Rajmahal Palace, Jaipur Overview

Considered to be an idyllic place to spend a romantic vacation together, Rajmahal Palace is one of the oldest and the most beautiful heritage hotels located in the heart of the ‘Pink City’. Reflecting the royal standard of the House of Amber, the palace is enclosed within tall walls amidst verdant green trees.

Boasting of immaculate architecture, mirrored walls, enormous windows and elaborately carved interiors, the palace stands tall as a testimony of the rich culture and heritage of the bygone era. Along with several other features, the highlight of the palace is its rich history of hosting celebrities and notable personalities from all over the world which include Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II herself, other members of the British royal family, Jackie Kennedy, Lord and Lady Mountbatten, and the Shah of Iran etc.

History of Rajmahal Palace

Rajmahal Palace was built in 1729 as the royal residence of Maharaja of Jaipur. Commissioned and conceived by H.H Sawai Jai Singh II, the uber-luxurious palace was built as a garden retreat and leisure palace for his wife Chandra Kanwar Ranawat Ji. Sometime later, when the territory was annexed by the British, the palace became the residence of the British Resident Political Officer of Rajputana in 1821. Post-independence, in 1958, again the haveli was occupied by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II as his private residence. Later, the palace was re-done and decorated by the famous designer Adil Ahmad and has been serving as a top heritage hotel for years.

Architecture of Rajmahal Palace

Rajmahal Palace boasts of striking architecture, some of which has been retained from the past designs and some that have been redesigned. The original gorgeous marble staircase and the colossal glass chandeliers have been borrowed from the family possessions. However, the suites, rooms and courtyards have undergone elaborate renovation. The walls have stories and scenes depicting the rich history and tales of the city and its Maharajas and Maharanis.

They are also adorned with the family pictures of the past rulers and have been done- up in 46 different types of wallpapers. Replete with vintage charm, the palace is home to 14 royal apartments, suites and rooms, the architecture and interiors of Rajmahal Palace are beyond description; you should visit here to experience it at its best.

Accommodation at Rajmahal Palace

The Rajmahal Palace boasts of a total of 14 rooms in all which includes the Royal Apartments, Luxury Suites and Palace Rooms etc. Each of these rooms have been done tastefully, are unique in appearance and are furnished with antique furniture. Boasting of colourful motifs, rich fabrics and elaborate carvings, the rooms exhibit the look and feel of traditional Jaipuri designs.

Royal Apartments
1. Ram Niwas- The Maharaja’s Apartment
  This section consists of the Maharaja and the Yuvraj Suite. Spread over 3126 sq. ft., the apartment has 2 luxurious rooms boasting of regalia and grandeur which is sure to make you feel like a king or a queen. Other than a private entrance, the apartment has a gorgeous living area, a separate bar, drawing room and a spacious terrace. A perfect amalgamation of old world charm and modern day amenities, the apartment has huge portraits of the ancient Maharajas and Maharanis adorning the walls and the overall look and feel of the apartment is sure to transport you to the royal ancient time. Besides a dining room with a seating capacity of 8 guests, you also get a private butler and a chauffeur at your service. The main bedroom has an en suite bathroom with bathtubs and twin washbasins. And the Yuvraj Suite has twin beds and a separate washroom too.
2. The Maharani’s Apartment
  Slightly smaller than the Maharaja’s apartment but almost equally luxurious and grand, the Maharani’s Apartment sprawls over an area of 2899 sq. ft. It was originally the private suite of the queen which now has been opened for the guests. Retaining most of the old world charm, the room has a master bedroom, a beautiful sitting room, a gorgeous dressing room, dining room, a full running kitchen space and a capacious hall. There is a private verandah down the hall which also has a plunge pool. This too comes with the services of a private butler and chauffeur.
Royal Suits
1. The Mountbatten Suite
  The suite has been named after the British Lord Mountbatten who stayed in this room pre independence. Boasting of uber rich comfort and luxury, the suite has double bedrooms, drawing room, dressing room and a well provided pantry etc.
2. Queen Elizabeth II Suites
  This suite has been named for the reason that the Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh stayed here when they were on a visit to India in 1961. It consists of capacious double bedroom, a charming dressing room, a drawing room, dining room along with a separate double bedroom with attached bathroom. The suite is ideal of a family travelling together.
3. The Kennedy Suite
  Much like the other, this one was named after Jackie Kennedy because of her famous trip of 1962. The suite has been adorned with several pictures and portraits of Kennedy apart from the vintage decor and furnishings. The room consists of a drawing room, one master double bedroom, dressing room, dining room etc.
Palace Suites
The Prince of Wales, Princess of Wales, Yuvraj Suite and The Resident’s Suite come under the Palace Suites. Especially meant for couples or a pair of people, the rooms come with a master bedroom, en suite bathroom, dressing room etc. Boasting of an elegant and chic decor, the rooms are furnished with antique furniture and classic interiors.
Palace Rooms
The Palace Rooms have been divided into 4- Madho Niwas 1 and 2, and Sukh Niwas 1 and 2. There rooms come with an additional verandah and sitting room, other than the original bedroom, bathroom and dressing room combo. It is ideal for families or couples travelling with kids.

Food at Rajmahal Palace

There are several fine dine and food options available at the Rajmahal Palace. While some of these work round the clock, the others are operational for fixed hours per day. Here’s listing the dining options that you can avail at Rajmahal Palace-

The Colonnade
The Colonnade is a 24 hours restaurant service at Rajmahal Palace that boasts a vibrant decor and amazing comfort food. You can also enjoy the beautiful views of the adjoining property through the tall glass doors and windows. The restaurant also allows non resident guests but prior reservations need to be made.
51 Shades of Pink
51 Shades of Pink is synonymous to the colours of the Pink City and has all pink interiors. Boasting of mirrored walls and windows, the place is known for its mouth watering breakfast and stays especially crowded during early hours of the morning.
The Oriental Occident
The Oriental Occident is a traditional Rajasthani restaurant which is a personal favourite of the Rajmata Padmini Devi of Jaipur. The formal dining space boasts of and extensive menu, posh cutlery and decor and even better food. It is claimed that the food prepared here can be found nowhere else.
The Polo Bar
The Polo Bar not only serves great food but also educates you in the game of polo. Adorned with several trophies and accolades belonging to the Maharajas and Maharanis of Rajasthani that they won in Polo, the menu has an extensive variety of delicacies to savour along with a long list of beverages.
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea is mostly like High Tea and is served on the well maintained terraces and manicured lawns of Rajmahal Palace. More than the food, the Afternoon Tea is mostly about cakes, goodies and the overall ambiance and experience that the activity offers.

Activities at Rajmahal Palace

Sujan Spa
Sujan Spa provides a wholesome experience to the guests by offering them massage and spa therapies to help them unwind and rejuvenate. Situated at the Rang Niwas complex of Rajmahal Palace, it has an extensive list and menu of therapies and massage options from which you can choose to have a relaxing time.
Private Tour of the City Palace
In addition to the in-house luxuries, facilities and services, you can also avail a private tour to the City Palace. These tours can be booked on demand and you can take a private guide along who can educate you, inform you and take you along on a time travel in history.
The Royal Box Polo Match Experience
Polo has been synonymous with the history of Jaipur. The Maharajas and Yuvraajs still indulge in the royal sport from time to time. A stay at the Rajmahal Palace can also provide you a chance to witness a polo match at Jaipur Riding and Polo Club. The tickets can be booked from the travel concierge desk at the hotel as well.

How to Reach

Jaipur has both, an airport and a railway station which is very near to the Palace. And the city is well-connected through cabs, taxis and public transport which can help you reach the destination.