Taj Lake Palace

The Lake Palace is an iconic property and was on my "bucket" list and a self-gift for turning 60. A childhood dream to stay here. Accordingly, I was a little saddened by the fact that when I mentioned to the night manager that the rate I had paid on Expedia (for a garden facing room) was a lot more than was being currently advertised in India for a lake facing room, he said he would see what he could do about it, and then showed me into a lake facing room -- omitting to mention, however, that it was for a disabled customer. As you can imagine, being faced with images of how my life will look in another 15 - 20 years was quite unsettling. The next day I was moved into a another (lovely) room with a terrace (with people, oddly, continuing to apologize for the fact that I needed to climb stairs to get to it -- I guess "grey hair" is tantamount to wheelchair in some people's minds). The Jiva Spa was a big disappointment. I had a manicure (that took 2 hours!!!), a pedicure (where after 75 minutes she had not been able to get to nail painting), and a facial (where they did no steam/ extractions, informing me that this was a "normal" facial). Truly disappointing after the excellent facial I had received at the Taj Aguada in December, As an expert on branding, I strongly recommend that the Taj look into ensuring uniform high quality at the Jiva spa. The service all throughout was exceptional, from the boat boy, to the durbaan, to the bar tender, to the reception staff.

Beautiful and historic palace, truly luxurious feel. Staff were wonderful and accommodating, especially to our little child. Food and drink were incredible. Expectation ls were exceeded.