Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur won the number one spot globally in the Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards, 2016. I was invited by Tripadvisor India to be a part of the award ceremony. On the second night of my two night sojourn, I stayed in the Maharani Badankanwar Suite, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur. I will actually reminisce that night even when I grow old! Umaid Bhawan Palace is managed by Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces.
While we were raising the toast to the hotel on its stunning win, the General Manager of the hotel, Vincent Ramos, asked if one us would like to stay in the Maharani Suite? He casually mentioned that the room rent for the suite is 8 lakh rupees (about 11800 dollars) per night. Some of the previous occupants of this suite were Price Charles, The Dalai Lama, Naomi Campbell, Shakira and the like. I didn’t react at the dinner. We all had a lot of champagne!
But when I met Vincent at the breakfast again, I asked him if I could actually stay in the Maharani Suite for one night? He readily agreed, so it was not the champagne talking the previous night after all! I was going to the city after the breakfast. Vincent told me to pack my bags and when I would come back, I would have the Maharani Suite all to myself.
If square foot makes sense to you, the size of the suite is 4850 square foot! All I can say is that if I left my cell phone in the dining area which was at the one end, I would not hear it at the other end in the bath! The Maharani Suite at the Umaid Bhawan Palace is that big! When the royal family of Jodhpur used to live in the palace, this was actually the Maharani’s room! And if you are curious as to how I got in the picture when I was staying alone, I used the tripod with the camera timer to get myself in the frame!
The Living Room, Maharani Suite, Umaid Bhawan Palace
This is the best I could capture the living room of the Maharani Suite. At the back of the photo you can see a bit of the dining area. There was a complimentary bottle of wine in the dining area waiting for me. I actually sat alone in this huge area and had a glass! I loved the color of the room. And in spite of using a 11-16 wide angle I could not get the TV in the same frame.
The Private Dining Area, Maharani Suite, Umaid Bhawan Palace
The table was laid for ten people with candles, silverware and glass crystals. I admit I went into the dining area only to click the photo and to get my glasses of wine. There is a pantry behind the dining room and I did not even photograph it. It is meant for the use of the butler!
The Private Spa, Maharani Suite, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Then there was a private couple spa within the suite if you wish to indulge in! I would stop in this room often as it was between the bedroom and the bathroom. The Jiva Spa is amazing but then I went down to the spa and did not take my massage in this room. I now feel I should have requested for the spa session here!
The Bathroom, Maharani Suite, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
The main bathtub is the original from the time of the maharani! It is single piece bathtub made of Italian marble. I actually used both the tub and the Jacuzzi! I know I promised myself to use bathtubs only once in my entire stay anywhere in the world and not twice within the same night but then this was a huge exception!
After I was done using with the Jacuzzi I could have gone for a steam in the shower area. But by then I was too tired to do anything but to just take a shower!
The Bedroom, Maharani Suite, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
I divided the second glass of wine between the bedroom and the bath. I started it after the dinner. I was quite scared that I would not be able to fall asleep in this room but the wine and the hot bath worked like a charm! And try as I might I could not include the giant TV in the frame in the bedroom either.
The Wardrobe Area, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
I used wardrobe area the least during my stay. My suitcase would fit on on small rack outside this room! I think the wardrobe area is bigger than my bedroom at home!
The Veranda, Maharani Suite, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
This would probably give you some idea about the size of the suite but this is still an underestimation as the bathroom was behind the veranda! At the far end was a swing which is not even visible in the picture! I loved to sit on the easy chair and bask in the sun. The view of the palace grounds and the Mehrangarh Fort from the balcony is stunning!
Small Things, Maharani Suite, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
I loved the way small things added up to the charm of the suite! This was a bowl of roses in the spa area. The fragrances of various flowers, candles and incenses added to the palatial romance.
At every center table in the living room and the bedroom there was something to eat along with flowers and books! And I am not even including the candles in a picture in this post!
The Main Lobby, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
There were mirrors everywhere in the Maharani Suite. As I would walk around the enormous space, I would catch a glimpse of myself somewhere even if I was not paying any attention. After coming out of my room I would stand near the railing to catch the grand view of the lobby beneath! It never failed to make me stop in my tracks!
A Big Thank You to Vincent Ramos
Finally, a big thank you to Vincent Ramos the general manager of the Umaid Bhawan Palace. I am not sure how easy it was for him to trust the grandest and the most expensive room of his hotel with this commoner! I will remember my stay at the Maharani Suite at the Umaid Bhawan Palace for the rest of my life!
PS. My stay at the Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur was sponsored by the Taj Group of Hotels Resorts and Palace and Tripadvisor India.
