A 475-year-old palace haveli in the heart of old Jaipur transformed into a heritage hotel, Samode Haveli retains beautiful painted rooms, mirror work, and courtyard architecture that puts guests in the heart of traditional Rajasthani living. Its rooftop dining and intimate garden pool are highlights.
Samode Haveli is a 475-year-old palace haveli in Gangapole in the heart of Jaipur's old city, approximately 2 kilometres from Hawa Mahal and within walking distance of the Johari Bazaar jewellery market. The haveli was built in the 17th century by the noble Samode family — hereditary ministers to the rulers of Jaipur — and served as the family's city residence before being developed into a heritage hotel. It remains one of the most architecturally intact and atmospheric heritage hotels in Jaipur, preserving the layered interiors of a Rajput nobleman's urban mansion.
The haveli offers 37 rooms and suites arranged around a series of interconnected courtyards. The most celebrated architectural feature is the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), where walls and ceiling surfaces are entirely covered in intricate mirror mosaic and coloured glass inlay — a preserved example of traditional Rajput palace decoration. The Durbar Hall, a formal reception room with painted arches and gallery seating, is another highlight. Guest rooms are individually painted with floral and figurative motifs in traditional Rajasthani fresco style; no two rooms are identical. The Mughal Suite and Royal Suite are the most expansive, with sitting rooms and private terraces.
Dining includes a rooftop restaurant with Jaipur old city views and a courtyard café for breakfast and light meals. The kitchen specialises in traditional Rajasthani dishes including dal baati churma, laal maas, and gatte ki sabzi, alongside pan-Indian and international options. Cultural performances — including puppet shows, folk music, and dance — are occasionally staged in the courtyards for resident guests.
A garden swimming pool, set within the haveli's outer garden, provides a retreat from Jaipur's heat. In-room massage services can be arranged through the front desk. Samode Haveli is affiliated with the wider Samode Palace property approximately 40 kilometres outside Jaipur, and the two can be combined into a multi-property Rajasthan itinerary.
The haveli is a two-minute walk from Johari Bazaar and approximately 15 minutes by auto-rickshaw from the City Palace and Albert Hall Museum.
Amenities
- pool
- heritage rooms
- rooftop dining
- garden
- cultural performances
- wifi
Location
Gangapole, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002
26.9299, 75.8319 View on map
Highlights
- 475-year-old palace haveli in Jaipur's old city with 37 individually hand-painted rooms in traditional Rajasthani fresco style
- Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) — a historic state room entirely surfaced in mirror mosaic and coloured glass inlay
- Rooftop restaurant with Jaipur old city views and traditional Rajasthani cuisine
- Garden swimming pool within the haveli grounds — a quiet retreat from the bustle of the old city
- Walking distance to Johari Bazaar and convenient auto-rickshaw access to Hawa Mahal and City Palace
Tips for visiting
- Request the Mughal Suite or Royal Suite for the most elaborate painted rooms and private terraces — book well in advance.
- Ask at the front desk to arrange a guided walkthrough of the Sheesh Mahal; it is the most remarkable architectural space in the haveli.
- The surrounding old city streets are active with tuk-tuks and vendors from 8 AM — light sleepers should choose interior courtyard rooms over street-facing rooms.
- The Johari Bazaar nearby is one of Jaipur's best jewellery and gemstone markets; the front desk can recommend reputable dealers.
- Auto-rickshaw rides to City Palace and Hawa Mahal cost approximately INR 50–100; negotiate the fare before boarding.
When to visit
November to February is the best season for Jaipur with cool, dry weather and comfortable temperatures for exploring the old city on foot. The Sheesh Mahal and painted rooms are particularly beautiful in the diffuse winter light. March to May becomes increasingly hot; the monsoon (July–September) brings rain but also cooler evenings.
Accessibility
Samode Haveli is a historic structure with multiple levels connected by stone staircases and narrow doorways characteristic of traditional Rajput haveli architecture. Wheelchair access to upper floors and most of the decorated rooms is not possible. Guests with mobility limitations should contact the hotel before booking to identify ground-floor options and understand the physical layout of the property.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the Sheesh Mahal at Samode Haveli?
The Sheesh Mahal, or Hall of Mirrors, is the haveli's most celebrated interior space — a historic reception room whose walls and ceiling are entirely surfaced in intricate mirror mosaic and coloured glass inlay. It is a preserved example of traditional Rajput palace decoration and can be visited by hotel guests.
How many rooms does Samode Haveli have and what are the categories?
The haveli has 37 rooms and suites arranged around interconnected courtyards. Each room is individually hand-painted in traditional Rajasthani fresco style; no two rooms are identical. The Mughal Suite and Royal Suite are the most expansive categories.
Is Samode Haveli related to Samode Palace?
Yes. Both properties are owned and operated by the Samode family. Samode Palace is the original ancestral seat located approximately 40 kilometres outside Jaipur. Guests can combine stays at both properties for a broader Rajasthani heritage experience.
What dining options are available at Samode Haveli?
The haveli has a rooftop restaurant serving Rajasthani and pan-Indian cuisine with old city views, and a courtyard café for breakfast and lighter meals. Traditional dishes include dal baati churma, laal maas, and gatte ki sabzi.