Rambagh Palace, India, awarded TripAdvisor’s best hotel in the world
If you search ‘Rambagh Palace’ on TikTok, your feed will be dominated by clips showing off the “stunning” hotel – and with good reason.
A historic hotel in Jaipur, India, is stunning the internet – and for good reason.
It took out the number one spot in the prestigious Top Hotels -World category in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice awards for 2023.
Those who have stayed at the palace-turned-luxurious hotel, which was built in 1835, have described it as “stunning” and rich with history.
Dubbed ‘The jewel of Jaipur’, the hotel offers 78 restored grand luxury rooms and suites which were the chambers of the former Maharajah.
“This is Rambagh Palace hotel in Jaipur – for me, the most majestic hotel in the city,” a TikToker said while showing off the hotel.
“This is a former hunting lodge and royal residence of the Maharajah of Jaipur, set on 47 acres (19 hectares) it is wonderfully opulent with peacocks strutting around the garden.”
A new winner for 2023, it boasts more than 5000 five-star reviews with tourists often singling out its polo bar, historic suites and high tea.
Travellers have also paid significant praise to the hotel’s “world class service”, where staying close to its heritage – guests are “treated like royalty”.
“The place is a rich and divine amalgamation of art, culture, royal experience and beyond. Hospitality 100 per cent and above,” one person wrote online.
“Hospitality 100 per cent and above.”
Puneet Chhatwal, managing director and chief executive officer Indian Hotels Company, said the recognition of Rambagh Palace was a true honour.
“[It] is a testament to the trust our guests have placed in us over the years,” he said in a statement.
“We are humbled by this global honour, a true reflection of world class hospitality in an authentic palace setting brought to life by the iconic brand Taj.
“The Taj brand has been a hallmark of excellence for over a century, we remain committed to delighting our guests and spreading the magic of Tajness.”
Unsurprisingly it offers the perfect photo backdrop, especially at night when the hotel is lit.
“Great food and superb concept, must visit if you are in Jaipur. Food, service ambience, and the palace is fabulous,” another guest wrote in a review.
Two nights at the hotel will cost roughly $660, based on weekend dates in August this year.
It marks the second time an Indian hotel has taken out the prestigious title, with Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, taking out the spot back in 2016.
TripAdvisor said winners were selected based on a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from its community of travellers over a 12-month period.
“Each winner has passed our rigorous trust and safety standard," TripAdvisor said in a statement.
“Fewer than 1 per cent of TripAdvisor’s 8 million listings are awarded Best of the Best, signifying the highest level of excellence in hospitality. The 2023 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Top Hotels spotlight the spots travellers loved most.”
Meanwhile, a sixth-generation family-owned hotel on a tiny Australian island has been named the best in the country – and the South Pacific.
Pinetrees Lodge on Lord Howe Island off the coast of NSW has taken out the title of ‘Top Hotel in Australia’ and ‘Top Hotel in the South Pacific’ in TripAdvisor’s awards.
Pinetrees Lodge has been open to guests since about 1895 and is currently owned by Dani Rourke and Luke Hanson, sixth-generation family members of the original owners.
The property has more than 700 5/5 reviews on TripAdvisor alone.
It is not the first time the accommodation has taken out the award after securing the winning spot in 2020.
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