Last week, on Wednesday 20 January, TripAdvisor released its list of the Top 25 hotels in the world for 2016. Topping that list was the Umaid Bhawan Palace, which is perched on a hilltop above the wonderful Rajasthani city of Jodhpur and also happens to be a member on the Leading Hotels of the World group.
A behemoth of a luxury palace hotel, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the largest private residences in the world (it is almost double the square metres of our own Windsor Castle!) Designed by British architect Henry Lancaster and built between 1928 and 1943 as a palace for the Jodhpur royal family, today it is split into three sections – part is a hotel dedicated to keeping guests in the most opulent of surroundings; another part is still the private residence of the former Maharaja of Jodhpur; whilst the third part is a museum dedicated to the recent history of Jodhpur royalty.
The hotel is run by Taj Hotels, who have been converting some of India’s grandest edifices into luxury hotels since the 1970s, including the Lake Palace in Udaipur and Rambugh Palace in Jaipur. Epitomising the Indian imperial lifestyle, the hotel has 64 rooms and suites that perfectly showcase the Art Deco style of the original construction. All rooms are truly decked out for royalty, including opulent bathrooms with bathtub, pillow menu, minibar and Molton Brown toiletries. There are two swimming pools and a luxury spa, beautifully landscaped gardens and three restaurants serving food from around the world, exquisitely. It is perhaps the impeccable service that sets this hotel apart from the others at the top – friendly and helpful, the magnificently turned out staff really take pride in going out of their way to make your stay the very best it can be.
Located just 15 minutes from Jodhpur, an essential stop on any India itinerary, if you are looking to experience life as a Maharaja/Maharana, as well as staying in a hotel voted the best in the world by travellers, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is a must. Asia Inspirations can easily pop a stay here on your India itinerary (and the Lake Palace in Udaipur and Rambugh Palace in Jaipur if you are really treating yourself) – all you have to do is ask!