We swing off the chaotic streets of Jaipur into the grand main entrance of this rose-hued palace, and instantly everything is calm. Persian-themed gardens are filled with fountains, tamarind trees and swooping parakeets. Pink-turbaned staff wait to greet us on a sparkling colonnade porch and the Maharaja of Jaipur's vintage Thunderbird is parked up outside. But it’s once you step inside that the magic of this place really unfolds.
Avant-garde designer Adil Ahmad has added a fresh, modern twist to the palace’s illustrious royal history (past guests include Queen Elizabeth and Jackie O), re-imagining the décor in a kaleidoscope of bold hues and opulence. There’s the turquoise Polo Bar studded with trophies won by Maharajas, a shocking pink dining room, and a gilded drawing room filled with artwork from the royal family’s personal collection. As for the wallpaper, it's custom made and hand-blocked in an exquisite variety of motifs (45 in total), from prancing ponies to peacock arches. The 13 rooms and suites are just as lavish and special, with crystal chandeliers, rich velvets, Mughal carpets and massive marble bathrooms. You're in the heart of Jaipur, but a world away.
Highs
- An amazing experience, staying in a real-life palace; wonderful staff soon know you by name
- We loved the exuberant décor; there's really nowhere like it
- Relaxing on comfy cushioned loungers around the Art Deco pool
- Great food, including High Tea on the lawn; the royal recipe cheese toasts are exceptional
Lows
- The train station is a few minutes’ walk away so occasional noise filters through to outside areas
- There’s an ugly mall across the road but plans to expand the hotel will banish it from view
- No twin beds
Best time to go
The hotel is open all year. October to early April is the best time weather-wise, when it's warm and dry. December, January and February can be cold in the mornings and evenings, whilst March and April can get very hot. The scorching mid-summer months of May and June are best avoided. The monsoon breaks in July and lasts until September.
Our top tips
Get under the skin of Jaipur; the wonderful staff have bags of tips on what to see and where to shop, and the Love Jaipur guide is a trove of insider info.
Location
Rajmahal Palace is in the heart of Jaipur, in Rajasthan, northern India.
By Air:
Jaipur Sanganer (13km away) is the closest domestic airport and has links to most other Indian cities; Delhi Indira Gandhi (251km away) is the nearest international airport. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.
From the Airport
The hotel can arrange transfers (extra cost) - enquire when booking.
By Train:
Jaipur is easily reached from Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay), Jodhpur and Sawai Madhopur. It takes 4.5-6 hours to get there from Delhi or Jodhpur by rail, depending on whether or not your train is one of the faster Express ones. The hotel can arrange transfers from the station.
By Road:
If you want to book a car and driver for your entire trip around Rajasthan, enquire through our Tailormade Tour Operator.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Rajasthan and getting around
Airports:
- Jaipur Sanganer 13.0 km JPR
Other:
- Beach 800.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km