1. Rambagh Palace: The Jewel in the Crown of Jaipur
Voted the '#1 Hotel in the World' in the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, Rambagh Palace in Jaipur stands as the pinnacle of Indian royal hospitality. Originally built in 1835 as a garden retreat for the royal wet nurse Kesar Badaran, it was transformed into a royal hunting lodge and eventually expanded into the principal official palace residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his glamorous consort, Maharani Gayatri Devi.
Set within 47 acres of tranquil, manicured Mughal gardens where wild peacocks display their iridescent plumage, the palace retains all the hallmarks of imperial Rajputana: sandstone balustrades, marble latticework jharokhas, antique Belgian chandeliers, and a private horse-drawn vintage carriage arrival flanked by ceremonial royal guards.
Managed by Taj Hotels, Rambagh Palace preserves the private apartments of the royal family. Each of the 78 restored rooms and suites features hand-woven silk draperies, authentic archival family portraits, and private marble verandas opening onto fountain courtyards.
2. Royal Suites: The Suryavanshi & Sukh Niwas Staterooms
Suites at Rambagh Palace are curated historical galleries featuring museum-quality antiques and personal heirlooms of the Kachwaha dynasty:
| Suite Category | Area | Tariff per Night | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palace Room | 450 sq. ft. | ₹50,000 – ₹80,000 | Traditional four-poster bed, garden view, butler |
| Historical Suite | 750 sq. ft. | ₹95,000 – ₹1,60,000 | Sitting alcove, royal arches, marble soaking tub |
| Royal Suite | 1,100 sq. ft. | ₹1,80,000 – ₹3,00,000 | Antique canopied bed, private dining balcony |
| Grand Royal Suite (Maharani) | 1,800 sq. ft. | ₹4,00,000 – ₹5,50,000 | Maharani Gayatri Devi's personal boudoir styling |
| Suryavanshi Presidential Suite | 3,000 sq. ft. | ₹6,00,000 – ₹8,00,000 | Private terrace, master bedroom, dressing salons, library |
The Suryavanshi Suite represents the height of royal opulence, featuring lofty coffered ceilings, European crystal chandeliers, authentic royal Rajput armory displays, a private banquet dining room, and an expansive sun terrace overlooking the central garden fountain.
3. Gastronomy: Suvarna Mahal Gold Thali & The Polo Bar
Dining at Rambagh Palace is steeped in royal ceremonial tradition:
- Suvarna Mahal: The former royal ballroom, featuring 20-foot ceilings decorated with hand-painted Italian Florentine frescoes, gilded mirrors, and Belgian crystal chandeliers. Guests are served royal thali feasts (such as Murgh Tikka Mirza Hasnu and Mughlai Shahi Tukda) on pure gold-plated silver thalis, accompanied by live classical santoor music.
- The Polo Bar: Decorated with silver equestrian trophies, polo mallets, and photographs of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II's World Cup-winning polo team, serving signature cocktails and rare single malts.
- The Verandah: An open-air colonnaded terrace overlooking the palace lawns, offering traditional afternoon high tea with warm scones and cucumber sandwiches while peacocks stroll by.
- Steam: A restored Victorian steam locomotive and railway platform converted into a Mediterranean lounge and wood-fired pizzeria.
4. Jiva Grande Spa: Tented Royal Pavilions & Wellness
The Jiva Grande Spa at Rambagh Palace provides holistic rejuvenation inside secluded luxury royal canvas pavilions. Guests can experience signature treatments like the Sushupti (a soothing body wrap using green gram, sandalwood, and aromatic honey) followed by an outdoor rose-petal bath.
The palace also features an expansive indoor heated swimming pool built in 1930 with European marble columns, as well as an outdoor pool framed by palm trees and marble pavilions.
5. Vintage Car Arrivals, Peacock Lawns & Booking Protocols
Guests arriving at Jaipur Airport can request a royal transfer in the palace's private vintage automobile fleet, including a 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom and a 1941 Cadillac convertible.
Due to its '#1 Hotel in the World' global acclaim, Rambagh Palace runs at 95%+ occupancy between October and March. Rooms for the peak winter tourist season must be secured 4 to 8 months in advance via tajhotels.com.
6. The Royal Polo Legacy & The 'Steam' 1915 Railway Lounge
Rambagh Palace was the legendary home of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II (one of the world's greatest 10-goal polo players) and his glamorous consort, Maharani Gayatri Devi. The palace grounds overlook the royal polo fields where international polo championships and vintage car rallies continue to be hosted annually under royal patronage.
Set within the palace gardens is one of Jaipur's most unique bars: The Steam Lounge Bar, built inside a fully restored 1915 Victorian steam locomotive and royal carriage. Guests sit inside wood-paneled railway compartments or on the teak platform deck beneath ancient neem trees, enjoying artisanal wood-fired pizzas, Mediterranean mezze, and bespoke gin cocktails while viewing the illuminated palace dome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Rambagh Palace voted the #1 Hotel in the World?
TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Awards ranked Rambagh Palace #1 globally for its peerless heritage preservation, royal palace butler service, and 47-acre gardens.
Who originally lived in Rambagh Palace?
It was the official private residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur and Maharani Gayatri Devi until 1957, when it was converted into India's first luxury palace hotel.
What is unique about dining at Suvarna Mahal in Rambagh Palace?
Suvarna Mahal is housed in the former royal palace ballroom with 20-foot Florentine frescoed ceilings, serving multi-course royal Indian banquets on pure gold-plated silver thalis.
How much does a night stay cost at Rambagh Palace Jaipur?
Palace Rooms start from approximately ₹50,000 to ₹80,000 per night in shoulder season, while the grand Suryavanshi Presidential Suite ranges between ₹6,00,000 and ₹8,00,000+ per night.
Can outside guests visit Rambagh Palace for tea or dinner?
Yes. Non-resident visitors can dine at Suvarna Mahal, The Verandah, or The Polo Bar by securing pre-confirmed table reservations in advance through the hotel concierge.