Arjen M.
Google
While traveling through Rajasthan, we were touched by how almost every hotel went out of their way to adapt dishes to our preference for mild seasoning. Unfortunately, our experience at Suvarna Mahal (Taj Rambagh Palace) was the polar opposite. What was meant to be a celebratory gift turned into a masterclass in poor hospitality and dismissive service.
Right from the start, the staff claimed they needed our gift certificate in stead of our name, seemingly as a tactic to see the amount of gift credit we had. We were then denied an a la carte menu and forced to choose from a pre-set Veg or Non-Veg menu, joking you do not have to choose, you get everything. To make matters worse, the staff practiced "bill padding"—bringing a second bottle of water while the first was still not empty and adding it to the bill.
For a restaurant of this supposed caliber, the kitchen's performance was shocking:
• Burnt Food: We were served burnt chicken as a second appetizer and charred bread. When we pointed out the bread, we were told this was "normal for a clay oven." Having traveled across India, we know the difference between a char-kissed naan and a burnt one.
• Ignored Requests: Despite a firm promise to prepare the food without spices, every dish was uncomfortably hot.
When the Chef eventually asked about the spice level, we told him it was far too sharp. His response? "Just don't eat the red bread and use yogurt to quench the fire." There was no apology, no offer to replace the dish, and zero accountability for ignoring our dietary request.
At the Taj Rambagh Palace, you expect to be treated like a king en queen. Instead, we felt like a cash machine. The lack of care, the forced menu, and the defensive attitude regarding poor cooking are unworthy of the Taj brand.
I am writing this at 2:00 AM because the frustration of this evening is literally keeping me awake. If you value authentic hospitality and food that respects your requests, I suggest looking elsewhere. This was a total failure of service and spirit.