The furniture look a bit too modern. The ethnic royal look isn’t there. Otherwise a grand ambiance! Great shots!
Thank you Indrani I was too busy living it up Indrani to notice the furniture separately 😀
Have heard a lot about the Maharani Suite in Umaid Bhawan Palace and it indeed looks massive!
If square foot makes sense to do the figure must be saying something 😀
Ghani Khamma… …True Luxury…. I would say
Khamma Ghani Prasad and see you tomorrow at the airport!
Wow! U had a great Maharani moment! An experience of a lifetime for sure!
Yes Shaivi it was an experience of a lifetime, thank you so much!
Not surprised that you were tired at the end of it. ‘Travelling’ 5,000 square feet is probably the best form of fitness, unless of course, you have at least 5 servants at your beckon-call.
Lovely to read that you had a wonderful time Maharani Sahiba 🙂
Thank you so much Vishal. The palace services were at beck and call but I wanted my solitude and my photo session too. 😀
Incredible & divine place of the planet. Truly lovable and amazing.
Thank you so much Vishal, I agree!
Excellent stay with unique experience, stayed like king, amezing experience in World’s best palace. World class services and amenities. Staff are very humble, welcoming and friendly. Highly recommend my colleagues and friends must stay this heaven of earth to feel royalty and amezing life time experience.
Me too, I had the most amazing experience at the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Awsome Palace, splendid experience had! Really really a true regal live royal experience …. if you want to experience donot miss the opportunity to feel in this generation. Thanks a ton to Taj! Great Team….
Heaven on earth!!
It was indeed an amazing place!
it’s a crown of the desert Kingdom of marwar state of India, amazing architecture and so grand is the bulding
Royal welcome with trumpets, Drums, Royal canopy, Garlands, champagne welcome drink, welcome folk dance when you enter in the main lobby. specious rooms. Welcoming and attentive staff. make you feel like royalties. mouth watering food. Beautiful ambiance.
Personalized Butler service which is fit for a Maharaja (a King or a Queen) excellent amenities. in room bath set up’s. It’s like a dream true. and the end staff surprise you farewell gifts for both men and women
You summed it up so well! It was indeed a wonderful experience for me too!
Beautiful & Royal. The colors emitted by lights look very soothing & pleasing. Great
Thank you so much Manu!
wah wah Maharaniji… 🙂 I love the card :-p
Looks nice, beautiful actually… though I didn’t get the rustic palatial feel…
I’ve just seen the palace from the outside as I was on an office convention and didn’t get time..
May be some other time 🙂
What’s next on the cards now?
Archana Mumbai for a day is next on the cards. 😀 I too loved that card.
This looks so freaking awesome and that bath tub …. I can spend the entire day in the bathroom 😉
http://thetalesofatraveler.com/2016/01/23/packing-winter-ladakh/
Thank you Swati 😀 yes staying in the bathroom for a long time was entirely possible!
“The best in everything on planet earth..”
Azaz it is indeed a stunning place!
Once I reached UMAID BHAWAN PALACE, I feel…became an emperor of the world…..
They indeed make you feel grand!
Amazing…certainly on my wishlist:)
You will love it!
“best Of Best”
Umaid Bhawan Is Best
You Feel Like Royalty @ Umaid Bhawan Palace
Indeed Azaz they treat you like royalty!
WOW…that sure is luxury . Amazing pictures, especially that of the champagne glass. And I love the Hukum Sahiba on the invite.
Me too, I fell for the Hukum Sabhia bit 😀
Amazing. I am in awe of the card. Loved the way you have been addressed. “Hukum Sahiba”.
🙂
Me too loved the card!
Truly amazing, Hukum Sahiba! 🙂
Ha ha Priya, amazing it was!
Awesome
Thank you Rupam.
Amazing palace with impeccable services.
I entirely agree with you!
First time I bought my parents to this Grand Palace, they were masmerized with the flawless and Royal service, they have a hangover of the stay till now and discuss about the palace often.
No doubt that it will be the no. 1 in the world. GM Mr. Vincent Ramos and the entire team are doing tremendous work to be in the peak of the world.
Keep it up! Top Notch.
I too will think about it and talk about it for a long time to come Jermin. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
Wow a grand suite
It was truly grand Arun!
Amazing pictures. Looks like you had a great time!
Thank you Sims yes it was an amazing stay!
I am sure it would have been one amazing experience, the pictures speak volumes
Thank you Rathina, it was indeed an amazing experience.
Stay @UmaidBhawan makes you feel like a royalty.
Indeed it does!
Heavenly feeling @UmaidBhawan.
I agree!
The Art Deco is so mesmerizing @UmaidBhawan.
