It is the number one hotel in the world according to Tripadvisor, and these images explain in some way why it has received the crown.
Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, India, topped the world’s ‘Best Hotels’ list in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotels for 2023 ranking, following review analysis of 1.5 million properties.
Tripadvisor says of number one: “Nicknamed ‘The Jewel of Jaipur,’ this 1835 palace-turned-luxury hotel has an incredible extravagance about it.”
The review site adds that the “opulent” retreat is “adored for its Polo Bar, historic suites, and high tea.”
Attracting famous faces, the hotel, which has over 5,400 coveted ‘five bubbles’ reviews on Tripadvisor, has hosted the likes of King Charles, Jackie Onassis and Lord Mountbatten.
Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, India is the number one hotel in the world according to Tripadvisor. Upstairs is the hotel’s Grand Presidential Suite.
The retreat topped the global ‘Best Hotels’ list in Tripadvisor’s recent Travelers’ Choice ranking of the best hotels for 2023, after review analysis of 1.5 million properties.
Tripadvisor says: “Nicknamed ‘The Jewel of Jaipur,’ this 1835 palace-turned-luxury hotel has an incredible extravagance.”
The property, which is located five miles (8 km) outside the walls of Jaipur, known as the ‘Pink City’ thanks to the dusty pink facades of its buildings, began as a house with a garden for the bridesmaid Queen’s main residence, Maharani Chandravati, in 1835 and later became a royal hunting lodge.
It was transformed into a palace in the early 20th century, and several royal suites were added to the property by Maharajah Sawai Man Singh II in the 1930s.
It has been a hotel since the 1950s and today offers 78 ‘amazingly restored’ rooms and suites that were formerly the Maharaja’s chambers.
A Tripadvisor reviewer said of the hotel: “This is probably the closest one gets to living a fairy tale.”
Rambagh Palace has over 5,400 coveted ‘five bubbles’ reviews on Tripadvisor. The estate began as a garden house for the Queen’s chief lady-in-waiting, Maharani Chandravati, in 1835 and was later converted into a royal hunting lodge.
The retreat was transformed into a palace in the early 20th century, and several royal suites were added to the property by Maharajah Sawai Man Singh II in the 1930s.
A statement from the hotel reads: “The palace retains its elaborate splendor, extravagantly decorated with hand-carved marble jalis, sandstone balustrades, cupolas… and elaborate Mughal Gardens. [a style of gardens influenced by India’s Mughal Emperors].’
During a stay, guests can enjoy a “royal Indian feast” at the Suvarna Mahal restaurant, the palace’s former ballroom built in the 18th-century French style with “huge” crystal chandeliers.
Afternoon tea is taken outdoors under the shade of the Verandah Cafe’s parasols. Guests can also dine on international cuisine at the all-day restaurant, Rajput Room, or feast on wood-fired pizzas at the lounge bar, Steam.
Meanwhile, the hotel’s previously mentioned Polo Bar is packed with Jaipur polo team trophies and memorabilia, serving signature cocktails, whiskeys, and single malts.
Rambagh Palace has been a hotel since the 1950s, and today offers 78 ‘amazingly restored’ rooms and suites that were formerly the Maharaja’s chambers.
The hotel is said to be “extravagantly decorated” with hand-carved marble latticework and sandstone balustrades. The spa (above) offers ‘ancient Indian wellness therapies’
Guests can dine on international cuisine at the all-day restaurant, Rajput Room (left). Meanwhile, afternoon tea is taken al fresco under the shade of the Verandah Cafe’s parasols.
The hotel’s Polo Bar is packed with Jaipur polo team trophies and memorabilia and serves signature cocktails, whiskeys and single malts.
A Tripadvisor reviewer described the hotel as “a splendid spectacle that everyone must experience at least once in their life.”
Those looking for more pampering can indulge in “Ancient Indian Wellness Therapies” or a meditation session at the J Wellness Circle Spa.
Many Tripadvisor reviews of the hotel are laden with praise, with user ‘Keshav Jumani’ describing it as ‘a splendid spectacle that everyone must experience at least once in a lifetime’.
Critic ‘Stefania C’ wrote: ‘Wherever you go in the palace you feel like royalty!’
And user ‘ardingPass723440’ commented: ‘This is probably as close as one gets to [to] living a fairy tale
At the time of writing, the rooms are priced at £317 per night. Visit tajhotels.com.
