The Grand Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur

You will find us right across from Fateh Sagar Lake in Udaipur. It’s a nice spot because you can see the water and the hills from the front of the palace. The building used to be part of the royal history here, so the walls are thick stone and the ceilings are very high. It takes a lot of effort to keep an old place like this looking decent. We are constantly painting or fixing things that the lake air affects over time. The driveway is long and lined with trees, leading up to the main entrance. In the mornings, the sun comes up over the water and hits the courtyard, which is probably the best time of day here. Our staff stays busy with the guests who want to see the lake views. We aren't a modern glass box; everything here feels heavy and old. Sometimes the floors creak and the doors are a bit stubborn, but that is part of living in a palace. We spend our days making sure the gardens stay green despite the heat. People often stop by just to take photos of the exterior from the road. It’s a bit of a walk to get around the grounds, so we tell everyone to wear comfortable shoes. We’re just here taking care of the property and making sure people have a room ready when they finally arrive after their travels.