Indeed it was!
The staff, right from the top management to the rank and file were at the best. The services, food and beverage, my room were impeccable. Strongly recommend this place.
I enjoyed my stay too.
The beauty, the Vintage Cars, the Gardens all too perfect for a short stay.
I agree!
@UmaidBhawan takes it to another level with its beautiful indoor pool and the dining area Pillars.
Yes it is a beautiful place!
This brings back so many pleasant memories from our stay at the @umaidbhawan. Already planning our next trip.
Enjoy Ajay.
Once you stay @UmaidBhawan, you’ll never want to leave.
Only for people like me it has to be a media invite!
Grandeur at its peak and service at its best with extremely tasty foods of all kinds. The Rajasthani winter makes it all very pleasant with breathtaking views.
I never felt like leaving the Outdoor restaurant, the view was so perfect.
@UmaidBhawan this is where you become a king and a queen, best vacation ever.
UmaidBhawan gave us the best new years celebration ever.!!
I spent hours by the outdoor swimming and still didn’t feel like going.
My room had a magnificient view, you’ll never feel like leaving your room. Best Hotel in the world.
A Paradise in Paradise @umaidbhawan
The Staff makes it all so special… From airport pick up till the time of departure.
They make everything soooo special. Best wedding anniversary gift by my husband.
Great hospitality, great place. The view was wonderful, the rooms spacious and the hotel stuff really helpful and kind.
The hotel is in a idyllic location and the sunset is just breathtaking.
Perfect ,unforgetabble and wonderful stay.Kindness of people, amazing pools in and out door, felt like a Maharaja.
Went at the time of christmas and the whole palace was decorated with christmas decorations.Felt like home.
The Maharaja does not only share his palace with the guest but his royalty aswell. I felt like a queen during my whole stay.
I remember the beautiful view from the Pillars restaurant and my room’s balcony. So mesmerizing and calming, I couldn’t believe it was all real.
From the ruffles, flourishes and horns at our entering to the catering to every possible wish, this is the place. Must visit place.
The property is gorgeous, the food was excellent, and the service was the best I have ever experienced at any hotel.
Truly memorable and amazing. The extent to which the staff anticipated our needs was very special.
Hospitality is awesome. You don’t feel that you’re out of your home. Loved the Rajasthani welcome and the food is awesome.
The architecture within the palace is absolutely breathtaking and the awesome view of the city. The palace gardens absolutely beautiful.
Wonderful opulent palace hotel, Attentive staff. Excellent amenities. Very family friendly.
The staff were impeccable and the food exquisite, a truly unforgettable experience.
The palace was gorgeous, the weather heavenly, the staff was completely professional, yet totally personalised service we got, befitting royalty!
The staff go out of their way to please you and ensure your comfort. You are made to feel like a personal guest of the Maharaja. Staff are knowledgable about the history and surrounding areas of Jodhpur .
The palace is as beautiful from inside as it looks from outside.The food here is incredible. The pool side service needs to be replicated everywhere.. hampers, cold towels, excellent staff.
Very good rooms, amazing views, brilliant indoor pool, amazing food, prompt service and if any hotel needs to learn hospitality, they should learn it from Taj.
One of the most beautiful and scenic properties i have stayed in. The ambiance is luxurious and rooms are artistically made and makes you feel like royalty.
The staff was insanely attentive, from the moment we arrived to the moment we left. Would recommend to any one- worth the price.
So many extra amenities. Spa was wonderful and food great as well. Views from balcony. Grounds manicured and lovely pool and gym.
Wow! A lifetime memory to cherish Mridula!
Wow! What an awesome experience! 🙂
Wow!!! If I were given a chance, I am sure I would be too excited to sleep 🙂
Lovely start to 2016, isn’t it?
makes you understand the meaning of royalty!
finest service @umaid bhawan
lovely architecture with beautiful decor 🙂
Makes you go WOW
Truly magical and an extraordinary ambience.
Exceptional staff who are truly caring
top notch luxury, wont regret.
Amazing hospitality, great palace, must visit….
Fabulous place , One must visit .
Staff full of warmth, always smiling and they don’t forget your preference
Would visit again and again
Simply WoooW to the Maharani Suite! Your post brought back our memories of our stay here! Beautiful captures Mridula! Umaid Bhawan Palace is truly deserves the award!
We were there a few years ago for a birthday celebration and then for a wedding. Your post encapsulates up Umaid Bhawan so beautifully. I fell for the invite. I’m sure it’ll be one of your most treasured possessions.
Grande….
What do I say now? Hukum Sahiba Mridula Dwivedi ki Jai Ho 😀