Jaipur is one of the few metropolitan cities in India that has been able to preserve its history, culture, and heritage greatly. The old city, AKA "The Pink City," still flaunts its original architecture, design, and color scheme. This city of forts and palaces is famed for grandeur, generosity, and royal life. A part of the famous City Palace is converted into a museum. However, a function is still the residence of the erstwhile royal family.
It would have been a shame if the royal hospitality of Jaipur didn't contribute anything towards the promising tourism here. However, the city's royal culture and heritage have made ample contributions to the flourishing tourism industry of Jaipur. Jaipur is the city with the maximum number of heritage hotels in India. Jaipur has heritage hotels for all budget ranges. These are old palaces and mansions converted into boutique hotels. In this article, we from BoutIndia Tours cover a few top heritage hotels of Jaipur.
With subtle renovations, the hotels have been given a few contemporary touches like modern lighting, front lawns, swimming pools (available in high-range hotels), and professional management staff, albeit maintaining their old architecture and interior decorations. Guests will be tempted to praise these boutique heritage hotels' quaint and quirky charms.
A few of the heritage hotels in Jaipur are so lavish and opulent that they stand a class apart. These hotels are quite famous not only in India but also across the world. The experience of staying in one of these hotels attracts Jaipur. Some of these top-notch heritage hotels in Jaipur are…
1. Taj Rambagh Palace:
Rambagh Palace, originally built in 1835 CE, has passed gracefully through many royal transitions—from the home of the queen's favorite handmaid to a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and later as the residence of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi. Today, this jewel in the Taj Hotels' crown offers 78 stunningly restored grand luxury rooms and suites in Jaipur, which were the chambers of the former Maharaja.
The Palace retains its elaborate splendor, lavishly decorated with hand-carved marble latticework, cupolas and 'chattris' (or cenotaphs), sandstone balustrades, and intricate Mughal Gardens. Rambagh Palace is close to many tourist attractions of Jaipur, like Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar. Hotel Rambagh Palace is located 11 km from Jaipur airport and around 4 km from Jaipur railway station. It is also called "The Most Beautiful Gardens in the World." The gardens of Rambagh Palace Hotel stand distinguished for their elegant and exotic flora.
2. Taj Jai Mahal Palace:
Jai Mahal Palace, built in 1745, is an interesting piece of Rajasthan's heritage, a great example of Indo-Saracenic architecture set amidst 18 acres of splendid Mughal gardens. Jai Mahal Palace has been the residence of three Prime Ministers of the princely state of Jaipur. Meticulously restored and recently renovated, Jai Mahal Palace is now a luxury 5-star Taj heritage hotel equipped with all modern-day comforts.
Perfectly located downtown in the heart of Pink City, you are close to the main shopping areas and prime historical sites. Hotel Jai Mahal Palace by Taj Group has numerous bars and restaurants serving various cuisines. The 94 rooms and 6 suites offer unmatchable views of the city and palace gardens. Jai Mahal Palace has around 18 acres of beautiful Mughal gardens spread across the property.
3. Rajmahal Palace RAAS Jaipur:
Original construction dating back to 1729, Rajmahal Palace is one of the oldest and most treasured palaces in Jaipur. Currently, this luxury heritage hotel is part of the RAAS group. Located at the heart of Jaipur, Hotel Rajmahal Palace is a secluded oasis with beautiful lush green gardens in the middle of the bustling city. Its tall bay windows, mirrored doors, and wonderful interiors allow guests to be transported to a new era of modern royal living.
The Palace offers just 13 rooms and suites, including two magnificent royal apartments. The wallpapers, specially created for each room, tell the tales of Jaipur, ensuring there is something to suit everyone. Renowned for injecting a modern aesthetic into some of India's finest heritage properties, this 19th-century regal retreat makes for an iconic visit. Rajmahal Palace is an opulent heritage-turned-luxury hotel providing some of Jaipur's most sumptuous experiences. The hotel is eclectically decorated, combining old-world culture with a contemporary style. It is best known for its delicious food.
4. The Raj Palace:
The Raj Palace is an imposing palatial hotel right in Jaipur's heart, which holds you spellbound. One of the oldest mansions in Jaipur, originally called 'The Chaumoo Haveli,' was built in 1727. It was named after the last ruler of Chaumoo, Thakur Raj Singh. In 1996, Princess Jayendra Kumari converted it into a lavish palace hotel. It still retains the splendor and a lot of artifacts from the bygone era. It is definitely extravagance at its best.
