GUEST POST: Top 7 Heritage Hotels in India

Written by Rohit Agarwal and edited by Erin Tracy.

India has been a top travel destination for years. There are so many incredible things to see and do in this fascinating country. Apart from picking which destinations to visit, selecting the perfect hotel for a memorable holiday is high on any traveler’s to-do list. There are hundreds of beautiful hotels in India in which to have a quality stay. But which should you choose?

When selecting the perfect hotel for your stay in India, it’s not just about the square footage of the room. It’s about getting a perfect combination of comfort, hospitality, surroundings, and top-notch services that these hotels can provide. If you prefer a more historic setting, heritage hotels are your best bet for a quality experience. Below are the top 7 heritage hotels in India to help you find the best place to stay.

 Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

This beautiful example of heritage and uniqueness hardly requires a description. Located in the middle of Lake Pichola in the romantic city of Udaipur, Taj Lake Palace leaves you with an unforgettable holiday experience filled with wonderful memories. The hotel has 66 flawlessly decorated rooms with world class amenities. From welcoming guests in grand displays to arranging spa visits and music sessions on decorated boats resembling the shikaras in Kashmir, this heritage hotel proves to be unique in its very own ways.

Aside from the comfort, history, and amenities, Taj Lake Palace boasts a close proximity to desirable travel destinations. The hotel is within 1 kilometer to key attractions like City Palace, Jag Mandir, and Badal Mahal. 

 Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

The Taj Rambagh Palace in Jaipur is the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. This palace was built in 1835, originally designated as a garden house for queen’s favorite handmaiden, Kesar Badaran. It is now known as the ‘Jewel of Jaipur’ and is among the best heritage hotels a history lover could stay in. The Rambagh Palace provides you the opportunity to live as a king. All rooms are decorated with traditional furniture from the era of Maharajas and the walls of the hotel are covered with stunning frescos. The jaw dropping architecture and the unblemished hospitality flaunts a perfect combination of history and technology.

 The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

The business capital of the nation provides you with the most prominent hotel of all times. This heritage hotel is looked upon as a monument of Indian culture and tradition by people all around the globe. Built in 1903, the Taj Mahal Palace has been housing distinguished personalities from all over the world for centuries. 

The Taj Mahal Palace has a set of 560 rooms designed with ultimate luxury and top-notch amenities. This hotel was the first in India to have electricity, American fans, German elevators, Turkish baths and English butlers. Later it also had the city’s first licensed bar, India’s first all-day restaurant, and India’s first discotheque. Being one of the most important landmarks in Mumbai and facing the Gateway of India, the hotel provides a mesmerising view of stunning ocean waves from the balconies of the front facing rooms.

 Chapslee, Shimla

Hidden amidst the hills of the Dhauladhar Ranges in Himachal Pradesh, Chapslee was once the residence of Maharaja Charanjit Singh of Kapurthala. This award-winning hotel was built in 1828 and provides a picturesque view of mountains from royal rooms furnished with decor to match the sublime lifestyle of Shimla.

Equipped with all the modern comforts, Chapslee is renowned for its privacy, untarnished hospitality, and serene beauty. Highlights of the hotel include the royal kitchen, an extensive library, and a croquet lawn.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

They say royal forts and Havelis, traditional ethnic mansions, make the best holiday homes around the world. Umaid Bhawan Palace is one such building. Marking its presence in the prepossessing city of Jodhpur, this massive structure is one of the largest residences for the royal family in Indian history. While the former Jodhpur royal family still lives in a section of this palace, the remainder of the estate has been converted into a museum and luxury hotel.

The famed Maharaja Suites are equipped with luxurious amenities and stunning decor. The hotel provides a squash court and a recreation room along with 26 acres of manicured gardens. Visitors can take in a blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles while walking around the expansive garden.

 The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata

This particular heritage hotel is located in the middle of the busy city of Kolkata. In contrast to the hustle and bustle of this amazing city, the Oberoi Grand provides a home-like stay with unmatched hospitality. This beautifully designed heritage hotel displays neoclassical British architecture and design elements along with traditionally landscaped grounds.

Oberoi Grand is designed to create an atmosphere of beauty and grandeur for all guests. The elegantly designed suites are designed to display India’s colonial legacy with the highest standards of living. A wide variety of upscale cuisines can be find within the two in-house restaurants. Historic weaponry and antiques can be found on display throughout the restaurants and hotel. 

 The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi

This grand structure with 235 guestrooms is definitely one of the best iconic hotels in the country. Built in 1936, the Imperial is located on Janpath in the country’s capital. By defining its own standards of class and luxury, the hotel has won various awards in the past two decades. Surrounded by a layer of palm trees, this unbelievable hotel offers six multi cuisine restaurants, two bars, one in-house bakery, and a royal ballroom. The 43 Imperial suites are meticulously decorated to exude upscale English ambiance ensuring a high-class experience for each of its guests.

Author Bio:

Rohit Agarwal’ is a travel blogger and landscape photographer by profession. You can find his travel experiences on TransIndiaTravel.com. His curiosity to experience something different each day makes him travel to the most enticing travel destinations across the country.