Once the private home of Maharaja Gaj Singh II, the Umaid Bhawan is a 215,000-square-foot sandstone marvel set within 26 acres of gardens in Jodhpur, India. The property also has a museum, marble squash courts, a spa, a soon-to-open gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a lobby with a 105-foot-high rotunda dome. At the center of the grounds is the Bardari, a marble pavilion where guests—sometimes accompanied by Singh II, who lives in a private section of the palace—sit on silk floor cushions during multicourse meals. Accommodations The 347-room hotel was constructed in 1943, and has served as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family ever since. Art Deco-style rooms and suites come equipped with wireless Internet and other modern amenities, while maintaining the sense of traditional Indian culture. Facilities Guests can relax with on-site billiards, tennis, squash, croquet, and jogging track, or at the fitness center. Browse the palace library or museum when the city feels too grand. Dining Choose from Risala, the elegant à la carte Indian restaurant, or the Pillars, a chic café and coffee shop, before ending your evening with a drink at the Trophy Bar, where an assortment of spirits and beverages are available. Concierge Recommends Request an arranged polo match for you and your fellow guests, or browse the Jawaharat boutique for ethnic jewelry, souvenirs, or garments. Rates From $485 to about $3,675.
