Some of India's oldest and finest palace hotels can be found in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, reflective of the city's particularly wealthy royalty that once occupied them.
Jai Mahal Palace
This beautifully restored luxury hotel, operated by Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces, dates back to 1745 and was once the residence of the Prime Minister of Jaipur. It opened its doors to guests in 1955, making it one of India's first palace hotels. The hotel is located not far from the train station, to the west of the Old City.
Raj Palace Hotel
The charming Raj Palace Hotel was built in 1727 and is Jaipur's oldest mansion. Its breathtaking Durbar Mahal Suite, acknowledged as "Asia's Leading Suite" in the 2008 World Travel Awards, was used by the Maharaja himself. The hotel is centrally located in a quiet area to the north of the Old City, heading towards Amber Fort.
Rambagh Palace
Another impressive Taj Group hotel, the Rambagh Palace is often referred to as the "Jewel of Jaipur". It's Jaipur's most magnificant palace hotel, and was home to the royal family for over 30 years. The hotel is set amongst 47 acres of gardens to the south of the Old City. It's been voted Best Hotel in Asia & Indian Subcontinent.
The well maintained Samode Palace is built into the Aravali Ranges, around one hour north west of Jaipur. Its richly decorated palace rooms, with intricate frescoes and mirror work, are stunning to explore. The hotel is enchantingly lit up at night, making it a lovely romantic getaway.
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If you're visiting Jaipur on a budget, check out these more affordable heritage hotels:
