The Johri, Jaipur
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Like a box of trinkets perfectly suited to its location in one of Asia's largest jewellery markets, The Johri reveals itself in layers, each level slowly unveiling beautiful treasures hidden inside.
Located within the bustling Johri Bazar in Jaipur, The Johri is an incredible hotel that truly embodies the word 'boutique'. With just five suites, each named after a jewel leaning into the theme of the surrounding bazar, the exquisitely designed heritage hotel has made its home in a beautifully restored haveli (an ornately crafted traditional Indian mansion) from the 19th century. Once a family home, now a space that makes every guest feel like they've stumbled upon something truly special.
A stay unlike any other -
The Arrival -
Before arriving, The Johri's guest experience team request a quick call, as the narrow lanes of the bazar are inaccessible by car. We park outside a row of pink shopfronts displaying an array of handcrafted jewellery, and are accompanied for the short stroll to the hotels entrance with signs in tasteful gold proclaiming 'The Johri' in English and Hindi.
Led through two courtyards - one; shared by local shops, vendors who have been a part of the building for generations, through the hotel's award-winning restaurant and into an open courtyard as is typical of such havelis. The butter-coloured interior walls rise gently around, leading the eye upward to a rooftop that houses the Moti 'pearl' suite and a terrace where private dinners can be arranged on request.
We settle into a cool corner with soothing peach walls and traditional paintings, promtly greeted by chilled kahwa (a traditional spiced drink) that offers respite from the sweltering heat, before being led up to the Neelam Suite.
The Neelam Suite -
Named aptly for its calming blue hue, The Neelam Suite is a slice of paradise. Coveted for the traditional Indian swing that frames the bed, the suite is grand yet approachable, with touches revealing the considerations behind every detail.
A large bed draped in cloud-coloured linens with the subtlest of borders hinting at its custom-made origins, an embroidered headboard, matching cushions and bolsters, all sit at the heart of the room. The patterned tiled floor is cool underfoot, and in one corner, two hand-painted tiger chairs (a male and female, as I am told by the guest experience team) sit as rightful rulers of their domain – all framed by brazenly painted black and white pillars that somehow blend seamlessly into the room.
Unlocking the suite with a heavily tasselled key (blue to match the room, of course), we slowly discover the rooms as they unfold. A dressing room with a private sitting area, a nook perfect for lounging with starched white gaddhis (mattresses) framing the windows alongside the minibar, perfect for entertaining guests or settling in with a drink and a book, and a bathroom stocked with custom toiletries.
With just two suites per floor and a shared lounging space between them, the whole experience feels intimate and private, like visiting relatives or friends in their home.
The Experience -
After lounging in the room and spending as much time as possible on the swing, we make our way downstairs for an incredible dinner at The Johri Restaurant followed by a blissful night's sleep, readying ourselves for an early start.
We set off at 7am for a tour to the local flower market, a short walk from The Johri. Jaipur's streets are awake but the shops are still closed, making it the perfect juxtaposition of noisy yet accessible. Walking past the honeycombed windows of the extraordinary Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) and past ancient temples, the market reveals itself as an incredible riot of noise and colour, fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables sold to wholesalers daily. Our hotel recommended guide is wonderfully knowledgeable and it's a different side of Jaipur entirely, one that slowly melts into the rest of the city's bustle as the day progresses.
Back at The Johri, a delightful à la carte breakfast is laid out in the open courtyard, tables set so you can gaze upon the façade while enjoying fresh fruit, parathas and eggs. The team also gently encouraged (read: lovingly coerced) a helping of the pancakes, and after being pleasantly stuffed, the last couple of hours are spent soaking up every moment before sadly, it’s time to say goodbye.
The Feeling -
It's hard to put into words just how wonderful The Johri is. There's something so special about Indian hospitality. The personalised touches, warm greetings and smiles on every single face in the team make you feel genuinely, unmistakably welcome.
The details are part of the experience: a lounge for in-house guests complete with a small bar and gift shop selling The Johri's custom bed linens and crockery; fresh marigold petals floating in a marble urli in the middle of the courtyard; and the warm scent of loban spreading across the courtyard as dusk falls.
There's a certain calm that resides within the property despite being surrounded by so much movement. Peeping at the streets outside the windows, it's possible to be part of the experience should you choose, or simply observe while Jaipur carries on, oblivious to the curious eyes.
Our short stay felt just like visiting a family home, and I for one cannot wait to return to this jewel box in the Pink City.
I'm Karina, a Sydney copywriter who writes for restaurants, travel brands and lifestyle businesses. If you'd like copy that makes people feel something, get in touch.
