Originally built in 1835, Rambagh Palace, has stepped gracefully through many royal transitions—from the home of the queen’s favourite handmaiden, to royal guesthouse and hunting lodge, and later as the residence of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi. This ‘Jewel of Jaipur’, often hailed as the epitome of luxury and grandeur, has recently added another feather to its cap by winning a prestigious award. Rambagh Palace has been rated as the World’s No. 1 Hotel in the coveted 2023 Travellers’ Choice Awards by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site. The Travellers’ Choice Awards honour travellers’ favorite destinations, hotels, restaurants, things to do, and beyond, based on the reviews and opinions collected from travelers and diners around the world on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period.
On the occasion, Ashok Rathore, Area Director – Rajasthan and General Manager, Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, said, “We are delighted and humbled that Rambagh Palace, Jaipur has been recognised as the No.1 Hotel in the World by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2023. This global honour is a true reflection of world class hospitality in an authentic palace setting brought to life by the iconic brand Taj and a testament to the trust our guests have placed in us over the years. We remain committed to delighting our guests and spreading the magic of ‘Tajness’ in the times to come.”
Further adding to the sentiment, he remarked at a recent presser organized at hotel: “Despite having received numerous awards in the past, this particular achievement is special and unique. It holds great significance for us, setting us apart from others. Rambagh Palace is a living testament to our legacy.”
Delving deeper into the impact of this award on the state, he emphasized the wide-ranging benefits it would bring. “Winning this award will not only benefit the state of Rajasthan in terms of increased tourist arrivals but also the entire country,” he explained. “We are the only Indian hotel featured among the top 25 on this list, and foreign tourist arrivals will see a much-needed boost after the pandemic. We are already getting several queries for celebrity weddings etc.”
Preserving heritage and environment
When it comes to promoting and preserving the state’s rich heritage, Rambagh Palace goes above and beyond. The hotel takes dedicated initiatives to promote Rajasthan’s handicrafts, culture, art, and artisans. In collaboration with UNESCO, they actively contribute to the promotion of intangible heritage. Guests at Rambagh Palace are treated to immersive experiences with handmade carpets, handmade blue pottery, folk dances, and music. Even during the challenging times of the pandemic, the hotel remained steadfast in supporting all artists and artisans, ensuring that none of their performers were laid off.
Rambagh Palace’s commitment to a sustainable and eco-friendly future is equally noteworthy. The hotel boasts an environment teeming with life, with over 200 peacocks calling it home. This serves as a testament to the healthy ecosystem nurtured at the palace, encompassing flora, fauna, and nature. The hotel takes significant strides towards environmental preservation, including avoiding the use of plastic, planting more trees, and implementing water conservation measures. These initiatives exemplify their dedication to preserving the natural beauty that surrounds the palace.
Culinary Innovations
In terms of culinary offerings, Rambagh Palace is constantly innovating to provide guests with a delightful gastronomic experience with eateries like Steam, Suvarna Mahal, Verandah Café, among others. One exciting addition to their menu is the introduction of millets such as jowar and bajra. These nutritious grains will be actively promoted, and a millet food festival will be organized to showcase their versatility and health benefits. Recognizing the importance of including these grains in the younger generation’s diet, the hotel aims to educate visitors from around the world about the culinary treasures offered by millets.
Preserving the legacy
As Rambagh Palace continues to evolve and embrace its role as a custodian of heritage and sustainability, it remains an enchanting destination that embodies the grandeur and cultural richness of Rajasthan. Over the years, Rambagh Palace has hosted celebrities like Queen Elizabeth II, Lord Mountbatten, former US President Bill Clinton and family, and ex-Twitter boss Jack Dorsey, among many others. “The USP of this property is that there is no renovation, but only restoration; we have preserved the legacy of the erstwhile royals. As the world looks upon us as the leader now, we have bigger responsibilities”, Rathore said.
Tusharika Singh
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