Jaipur is rich in heritage sites and after a long day visiting palaces and forts, the city’s most luxurious hotels guarantee peace, relaxation and superb dining in a sumptuous décor, worthy of Rajput princes. Royal treatment may come at a price but Rajasthan palace hotels offer the ultimate experience and the perfect treat on a romantic holiday.
Jaipur has a domestic and international airport and can also be accessed by rail or road from Delhi. It’s a major stop on the popular Golden Triangle tour from Delhi and Agra to Rajasthan.
Oberoi Hotel Jaipur, India Top Heritage Hotel
Jaipur’s Oberoi Rajvilas is among the leading resorts of the world, having gained five awards in 2010. It is set in 32 acres of gardens with trees, water features and elegant pavilions. Guest accommodation ranges from well-appointed rooms, all with four poster beds and marble baths, to luxury tents, boasting outdoor deck and embroidered interior canopies, and villas with private pools. The opulent décor reflects the lifestyle of Rajput princes.
Dining options include international and Indian cuisine in the Surya Mahal and Courtyard, with traditional entertainment in the evening, and royal Rajisthani fare served on a silver platter in the Rajmahal which has its own tandoori display kitchen.
The spa offers aromatherapy and a range of holistic rituals in luxurious suites decorated with hand painted frescoes. Yoga facilities, tennis court and gym complete the picture.
Jaipur Luxury Hotel, Taj Rambagh Palace
A great favourite of VIPs, past and present, the Rambagh Palace has 79 rooms and suites draped in rich fabric and silk, in princely Rajisthani style. Top of the range are the Grand Royal Suites and Grand Presidential Suites with period furnishings or fusion décor.
The gardens are a cool oasis with marble corridors and pool, the spa features Ayurveda treatments and guests can enjoy a game of croquet or a round of mini-golf. The Polo Bar displays trophies and other memorabilia and you can feast on royal dishes in the "Palace of Gold" or dine al fresco in the Verandah. The Rajput Room is for all day informal dining.
The Rambagh Palace can organise airport transfer and city tours in vintage cars.
Raj Palace Hotel in Jaipur
Just 20 minutes from the airport and close to Jaipur’s luxury craft shops, the Raj heritage hotel was the city’s first palace. Among its worthy features are one of India’s biggest crystal chandelier, an antique crockery museum and pictures of illustrious visitors. Accommodation is spacious, including lavish heritage and historical suites and the Durbar Mahal, voted Asia’s leading suite for the past three years. Other awards include World’s Leading Heritage Hotel for the past four years.
Guests may enjoy a Kerala massage, Ayurveda and herbal treatments or silver and gold rituals or relax in the hamam and courtyard pool framed by elegant archways. The Kebab Shop serves Mughal specialities and the Sawpha Mahal a choice of multi-cuisine in a European period décor, enhanced by sparkling chandeliers.
Solange Hando - I am a travel writer, editor and photographer, contributing to a range of publications in the UK and worldwide.
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