I spent 3 weeks in Rajasthan in April and stayed at some pretty incredible properties -- Raas, The Serai, Mihir Garh, Devi Garh, Lake Palace, etc -- but King's Abode was not one of them. In fact, it was the only disappointment of the trip.
I stayed in Ranakpur due to its proximity to Nana Bera, where I enjoyed a Leopard safari in the company of Thakur Devi Singh -- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED -- and of course, the beautiful Jain temple, nearby. But, King's Abode was borderline dreadful.
The "bones" of the place are interesting -- architecture and grey stone -- but it's Udaipur owners are simply running the place into the ground. Significant investment needs to be made to take advantage of the structural benefits that it DOES possess.
I stayed in one of the hotels "suites" -- This is what I found:
Torn window shades -- the kind on rollers -- which by the way, didn't roll
Filthy bathroom -- I wouldn't step foot in the "sunken tub" with stains of some sort
The shower stall had a bucket on the floor used to collect "something"... pretty disgusting
The few towels that were available were thin and in terrible shape.
Cushions for the patio chairs were torn
STAINED bed sheets! -- the bed itself had a thin mattress that was hard and uncomfortable
Wall socket plates -- coming off the wall
And, a toilet "wrapper" that indicates it was clean and sanitized (like what you would find on the toilet in a MOTEL in the middle of nowhere.)
The hotel has no wifi -- have to go down to the lobby to use a provided laptop
Chandeliers are missing bulbs
Furniture throughout -- including the restaurant -- looks like its from the 1960's and definitely needs to be replaced
Courtyard "pond" is green and filthy and the pool is not in much better shape. Needs a good scrubbing.
Laundry service -- indicated as same day -- took a day and a half to be returned.
Food -- oily and unremarkable
Common spaces -- poorly decorated, if at all
I believe the GM came from the Lake Palace, of all places. He should be embarrassed by the condition of the hotel. Shameful.
One of the problems, I believe, is that they are virtually the only game in town. The only other option, which appeared to be much better, was Fateh Bagh, not far down the road. In spite of all the above, I was told that King's Abode is fully booked during the high season -- so the owners are clearly taking advantage of the lack of competition.
King's Abode really "could be" a very nice property -- it just needs a WHOLE lot of money, work and attention.
Despite my disappointment with the hotel itself, I would like to call-out and give high praise to Himmat Singh, who works on staff and was unbelievably kind, professional, courteous and helpful. If Himmat's intention is to stay in the hotel business, he will undoubtedly go far -- if he can apply his good nature and professionalism in ANOTHER environment.
If your travels require you to stay in Ranakpur, be duly warned about King's Abode and do not stay for more than an evening if other options are not available.
