Two Indian hotels among world's best

Mumbai's Taj Mahal hotel and Jaipur's Oberoi Raj Vilas have made it to the world's best hotels' list compiled by an international travel magazine.

While the Taj Mahal hotel has been ranked 16th in the Conde Naste Traveller's first ever 'Gold List 2005' in terms of location, Jaipur's Oberoi Raj Vilas has bagged the 8th place in terms of quality of services.

The magazine has given Oberoi Raj Vilas the thumbs-up for its services, which, it says, are way ahead of other Indian hotels' and praised the Taj Mahal hotel for its 'staggering view over the Arabian Sea, the Gateway of India and the city of Mumbai'.

"Raj Vilas is a purpose-built palace hotel set in immaculate, 32-acre grounds, which has services head and shoulders above other Indian hotels, with 24-hour dining and butler services," it said.

Conde Naste described Taj Mahal hotel's services as 'a satisfactory blend of efficiency and hospitability', and was especially appreciative of its location (16th rank).

"The Gold List 2005 represents our choice of establishments that are the best for location, rooms, services, ambience/design, food and leisure facilities," the magazine said.

The magazine chose The Samling in the Lake district of England as the best hotel in terms of location for its 'charming 1870s house with the ambience of a private home, set in 67 acres overlooking Lake Windermere'.

The Four Seasons hotel of London has been ranked first in the services category.

"The services of this hotel are utterly reliable led by charming general manager John Sauss," the magazine said.

Next in the list of the best hotels in terms of services is Dubai's Burj Al Arab, which has a sail-shaped glass structure on a manmade island off Jumeirah beach.

Oxford's Le Manoir Aux Quat'saisions offers the best food in the world, says the magazine. Italy's Villa Feltrinelli has the best rooms. South Africa's Singita private game reserve bordering Kruger National Park has the best ambience and design.