Rambagh Palace
Jaipur
Rambagh Palace is one of Ampersand's Top Ten Hotels in Rajasthan and Top 10 Venues for a Wedding or Party.
Dating back to 1835 and formerly the residence of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen, Rambagh Palace offers a luxurious stay in a soft, relaxing environment away from the bustling city centre of Jaipur. Peacocks strut across the lawns and Indian classical musicians play on the verandas at this wistfully romantic hotel. Over the years, it has played gracious host to several illustrious guests, including Lord Louis Mountbatten, Prince Charles and Jackie Kennedy.
The palace has retained its elaborate splendour, and throughout the palace you will notice the extravagantly decorated interiors, from the rich textures and colours to the hand-carved marble latticework, sandstone balustrades, cenotaphs and elaborate Mughal Gardens – you really do feel like you are a guest of the Maharaja!
The crowning jewel of the Taj collection, this hotel comprises of 78 grand luxury suites and rooms, which were once the chambers of the former Maharaja. When you are not in your lavish bedroom, in the art deco indoor swimming pool (where the Maharaja used to swim every morning), swimming in the outdoors or having afternoon tea on the lawn, there are 47 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens to explore in the heart of the city.
There is also a charming spa tent tucked away in a quiet corner of the garden. The Jiva Grande Spa menu has a variety of treatments to choose from, either the perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing or will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead. There is also a fitness centre with a steam room, jacuzzi and sauna along with yoga and meditation pavilion where you can indulge in private lessons.
Rambagh Palace is also home to the best fine-dining restaurants in Jaipur; Suvarna Mahal, the former palace ballroom built in the 18th century and adorned with huge crystal chandeliers, is where you can experience a royal Indian feast and the true sense of Rajput hospitality. In a quiet corner of the grounds is Steam the finest pizza restaurant in all of Rajasthan and true to its name, it is set in an old train carriage. The outdoor area has a screen playing Kabaddi, giving the restaurant a wonderfully relaxed vibe.
There are two other restaurants which offer multi-cuisine options, Rajput Room and Verandah Café. The Polo Bar, displaying the Jaipur polo team’s trophies, has a sophisticated charm to unwind in and the signature pink gin cocktail is a must after a day of visiting Jaipur.
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The traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.
G. K. Chesterton