Tripadvisor named this former extravagant palace its No. 1 hotel

May 25, 2023

Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, India was recently named the No. 1 hotel in the world, according to Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotels ranking for 2023.

Tripadvisor noted the “unbelievable extravagance” of a compound that has been dubbed the “jewel of Jaipur.”

“This jewel in the Taj’s crown offers 78 stunningly restored grand luxury rooms and suites in Jaipur which were the chambers of the former Maharaja,” according to the hotel’s website.

“The palace retains its elaborate splendour, extravagantly decorated with hand-carved marble ‘jalis’ or latticework, sandstone balustrades, cupolas and ‘chattris’ or cenotaphs, and elaborate Mughal Gardens.”

Those who stay at the palace are invited to indulge in a “royal Indian feast” at the hotel’s Suvarna Mahal restaurant, located at the former palace ballroom that was built in the 18th-century French style. It is one of several restaurants on the palace grounds.

The hotel at night. — The palace got its start in 1835 when a garden house was built. Above, the hotel at night.

A look at one of the hotel's suites. — A look at one of the hotel’s suites.

By 1887, the garden house was turned into a small royal hunting lodge. Above, one of the hotel's dining areas. — By 1887, the garden house was turned into a small royal hunting lodge. Above, one of the hotel’s dining areas.

When booking their stay at the larger-than-life hotel, guests are given several options.

The most basic experience will cost travelers $357, and includes “a four poster bed or twin bed, walk-in wardrobes and a spacious bathroom which will help you sink into the palatial experience” with a view of a garden or courtyard.

Those wishing to have a more historical experience should be expected to shell out nearly $520 for one of the palace’s “historical suites,” which includes “Rajasthani artwork and transparent fabrics and have been recently renovated. These suites have a cozy atmosphere with marble or wood floors.”

For the full royal experience and to sleep in the former personal chambers of the Maharaja of Jaipur, guests must be willing to pay $991 for the opportunity.

One of the hotel's bathrooms. — One of the hotel’s bathrooms.

The grounds were transformed in the early part of the 20th Century with additions and expansions. It became the residence of Maharajah Sawai Man Singh II, according to Tourism for India website.

Some of the fare served at one of the hotel's restaurants. — Some of the fare served at one of the hotel’s restaurants.

Also available is the grand royal suite and grand presidential suite starting at $1,850 and $3,772 respectively.

The hotel also boasts several wellness opportunities including the J Wellness Circle, which allows guests to “harmonize your mind and body with yoga and meditation.”

Guests are also invited to check out the “sophisticated” polo bar which features “the trophies and memorabilia of the Jaipur polo team.”

Over the years, Rambagh Palace has played host to several famous people including King Charles III, Lord Louis Mountbatten and Jacqueline Kennedy.

"This jewel in the Taj’s crown offers 78 stunningly restored grand luxury rooms and suites in Jaipur which were the chambers of the former Maharaja," according to the hotel's website. — “This jewel in the Taj’s crown offers 78 stunningly restored grand luxury rooms and suites in Jaipur which were the chambers of the former Maharaja,” according to the hotel’s website.

One of the hotel's luxury rooms. — One of the hotel’s luxury rooms.

According to past guests, the palace is a royally good time.

“The experience was very nice,” said TripAdvisor user Apurva2501. “The ambiance is too good and the food was also nice, it tasted like home-cooked food and the service provided by Mr. Kishan is also very good.”

“This is the kind of place that makes you dream big, spoils you like no other,” gushed one traveler.

“One of the most phenomenal places to be at for amazing dining and so on Rambagh has never disappointed ever for anything. Be it stay, dining, comfort, luxury,” chimed in a third user.

Recently TripAdvisor also revealed its list of top beaches around the world with the US taking three spots in the site’s top 25.