sense of unparalleled grandeur with its dramatic domes, cascading fountains, and sprawling courtyards. Where The Johri is intimate and boutique, The Oberoi Udaivilas is opulent and expansive, representing the majestic palace hotel experience that Rajasthan is famous for. Its inclusion alongside The Johri showcases the incredible diversity of world-class hospitality that India offers.
