Hidden down an unassuming lane in Jaipur’s residential Civil Lines district, 28 Kothi brings a new level of luxury to the guesthouse experience. A joint venture between Siddharth Kasliwal (co-owner of Gem Palace, India’s most glamorous jewellery business) and Abhishek Honawar (eminent Bombay chef), it opened its doors to instant acclaim. It was envisaged as a place for Kasliwal’s clients to stay that would be “as extraordinary as the jewels they come to Jaipur for”, and is filled with stunning objets d’art and eye-catching commissions.
With just 5 stylish rooms, a lush garden, a peaceful library and a bijou spa, the atmosphere is particularly special; intimate and welcoming, and ideal for solo travellers as well as couples. Meals are made to order in Cafe Kothi using farm-fresh vegetarian ingredients - you'll breakfast on the terrace and dine under the stars at night. But most seductive of all is the peace here - it's a true urban oasis. You’re more likely to hear the resonant call of a peacock than the thrum of traffic, yet Jaipur’s ‘Pink City’ and its numerous attractions are just a tuk-tuk ride away.
Highs
- Fantastic value
- We loved the 5 airy rooms, with their pops of bright tropical colours and potted palm trees
- Sublime vegetarian food (quinoa biryani, orange rabdi and perfectly spiced Rajasthani thalis)
- The Kothi Spa - treat yourself to an Ayurvedic massage with all-natural ingredients sourced in the Himalayas
- Reading in the library, a little sanctuary with a miniature Indian mural and colour co-ordinated book collection
Lows
- No pool to cool off in
- The minimalist and clutter-free aesthetic doesn't allow for mod-cons - no TVs and no minibars except in the Suites (Moonstone, Sapphire)
- Welcomes families but there's nothing for them here
- A strict payment policy
Best time to go
October to early April, when it's warm and dry, is the best time to visit. December, January and February can be cold in the mornings and evenings, though warm and sunny during the daytime. March and April are fairly hot. In May and June it gets humid and the heat can become intense and uncomfortable. The monsoon breaks in July and lasts until September. January sees the city play host to the Jaipur Literary Festival and bookworms from around the world descend.
Our top tips
For the best insider's guide, bring a copy of Fiona Caulfield's Love Jaipur, which is filled with local tips such as the splendid Saturday Hatwara flea market.
Fashionistas can create amazing souvenirs at the Anokhi Museum of Handprinting, where you can block-print your own shirt!
Fashionistas can create amazing souvenirs at the Anokhi Museum of Handprinting, where you can block-print your own shirt!
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 3 independent reviews from i-escape guests
We only stayed one night but the room was very nice on the top floor with a spacious balcony and nicely decorated. Good bathroom facilities. Interesting veg thali for dinner in the garden, some bits delicious and others more unusual! Cold beer. Good breakfast. My only slight criticism is the bed was really hard.
The personal service provided by the charming staff was first class; welcoming, helpful, discreet and professional. The dinner in the garden was wonderful as were breakfasts outdoors and the lovely cafe. The hotel itself is a stunning and delightfully understated art deco building with really thoughtful design features.
It's only a 10 minute walk to the Metro station which takes you very quickly to the heart of the old city, and the walk to the station is along wide tree-lined roads which feel very safe. There are also a few good restaurants a short walk from the station itself. while its location on a map looks some distance from the centre in reality it is very easy to get to wherever you need to go using the metro. I have already recommended this place to a number of my friends.
Gorgeous, understated elegance. Customer service was outstanding, people were helpful, relaxed, and professional. Our room was lovely and the bathroom is all marble with gorgeous bath products that I am planning to order. If we go back to Jaipur this is where we will stay. Food at their sister property Johri is excellent with a great drinks menu.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape