The Best Palace Hotels in Rajasthan: Your Guide to a Royal Stay
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As a travel journalist of Indian origin, I’m often asked about my favorite spots in India to visit as a tourist. My answer has always been the same: Rajasthan!
The state of Rajasthan, located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, is the land of maharajas, age-old palaces and forts. Considered the jewel in India’s crown, the best way to experience the grandeur of Rajasthan is by staying in one of its spectacular palace hotels.
Here, we uncover Rajasthan’s finest palace hotels where history meets modern luxury. Bookmark this guide for when you travel back in time nd take a vacation that’s fit for a king and queen – quite literally!
Why a Heritage Hotel in Rajasthan is the ultimate Winter Getaway
Staying in an authentic heritage hotel in Rajasthan is just the most magical way to tap into India’s rich royal history.
If you’re planning to visit Rajasthan, aim for the winter season, the absolute best time is from November to February, when the weather is just perfect for getting out and exploring. I can tell you, winter is a real treat for outdoor activities, whether that’s tackling massive forts or just lounging in historic courtyards in the warm sunshine.
Many of these stunning palace hotels used to be former royal residences, lovingly restored over the years to be the places they are today. Book yourself into one of these lavish accommodations and you’ll get the best of both worlds, historic architecture and top-notch hospitality you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s be honest, the region is just full of incredible palace hotels that combine the grandeur of the past with all the modern luxuries you need, making them top of the list for anyone looking for a real luxury travel experience that rivals the world’s best luxury enclave hotels and destination resorts.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
This celebrity-favorite property is the home of Maharaja Gaj Singh, a member of the former Jodhpur royal family. A portion of the palace has been transformed into a hotel that comprises 64 well-appointed guest accommodations, including 22 guestrooms and 42 suites. This palace is an awe-inspiring golden-yellow Art Deco structure and also features historical architectural elements: Umaid Bhawan Palace’s 105-foot-high dome showcases Renaissance design, and its stately towers exhibit Rajput design tradition. With its well-manicured gardens, aesthetically pleasing interiors and thoughtful service, Umaid Bhawan Palace is the perfect backdrop for your regal Indian getaway. This property also houses a museum that is home to a wide range of artefacts, antiques and memorabilia from the royal family’s personal collections.
This absolute behemoth was being built between 1928 and 1943. It stands out as the sixth biggest private residence in the world, easily holding its own among the world’s most iconic historic luxury hotels. The architecture throws together Classical Revival, Art Deco and traditional Indo-Saracenic styles to create something truly unique. And it’s perched high up on Chittar Hill, so you get these simply stunning views of the city and the iconic Mehrangarh Fort. The views are beyond incredible.
Amanbagh, Alwar
Amanbagh is a royal boutique property located at the foot of the Aravalli Hills, a two-hour drive from Jaipur. Once the Maharaja of Alwars’ staging area for royal hunts, the property showcases Mughal grandeur. It was conceptualized by architect Ed Tuttle and features scalloped arches, majestic domes, and cupolas constructed with local pink marble and sandstone. The property’s 37 suites overlook lush green gardens and outdoor patios with many housing a private plunge pool. Moreover, the property’s culinary team crafts delicious North Indian and Ayurvedic food made using ingredients from the resort’s own garden and local vendors. This property’s impeccable service adds to the overall experience.
Tucked up against the Aravalli Range, this property is all about curating these unique journeys that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and just soak up the local history, this is the place, especially if you love historic luxury wellness resorts focused on rejuvenation.
Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner
Once the home of Narendra Singh, the last reigning Maharaja (lit. “great king”) of Bikaner, this stately property houses 53 visually arresting guest rooms and suites. The interiors of the guest rooms pay homage to Rajasthan’s magnificent past. Furthermore, the hotel’s spa is a must-visit. Evocative of the classic sanatoriums of Europe, the spa and al fresco swimming pool are a serene oasis. Additionally, visitors can indulge in a leisurely meal at P&C or Gaushala, two local cuisine eateries, or at Mad Hatter – The Bake House, a charming bakery.
Like lots of the state’s top-notch royal retreats, this place really excels at creating all sorts of tailored wellness programs in its luxury palace spa. You’ll find all sorts of treatments that draw on the age-old Indian wellness practices that will have you feeling like new in no time, totally reset your system.
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Constructed in 1835 as a residence for the queen’s beloved handmaiden, Rambagh Palace was also a hunting lodge before being used as the home of the Jaipur royal family. Presently, the 47-acre restored property is commonly known as the “Jewel of Jaipur”. This palace hotel showcases a mix of Indo-Saracenic architecture and Rajput design elements, including hand-carved marble ‘jalis’ (carved stone screens for ventilation), sandstone balustrades, cupolas, and ‘chattris’(gazeebo-like domed structures). The property is home to a number of inviting eateries, including Suvarna Mahal, Rajput Room, Polo Bar, and Verandah Cafe.
Originally built way back in 1835 as a humble hunting lodge, Jaipur’s Rambagh Palace eventually morphed into a sprawling royal residence and now features 78 rooms and suites that perfectly capture that old-world charm. Not to mention it was the home of Maharani Gayatri Devi at one point, if that doesn’t add a bit of real-world history to every guest’s stay, I don’t know what does.
Fairmont Udaipur Palace
Perched amidst the Aravalli Hills, Fairmont Udaipur Palace boasts sumptuous marble columns, high-domed ceilings, welcoming verandas and ornate inlaid flooring. The expansive property comprises 327 well-furnished guest rooms and suites encompassed by verdant gardens. Fairmont Udaipur Palace is home to a number of restaurants serving Indian, Mediterranean, Italian and Asian cuisines. The hotel is also a well-loved events venue, featuring several ballrooms, meeting rooms, and gardens perfect for grand events.
It’s a massive luxury hotel that really knows how to treat you like royalty from the minute you walk in the door, similar in spirit to the nicest luxury hotels in the Canary Islands for a getaway vacation.
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Situated against the backdrop of the striking Aravalli Hills, the Taj Lake Palace is a private island on Pichola Lake. This floating sanctuary is among India’s most Instagrammed hotel properties. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, was constructed between 1743 and 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh after his father disallowed him to build a palace in his royal abode, Jagmandir. Presently, managed by the Taj Hotels, this stunning palace became wildly popular after the James Bond film Octopussy was filmed there. This one-of-a-kind property is home to 65 guest rooms and 18 majestic suites that will leave you speechless.
Built right in the middle of Lake Pichola, and only accessible by boat, which adds to its exclusivity, this stunning palace was built between 1743 and 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II as a pleasure palace. If you’re looking for a bit of romance, they’ve got private candlelit dinners on vintage boats that float gently across the water under the stars, it doesn’t get any more romantic than that.
Suryagarh Jaisalmer
Nestled in the heart of the Thar Desert, Suryagarh Jaisalmer showcases local architecture, which is a blend of Rajput and Mughal design with European influences. The charm of the property’s design is exhibited in its indoor and outdoor event venues, including the Celebration Garden, the Champa Garden and the Bawdi. Housed in a golden sandstone structure, this palatial hotel features 83 guest accommodations across various categories. Each of its guest rooms offers a panoramic view of the garden, desert or countryside. The property’s expert team organizes unique guest experiences such as private dinners or picnics in the desert.
Uncovering the grandeur of Udaipur’s City Palace Complex
The legendary City Palace in Udaipur is a real showstopper when it comes to Rajasthan’s royal heritage.
This massive complex is a stunning fusion of Mughal and Rajasthani styles, looking out over the sparkling waters of the lake. Today, the city has turned part of this area into a massive tourist complex, but it still manages to retain its majestic soul.
And right in the middle of it all you’ll find the Shiv Niwas Palace, with its traditional Rajput architectural style, originally built as a royal guest house by Maharana Fateh Singh and now serving as a luxury hotel. The sweeping driveway and crescent-shaped structure just make you feel like royalty from the second you arrive.
Strolling through History at the Raj Palace
The majestic Raj Palace in Jaipur is actually India’s very first museum hotel.
This incredible heritage hotel is home to a massive collection of genuine historical artifacts, antique furniture and crystal chandeliers that used to belong to the rulers of a bygone era. Staying in one of their royal suites is a bit like stepping into a living museum. They offer highly personalized services to make every guest’s stay simply legendary, on par with standout luxury hotels in London known for bespoke service.
A peaceful oasis: Narain Niwas Palace in the Pink City
The classic Narain Niwas Palace is a hidden gem right in the heart of Jaipur.
Built in 1928 by General Amar Singh as a summer retreat, this stunning property is all about authentic Rajput hospitality. It features lovely gardens, sprawling palace gardens and orchards that block out all the noise of the bustling Pink City.
The walls are adorned with stunning frescoes, and the rooms are packed with gorgeous antique furniture. And with the famous Hawa Mahal just a quick drive away, it’s super easy to visit other historic spots. It’s been hosting visiting dignitaries and travelers for decades, offering a genuine taste of local history.
How to choose the right hotel to make your Royal Escape truly unforgettable
Finding the right Hotel in Rajasthan is all about whether you want to rough it in the desert, chill out by a lake or really dig deep into the local wellness scene, much like planning a 48-hour wellness and heritage escape in Goa.
Lots of properties put together some truly fantastic deals that combine top-notch facilities with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. For example you can book deals that include guided walking tours of the local villages, a camel trek across the sand dunes and get private dining set up in some seriously stunning royal settings, the kind of immersive experience you also find in luxury trips to Petra, Angkor Wat and Cappadocia.
And on top of all that you get to watch traditional cultural performances under the stars, it’s a pretty immersive experience if you ask me. If you’re willing to venture a little outside the main city then Samode Palace is a showstopper, its mirror work and frescoed walls are world famous for good reason, and it pairs perfectly with a 48-hour itinerary for exploring Jaipur’s royal highlights.
