Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Jawaharlal Nehru and several past Indian presidents stayed in this former royal palace before it was turned into a heritage hotel. Unlike most of the competition, it stands on the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake, to the northeast of the old city, atop a low hillock that’s perfectly oriented for Udaipur’s legendary sunsets. You can savour them from a lake-facing room, or over hot pakoras and spiced tea in the lawned gardens, where puppet shows and music recitals are staged for guests. This is a good option if you like plenty of space as the rooms, originally designed for visiting VIPs, are larger than average for a five star.