Any idea what it would be like to stay in TripAdvisors best hotel in the world? I always thought that would only be possible in my dreams! But lately this dream became reality as I stayed in Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur Rajasthan. Recently this property of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has been voted as the ‘Best Hotel in the World’, the ‘Best Hotel in Asia’ and the ‘Best Hotel in India’ at the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2016. Am I really staying here for the next two nights?
Largest Palace in India
The Umaid Bhawan Palace is the youngest of the great palaces in India, built between 1928 and 1943. It was the Jodhpur royal family that decided to built the palace to provide employment to the people of Jodhpur. This landmark of Rajasthan Jodhpur is based upon the world famous building Angkor Wat and of course the Taj Mahal and is currently one of the worlds largest private residence. Yes the royal family is still living in a section of the palace.
Location
The hotel is located on the highest point in Jodhpur and sets amidst 26 acres of lush gardens, a secluded location with amazing views of Jodhpur and the Mehrangarh Fort. The colourful gardens are a lovely place to get lost in and spot wild peacocks or enjoy a sunset at the pool. During my stay Master Chef India was recording their show here and I was able to have a view behind the scenes. The hotel is of course also incredibly popular for a famous Umaid Bhawan Palace wedding.
I am sure you would also love to read my Taj Lake Palace blog, about my stay in Udaipur Lake Palace on the same trip to India.
Arrival
My arrival at the Umaid Palace was not just a glass of champagne and a refreshing towel, but a 10-minute ceremony. The dancers, drummers and preforming artists all made my entrance one to remember. With a glass of champagne in my hand I gasped at the totally unexpected happening in the most amazing setting: I felt like a royal!
Umaid Bhawan Palace Rooms
This luxury 5* Taj Palace offers 64 amazingly stylish rooms and suites. In line with former famous guests and presidents, I stayed of course in the Presidential Suite. Yes, unbelievable right!? I stayed in the most exclusive room in the most exclusive hotel according to Tripadvisor. So I don’t think I have to tell you that it was an experience of a lifetime. I will let the photos do the talking.
There is a private dining room, a huge living room, a private spa room and a huge walk-in closet plus of course an insanely big bathroom with two bathtubs, a shower, a steam cabin and a fantastic view over the gardens. Oh yeah there is also a balcony, which is probably 40m in length and of course has unrivalled views too.
There were sweets and bites all over the place, amazing chocolates, macaroons, fresh fruits, etc. and if I needed anything else there was a button to call my private butler.
I understand you are curious about the Umaid Bhawan Palaces rates, check them out here. I won't tell you how much the presidential suite is. But I know for sure it is the most expensive hotel room I have ever stayed in.
I also stayed in another Taj palace in India. In my Udaipur Lake Palace blog you will find out why this was another fairytale place to stay.
Heritage Walk largest palace in India
As said before the Jodhpur royal family still resides here. This palace is not just a hotel it is more like a museum where you can spend the night like a royal! The hotel offers a complimentary heritage walk for every guest as they will show you the highlights of the palace plus tell you all about the history and a lot of interesting fact about the largest palace in India.
Umaid Bhawan Palace Restaurant
The hotel has two restaurants where Western and Indian dishes are served. Food is delicious and the wine collection enormous. There are also options for some truly exclusive dining experience with the palace in the background.
- Picture: Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces
The included buffet and a la carte breakfast starts like a royal with a glass of champagne or two. The buffet offers everything from simple dishes to exclusive products and if there is something particular you just order it from the a la carte menu. There is no need to tell you that I included this hotel breakfast in my post with all my breakfast shots from around the world in one post. Get some serious wanderlust by clicking on the link and make sure you are not hungry when you start reading.
Review Umaid Bhawan Palace
What can I say? This was an experience for a lifetime, something I will never forget! If you ever want to surprise your lover in style then you cant go wrong with this fabulous Taj Hotel. The utterly romantic setting, the entrance, the spectacular dome, rose petals, the rooms, the underground spa and indoor pool lit up with candles and of course the most amazing and skilled staff. All the ingredients are here to have the time of your life, it is an endless list and for sure you will feel like a royal!
Interested in booking this amazing place to stay in Jodhpur then click here for more info: Umaid Bhawan Palace and see how much 1 night in this palace cost.
Want to explore the beautiful Blue City? From Umaid Bhawan Palace is just a short taxi ride away. Click here for the best places to see in Jodhpur! A truly magical city.
More luxury hotels in India on my India Page or check out my video from the ultra luxurious Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur.