India’s palaces have long stood as testaments to power, artistry, and legacy, but only a few have evolved beyond monuments. They are now world-class hotels, where the codes of hospitality are still written in marble, gold leaf, and quiet precision. Inspired by the intrigue and elegance of The Royals, this story is not about fantasy but about the very real addresses where royal living still exists, only now available to those who seek it. These hotels do more than offer rooms; they offer access to centuries of architecture, rituals, and refinement, translated into modern luxury. These properties invite you to inhabit history — not as a spectator, but as a guest. Here is our curated list of India’s most distinguished royal palace hotels: where staying over isn’t travel, it’s succession.
ITC Grand Bharat
Nestled beautifully amidst the ancient Aravallis, ITC Grand Bharat is less a hotel and more an ode to India’s regal spirit. This all-suite retreat, with its palatial architecture, intricate jali-work, sprawling courtyards, and Mughal-inspired domes, reimagines grandeur with a modern lens.
Every detail, from its stately pavilions to its world-class Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa, speaks of a bygone era of leisure and luxury, now tailored for the discerning travellers. Ideal for royal-style getaways, spa-cations, and destination weddings, ITC Grand Bharat captures the essence of India’s cultural magnificence while offering unmatched privacy, indulgence, and sophistication.
Alila Fort Bishangarh
Rising out of the Aravallis like a sentinel of Rajasthan’s regal past, Alila Fort Bishangarh is a 235-year-old warrior fort transformed into a luxury escape that honours its heritage. The original battlements, watchtowers, and secret passages remain intact, seamlessly integrated with contemporary design, plush suites, and refined hospitality.
Within its rugged granite walls lie five elegant dining venues, an opulent spa, courtyards that catch the desert breeze, and panoramic terraces offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a rare blend of authenticity and sophistication—a fort that once defended kingdoms now curates indulgence, storytelling, and timeless romance in equal measure: a true gem.
The Leela Palace Jaipur
Inspired by the grandeur of Jaipur’s palaces, this majestic retreat combines Mughal and Rajputana architecture with The Leela’s signature elegance. Sweeping courtyards, intricate jali-work, hand-painted frescoes, and shimmering chandeliers set the stage for an indulgent escape steeped in regal charm.
Within its walls are lavish suites with private plunge pools, serene wellness rituals at the ESPA spa, and Mohan Mahal — the palace’s famed candlelit restaurant, an ethereal dining room illuminated by hundreds of flickering flames that feels like stepping into a royal fantasy. Perfect for destination weddings, decadent getaways, or romantic weekends, The Leela Palace Jaipur captures the soul of Rajasthan’s opulence, reimagined for today’s discerning travellers.
Rambagh Palace
Once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, Rambagh Palace is a living testament to Rajasthan’s royal grandeur. Draped in history and heritage, this Taj property seamlessly blends stately architecture with impeccable hospitality, featuring marble corridors, hand-carved balustrades, and sprawling Mughal gardens that echo with tales of a princely past.
Its lavish suites, some once the private chambers of royalty, offer a rare glimpse into a bygone era, while signature dining experiences — from the elegant Suvarna Mahal to alfresco evenings at the Polo Bar– every moment feels steeped in aristocratic indulgence. Whether for a romantic escape, a family celebration, or to live king-size for the weekend, Rambagh Palace remains one of India’s most iconic royal addresses, where history and modern luxury meet in perfect harmony.
The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
Within 32 acres of lush gardens and tranquil courtyards, The Oberoi Rajvilas captures the romance of Jaipur’s princely past while delivering a modern expression of gracious living. Drawing from Rajasthan’s royal architecture, the retreat features reflection pools, Mughal-inspired symmetry, and opulent touches that recall the era of the Maharajas; from exquisitely detailed luxury tents to ornate stone and marble carvings.
Authentic Rajasthani and international cuisines meet heartfelt hospitality, while curated cultural and romantic experiences offer guests a sense of being welcomed as personal guests rather than visitors. The hotel also serves as a showcase of Jaipur’s famed craftsmanship, with araish-treated lime plaster, blue pottery tiles, and handcrafted brass accents celebrating the city’s artistic heritage. As a sanctuary of elegance and quiet splendour, The Oberoi Rajvilas is both a luxurious escape and the perfect base for exploring Jaipur’s vibrant bazaars, grand monuments, and storied past.
Raffles Udaipur
Set upon the tranquil Udai Sagar Lake and framed by the Aravalli Hills, Raffles Udaipur is a contemporary retreat infused with regal charm. Spanning 137 elegantly appointed rooms and suites across a private island and newly unveiled lakeshore wing, it offers serene vistas, meandering garden pathways alive with native flora and birdlife, and moments designed for stillness — from guided meditation and open-air yoga to bespoke wellness at the nature-inspired Raffles Spa.
Guests arrive by boat, setting the tone for a journey defined by quiet discovery, while two distinct pools, ten exceptional dining experiences, and six curated celebration venues — including a secluded temple — blend legendary Raffles service with a profound sense of place, creating an atmosphere of grace, connection, and understated joy.
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
Set along the serene banks of Lake Pichola, The Oberoi Udaivilas is a modern palace that pays exquisite tribute to Udaipur’s royal legacy. Spread across 30 acres of landscaped gardens, the property unfolds like a living canvas of domes, arches, pavilions, and intricate jalis — a seamless blend of Mewar’s architectural grandeur and contemporary finesse. Every detail reflects a deep respect for tradition, shaped by architects who spent over a decade reinterpreting historic Rajasthani building methods for today’s traveller.
Spacious rooms and suites, some with private terraces and temperature-controlled pools overlooking tranquil courtyards or the shimmering lake, create an atmosphere of regal seclusion. Fine dining, daily yoga, and bespoke spa therapies are delivered with signature Oberoi warmth, offering an experience as refined as it is unforgettable.
Taj Fateh Prakash Palace
Perched on the serene eastern banks of Lake Pichola, Taj Fateh Prakash Palace is a rare glimpse into the living heritage of Udaipur’s royal lineage. Once the ceremonial residence of the House of Mewar, the palace retains every ounce of its regal grandeur — from soaring durbar halls lit by glittering crystal chandeliers to corridors adorned with priceless heirlooms, vintage paintings, and ornate furniture that echo a princely past.
The suites are individually styled, many offering panoramic views of the shimmering lake and the architectural splendour of the City Palace complex beyond. Bespoke dining experiences celebrate Rajasthani flavours and royal traditions, while curated cultural evenings, palace tours, and impeccable Taj hospitality create an atmosphere that feels at once intimate and majestic — a stay that isn’t just luxurious, but a journey through centuries of royal legacy.
Note: Although it didn’t make it to this list, we’re also quite dreamy-eyed about the stunning Hyatt Regency Jaipur Mansarovar. The property reimagines Rajasthan’s regal spirit through a lens of modern sophistication. The architecture, a blend of clean contemporary lines with subtle palace-like flourishes, leaves you feeling both grand and intimate.
Images: Brands respectively
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