Best Historical Hotels in Jaipur
Home to the maharajas, Jaipur was once dubbed the ‘pink city’, because of the buildings’ hues, painted under the order of Maharaja Ram Singh. This is the colour of hospitality, no coincidence, as the Rajasthani city is one of India’s most frequently visited metropolises. It’s popular with tourists for a number of reasons, but predominantly for significant sites including Hawa Mahal, the City Palace complex, Jal Mahal (aka the Lake Palace) and Jantar Mantar, an observatory and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jaipur is often described as the Paris of India and provides a fascinating glimpse into the India of yesteryear.
Rajasthan, Jaipur
Rambagh Palace
(5 stars)Receive royal standard treatment when you check into the Rambagh Palace. Indeed the building was once inhabited by a maharajah and is unashamedly grand. 78 rooms come with hand-carved mahogany furnishings, high ceilings, detailed decoration, gilt touches, modern-day conveniences and personal butlers. Public areas outstrip the footprint of rooms, meaning it always feels spacious and refined. Facilities include a picture-perfect courtyard, croquet lawn, huge spa, yoga pavilion, a putting green, two restaurants, plus an eatery in a vintage steam train carriage, and indoor and outdoor pools. Attentive staff adorn guests with garlands, invite them to candle-lighting ceremonies and offer intricate henna tattoos.
Rajasthan, Jaipur
Jai Mahal Palace
(5 stars)This 18th-century property used to be called home by prime ministers, before being carefully restored by the Taj Group. The main building has 102 bedrooms and is surrounded by 18 acres of beautiful Mughal gardens; within the manicured grounds is a large outdoor solar-heated swimming pool. Romantic private dining can be arranged, or guests can eat Royal Indian cuisine at Cinnamon, Italian food at Giardino and international dishes at Marble Arch. After dinner, the Marigold Bar is a sophisticated spot to enjoy a single malt and a cigar. The Jai Mahal Palace is in Civil Lines, close to the city’s shops and restaurants.