Have you ever dreamed of living in a palace? Of waking up to the sight of majestic domes and manicured gardens? Of dining under the stars and being pampered by butlers? If so, then you might want to consider Umaid Bhawan Palace as your next destination.
Umaid Bhawan Palace is a heritage hotel in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, that offers a unique and luxurious experience for its guests. It is one of the world’s largest private residences, and still partly home to the royal family of Jodhpur. Built between 1928 and 1943, it is a magnificent piece of Rajasthan’s heritage, and a symbol of new Jodhpur.
In this article, we will give you an overview of the palace hotel’s features, amenities, services, and experiences. We will also share some tips and insights on how to make the most of your stay at this stunning property. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a cultural immersion, or a royal treat, Umaid Bhawan Palace has something for everyone.
History and Design of the Palace Hotel
Umaid Bhawan Palace was commissioned by Maharaja Umaid Singh, the grandfather of the current Maharaja of Jodhpur, as an aid project to create work for thousands of people affected by the famine in Rajasthan. It took 13 years to build, and was unveiled in 1942 as the sixth largest private residence in the world.
The palace hotel was designed by Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester, who drew inspiration from the Indo-Saracenic style and the Art Deco movement. The palace hotel is made of golden sandstone, and features 347 rooms, 26 acres of gardens, and a 105-foot high cupola. The palace hotel also boasts of some modern amenities, such as an underground zodiac pool, a private museum, and a marble squash court.
The palace hotel has witnessed some notable events and guests over the years, such as the wedding of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas in 2018, and the visit of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1961, to name a few.
Rooms and Suites at the Palace Hotel
Umaid Bhawan Palace offers 70 grand rooms and suites in the renowned Art Deco style. Each room or suite is unique, with an exclusive color scheme or princely passion theme.
The rooms and suites are divided into six categories: palace rooms, historical suites, royal suites, grand royal suites, maharaja suite, and maharani suite. The palace rooms are exquisitely embellished with Art Deco interiors and offer views of the lush lawns or courtyard.
The historical suites are bedecked in maroon & green and were once the residences of visiting royalty. The royal suites are decorated with mirror-finished terrazzo and offer views of the Baradari Lawns and Mehrangarh Fort.
The grand royal suites are designed in the influential Art Deco style and feature antique furniture and paintings. The maharaja suite faces the courtyard and has an extensive balcony.
It was once the personal chamber of Maharaja Umaid Singh. The maharani suite is the most striking of the suites in the palace hotel. It was once the personal chamber of Maharani Badan Kanwar. It has a large drawing room, a dining room, a bedroom with a dressing room area, an Art Deco bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub.
The rates and availability of each room or suite vary depending on the season and occupancy. To book a stay at the property click here.
Dining Options at the Palace Hotel
Umaid Bhawan Palace offers a variety of dining options for its guests, ranging from fine dining restaurants to casual bars to in-room dining. You can enjoy cuisines from around the world, as well as local Rajasthani delicacies, prepared by expert chefs using fresh ingredients. You can also savor some of the signature dishes and drinks of the palace hotel, such as smoked lamb kebab, green lentil dal, champagne breakfast, and trophy cocktail.
Some of the dining options at the palace hotel are:
Risala: A fine dining restaurant that serves Indian and continental cuisine. It is adorned with portraits of former maharajas and offers views of Mehrangarh Fort and the city.
Pillars: A casual dining restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is located on the colonnaded veranda and overlooks the Baradari Lawns and the city.
Trophy Bar: A cozy bar that serves a selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails. It is decorated with hunting trophies and memorabilia and has a fireplace and a library.
In-Room Dining: A personalized dining service that allows you to enjoy your meal in the comfort and privacy of your room or suite. You can choose from a menu of Indian and international dishes, or request for a customized meal according to your preferences.
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Some of the dining experiences and occasions that you can enjoy at the palace hotel are:
Breakfast on the Veranda: A romantic way to start your day with a glass of champagne and a sumptuous breakfast on the colonnaded veranda overlooking the gardens and the city.
Dinner under the Stars: A magical way to end your day with a candlelit dinner under the starry sky on the Baradari Lawns or the rooftop terrace. You can choose from a menu of Indian or continental cuisine, or opt for a barbecue or a Rajasthani thali.
Cocktails at the Bar: A relaxing way to unwind after a day of sightseeing or activities with a drink at the Trophy Bar. You can sip on a trophy cocktail, a signature drink made of gin, lime juice, mint leaves, and soda, or try some of the other beverages on offer.
Services and Facilities at the Palace Hotel
Umaid Bhawan Palace offers a range of services and facilities for its guests, such as spa, fitness center, pool, events, and activities. These services and facilities are designed to enhance your comfort, wellness, entertainment, and enjoyment during your stay at the palace hotel.
Some of the services and facilities offered by the palace hotel are:
Jiva Grande Spa:
A holistic spa that offers a variety of treatments and therapies based on ancient Indian traditions and techniques. You can indulge in massages, facials, body wraps, scrubs, and more, using natural ingredients and products. You can also enjoy yoga, meditation, and aromatherapy sessions at the spa.
Fitness Center:
A state-of-the-art fitness center that offers a range of equipment and machines for your workout needs. You can also avail of personal trainers, fitness classes, and consultations at the fitness center.
Pool:
A stunning indoor pool that is located under the zodiac dome of the palace hotel. The pool is heated and has underwater music and lighting effects. You can swim, relax, or sunbathe at the pool area.
Events:
A perfect venue for hosting weddings, parties, meetings, conferences, and other events at the palace hotel. The palace hotel has several banquet halls, boardrooms, lawns, terraces, and courtyards that can accommodate up to 300 guests. The palace hotel also provides catering, decoration, entertainment, and other services for your events.
Activities:
A fun way to explore the palace hotel and its surroundings with various activities offered by the palace hotel. Some of the activities include palace heritage walk, evening ritual, folk performances, vintage car drive, desert safari, city tour, fort visit, shopping spree, cooking class, etc.
Some of the services or facilities that are exclusive or complimentary for guests staying at the palace hotel are:
Palace Heritage Walk:
A guided tour that takes you through the history and architecture of the palace hotel. You will learn about the stories and legends behind the palace hotel’s construction, design, features, events, guests, etc. You will also get to see some of the exclusive areas of the palace hotel, such as the museum, the throne room, the crystal gallery, etc.
Butler Service:
A personalized service that provides you with a dedicated butler who will attend to your every need and request during your stay at the palace hotel. Your butler will assist you with check-in, check-out, luggage handling, room service, laundry service, travel arrangements, sightseeing suggestions, reservations, etc.
Evening Ritual:
A ceremonial event that takes place every evening at sunset on the Baradari Lawns. You will witness a traditional Rajasthani performance by local artists who will entertain you with music, dance, puppetry, fire-eating, etc. You will also get to participate in some rituals such as lighting lamps or flying kites.
Folk Performances:
A cultural event that takes place every evening at dinner time at Risala restaurant. You will enjoy a live performance by local folk artists who will showcase their talents in music, dance, acrobatics, magic tricks, etc. You will also get to interact with them and learn more about their culture and traditions.
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Umaid Bhawan Palace is a heritage hotel in Jodhpur that will make you feel like royalty. It is a magnificent palace hotel that offers a unique and luxurious experience for its guests. It has a rich history and design, spacious and elegant rooms and suites, delicious food and drink options, impeccable service and hospitality, and a variety of services and facilities.
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a cultural immersion, or a royal treat, Umaid Bhawan Palace has something for everyone.
