Heritage hotels of India

It is an experience that cannot be explained in words, the experience of living and feeling like royalty for a few days during your vacation. Today, you can stay in the best heritage hotels in India and feel like a king or a queen yourself. Fortunately, with more and more people being interested in history and restoration of age-old forts and palaces, many palaces have been turned into heritage hotels. Thankfully, their transformation has not taken away the charm and the glory of the royal era. Each of these palatial hotels tells the story of their past in a picturesque way. Not only are they breathtakingly beautiful, but they also offer you excellent royal service along with a glimpse of a by-gone era that was incredible. Here is a list of the top heritage hotels in India that you must visit.

 

1. Taj Rambagh Palace Jaipur
Once home to the maharaja of Jaipur, today Taj Rambagh Palace is one of the luxurious hotels in India. Built-in 1835, this grand hotel stands amidst a lush manicured garden that is 159068.83 Sq. Ft (both indoor and outdoor). Besides, with Rajasthani artwork, French-style crystal chandeliers, wooden and marble floors, and traditional furniture decorating the 45 rooms and 33 grand suites for guests, the historical charm is still alive even after restoration. Redesigned for comfort, Taj Rambagh Palace also offers a mini-golf course, pools, library, spa facilities, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and parking facilities for a relaxed holiday.

 

2. Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai
A stunning blend of modernity, Indian tradition, and profound hospitality, the Taj Mahal Palace is best for an elaborate wedding, conferences, and private events. 11 Renovated halls, 285 rooms, and various thematic luxury suites are decorated with exotic artefacts, traditional paintings with intricate detailing, and comfortable carpets to make guests feel special. Besides, overlooking the Gateway of India , Taj Mahal Palace is situated close to various museums, churches, stadiums, and shopping districts that make it an ideal destination hotel in Mumbai as well.

 

3. Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur
Reflecting renaissance design and art deco styles, Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace is surrounded by 26 acres of a beautiful garden. Besides, it offers a sight of peacocks in marble pavilion, private dining areas, tennis courts, library, Jiva Spa, swimming pools, marble squash court, and billiards room. With 70 rooms and unique themed suites exuding the aura of the past, Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace has a magical world of its own. Further, it is only 10-20 minutes away from Jodhpur airport which makes it easily reachable.

 

4. Taj Lake Palace Udaipur
Taj Lake Palace was built in 1746 and sits amidst lake Pichola. This heritage hotel in Udaipur offers stunning views of the neighbouring Aravalli Hills, City Palace, Machala Magra Hills, and Jag Mandir. Besides, 18 suites and 65 rooms reflect the beauty of the by-gone princely era with wood-carved furniture and traditional decor. With best authentic Mewari and Indian cuisines, Jiva Spa boats for relaxation, fitness center, and games room, Taj Lake Palace is a fairy tale palace for honeymooners and guests.

 

5. Raas Devigarh Palace
Spacious and luxurious, Raas Devigarh Palace, in Aravalli hills, is 26 km away from Udaipur and 45 km away from Maharana Pratap Airport. As a hill-top hotel with a balance of refined architecture and natural elegance, Raas Devigarh Palace offers 39 spacious air-conditioned rooms, Spa, pool, business center, etc. Besides, with a private terrace in every room and room service at your beck and call, laundry services, and WiFi facilities, this is the best place for guests looking for a peaceful retreat

 

6. Taj Falaknuma Palace Hyderabad
Once inhabited by Nizam and built-in 1894, Taj Falaknuma Palace is beautifully restored with 60 rooms overlooking the beautiful courtyard of the palace and city of Hyderabad. Spread over 32 acres, this palace of Nizam reflects Indian and colonial designs, & offers multi-cuisine restaurants, billiard room, library, Jiva spa, hookah lounge, and horse-carriage ride just when you enter Taj Falaknuma Palace. Besides, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is only 15-20 minutes away, and free parking is also available for guests.

 

7. The Imperial Delhi
Reflecting art deco style and a modern blend of colonial and Victorian architecture, with polished marble floor, old-fashioned furniture, glamorous chandeliers, The Imperial hotel houses nine restaurants, Spa, fitness center, Salons, and function rooms. Awarded as one of the Best Heritage Hotel by Outlook Traveller, The Imperial also attracts guests with their extra facilities like minibars, electric safe for guests, royal ball-rooms, jacuzzis, health clubs, etc. Besides, their hospitality is what makes this hotel worth a stay in Delhi.

 

8. The Oberoi Grand Kolkata
The Oberoi Grand offers a beautiful blend of cultural decor and modern technology. Located in Kolkata, the hotel offers four dining options, free WiFi, 24- hour room service, an outdoor pool, complimentary parking services, a gym, a minibar, and a spa. By revealing colonial-style architecture and being well-furnished with modern amenities, The Oberoi Grand is one of the best heritage hotels in India. It is only 30 minutes away from the airport and 6km from the railway station. Besides, telephone and fax facility, doctor on call, stocked personal bar, tea/coffee maker, LCD TV, are the extra amenities to make guests comfortable here.

 

9. Chettinadu Mansion Chettinad
A hotel offering an outdoor pool, spa facilities, free WiFi, parking, and delicious authentic Chettinad cuisine, Chettinadu Mansion is a royal mansion offering excellent accommodations in Chettinad. Showcasing Chettinad culture and tradition, this heritage hotel is known for its authentic heritage rooms with Italian marble flooring and wooden furniture that speaks about royalty. Besides, the traditional essence of the Chettinadu Mansion is also reflected in bullock cart rides, ayurvedic massages, and a museum inside the mansion. For guests looking to stay in a 100+-year-old Mansion, this heritage palace can be one of the best-restored hotels in India.

 

10. Palais De Mahe Puducherry
The decor of Palais De Mahe is a combination of French colonial styles and modern designs. With grand pillars, elegant courtyard, verandahs, wooden furniture, and gorgeous chandeliers, Palais De Mahe offers both the flavors of South Indian and French culture. Besides, with facilities like free WiFi access, courtyard pool, and ayurvedic massage center, this heritage place makes every stay memorable. Further, the hotel is close to many shopping centers, churches, and eateries, in case the guests want to explore the area and understand its history. The nearest airport is only 2 hours away. Additionally, not forgetting the comfort of the guests, all the Deluxe and Superior rooms are air-conditioned and basic amenities are provided.

 

To conclude, no matter where you stay, inside or outside India, if you desire to experience royalty personified, these hotels will offer you hospitality, luxury, and knowledge of Indian culture. A few days stay in a heritage hotel in India will give you more than you think. Besides, the grandeur of these restored palaces will make you feel like like an erstwhile king or queen. Further, for a relaxed holiday, these heritage hotels are not only popular because of the ambiance and decor, with modern facilities and trained staff at your service, but staying in these kinds of hotels will also enrich your mind and body. Fernhills Royale Palace, Ooty, and Laxmi Vilas Palace Heritage Hotel, Bharatpur, are also popular heritage hotels that are known for their royal hospitality and architectural beauty.

 

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