You will be warmly welcomed with the marigold garlands, soulful piped music, and a refreshing drink on our exquisite jhoola (swinging seating) in the courtyard whenever you visit the Palace. This luxury hotel provides some larger-than-life, unique, and memorable experiences that would be hard to find elsewhere.
The Raj Palace is an extremely convenient place to stay during your Jaipur visit. It is in the middle of the four main palace complexes of Jaipur (Amer, Jaigarh Fort, Nahar Garh Fort, and the City Palace complex), located a short distance from all sightseeing and shopping places.
5. Samode Palace:
Samode Palace, along with Samode Haveli and Samode Bagh, are heritage monuments and structures built by the noble feudatory with the hereditary title of 'Maha Rawal' or 'Maha Saheb' of the Amber and Jaipur principality in Rajasthan. The Samode Palace is located in Samode town, around 40 kilometers (25 mi) north of Jaipur city. The Palace combines the best Rajasthani and Mughal styles, a splendid example of magnificent Indo-Saracenic architecture. The 475-year-old Palace is a celebration of the senses, underlined at all times by contemporary luxury and the signature service of Samode hotels – a magical hospitality and rare courtesy.
Samode Palace was initially built in the sixteenth century as a Rajput fort. Still, in the early 19th century, under the nobleman Rawal Berisal, it was converted from a fortress into an exquisitely designed palace. You will always have things to do at the Samode Palace. You can begin with a walking tour to discover the hotel's beauty. Swim in a clear marble and mosaic swimming pool or laze by the rooftop infinity pool and catch a breathtaking sunset with the vistas of the Aravali Range. The Spa offers luxurious massage therapies by trained professionals.
6. Samode Haveli:
An enclosed oasis in the historic walled city of Jaipur, Samode Haveli is a traditional Indian mansion set in a verdant garden with cottage suites arranged around intimate courtyards. Built 175 years ago as a residence of the rulers of Samode, it is still occupied by their descendants, who have converted their home into a luxury hotel. The Haveli (mansion) is built facing north. It has an elegant painted dining room and an air passage.
Samode Haveli has a unique ambiance of history juxtaposed against a contemporary setting. An elephant ramp, specially constructed at the entrance to the Haveli, was laid in 1940 on the occasion of the marriage ceremony of a member of the Royal family. The former royal apartments are now deluxe rooms and suites of Samode Haveli, each having a distinctive character that reflects Samode's rich history and culture. The rooms of Samode Haveli retain the luxuriousness of the past while at the same time offering guests modern amenities. The private courtyards and balconies of the rooms still look out upon the charming pools, fountain courts, and gardens of the old Haveli.
7. Alila Fort Bishangarh:
Fort Bishangarh was built in the 18th century on a single granite hill 60 kilometers north of Jaipur. Its history dates back to the Shahpura royalty. The remote wilderness location of Alila Fort Bishangarh in the Aravalli hills is the perfect place for utter seclusion. A warrior fortress turned into a heritage resort, it is an impressive historic landmark perched on a hill overlooking the pastoral countryside.
Hotel Alila Fort is a unique example of Jaipur Gharana architecture, influenced by the Mughals and the British. Committed to a sustainable future, Alila Fort Bishangarh is designed in harmony with the environment, preserving the extraordinary natural beauty of the region. Now, Alila Fort Bishangarh is a part of the Hyatt group of hotels. Hotel Alila is located in Bishangarh Village in the Jaipur District, barely 6 km off the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway. Let's pamper ourselves with revitalizing body massages and treatments offered at Alila Fort Bishangarh, A Hyatt Brand's in-house Spa.
Although Jaipur is dotted with many heritage hotels, these names mentioned above are in the topmost range in terms of prices. These are considered luxury hotels and very popular names in the hospitality industry. These heritage hotels of Jaipur are yet another reason to visit this destination during your Rajasthan trip. Suppose you plan a trip to Jaipur city or Rajasthan on your honeymoon or a family vacation. In that case, BoutIndia highly recommends picking a luxurious heritage hotel in Jaipur. Rather than the heritage hotels mentioned above, we also have a long list of the best heritage hotels in Jaipur that promise you a memorable stay.