Heritage Hotels

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Hotels

GENERAL INFORMATION ON HERITAGE HOTELS

Since 'Heritage Hotels' are not purpose built and are principally old buildings, converted into hotels, a few of them have certain idiosyncrasies which you would not expect to find in modern hotels. Some of these can be a little irritating so we feel it is only fair to warn you about them before you travel so you can prepare in advance. Below we list certain points that tend to occur at some heritage hotels. It is by no means a negative view but rather, a realistic view - these hotels are quite exceptional, charming, comfortable, and clean and offer a unique experience in India. These hotels tend to be given our Mystic India (MI) evaluation of a Silver or Silver Plus grade (3 star).

Cuisine
There will usually be just one dining room at heritage hotels and most meals will be ‘buffet’ style. A la carte may not generally be available. The cuisine at these properties tends to be simple, home cooking with a leaning towards the local dishes of the area. Should you wish for anything in particular, please ask the chef and he will try to accommodate your wishes. Vegetarian dishes are normally available as many people in India are vegetarian due to their religion.

Hotel layout
Please bear in mind that most heritage hotels are large, rambling buildings, comprising many floors, wings and a maze of corridors connecting the various sections. There are usually steps (often high), to be negotiated in order to reach your bedroom, the dining room or sitting areas. If you are not particularly agile, please let us know before your departure, inform our local agent or inform the hotel on checking in and they will ensure you have a more conveniently situated bedroom. It is also worth remembering that these buildings were not constructed with the great height of Europeans in mind. You will, therefore, often find low doors and archways giving you accesses to the various rooms so please remember to duck your head in these instances.

Electricity
In almost all heritage hotels you will often find flickering lights and erratic electricity supplies. This is principally due to the fact that they are connected to the local grid which is subject to state power saving regulations and can suffer from its own supply problems. Another common feature resulting from the above situation is that the lighting in some properties can be a little dim. Please also note that the plug sockets and wiring in a very few heritage hotels can appear dated but sadly we have little jurisdiction over this and if you are worried by a particular socket, please contact the manager / owner and he will rectify the problem for you or change your room.

Beds
You will find that in most heritage hotels, the beds are quite hard. They generally comprise a wooden base with a foam mattress. Although perfectly comfortable, the mattresses can be quite thin so if you suffer from back problems, brought on by hard beds, please let the hotel know on arrival and they will try to provide you with an extra mattress. You may often find that although the pillows are perfectly good, they are not as soft as in the West so if you suffer from neck problems, it is wise to carry your own pillow with you.

Bathrooms
Most heritage hotels will have showers rather than bath tubs. We would request that if a bath is taken than you do not waste water in these often remote villages.

Geysers: In most heritage hotels you will find geysers in your bathrooms which provide your hot water. When initially entering your bathroom it is always wise to check that your geyser has been switched on as it can take some time for the water to heat up. Geysers will usually be switched on before you enter the room but in case they are not, you cannot simply switch on the geezer and receive hot water - it takes time to heat.

Water supply: Please bear in mind that these are old rambling buildings and many still retain their original plumbing. In this way it takes some time for the water to travel through the pipes. Should you switch on the hot water tap and find it is cold, please be patient and wait a few moments for the hot water to find its way through, which it will.

Water color: Also as a result of the plumbing situation outlined above, on turning on the taps at a very few heritage hotels, you may find that it is brown or red in colour. In these instances, please be patient and let the water run for a little while to let the clear water come through. (It is similar to the plumbing in some old houses in this country!)

Water pressure: As a result of the plumbing situation outlined above, many heritage hotels do not have a particularly strong water pressure.

Soap: All heritage hotels provide soap but it is usually a very small block of soap without a particularly good aroma and which does not lather (indeed this is true throughout almost all India, with the exception of the odd 5 star hotel). It is therefore wise to carry soap with you to heritage hotels if you are bothered by such a thing.

Noise
Since most of these forts, palaces and ancestral homes were originally intended as the focal point of a village, they tend to be surrounded by villages or towns. This can create certain problems with noise in the early mornings and evenings. The most common disturbances in the early mornings are: Puja ceremonies; Muslim calls to prayer; beating drums; general street noise as the village comes to life; peacocks 'barking'. The most common disturbances at night are: barking dogs; music from local festivals and / or wedding ceremonies; noisy villagers returning home at night. Since bedrooms are usually scattered all around these old buildings and noise carries, as a courtesy to others, may we ask you keep your voices down if sitting up chatting, late at night. Should you be a light sleeper, we suggest you carry ear plugs with you when visiting certain heritage hotels.

Money
Most heritage hotels do not accept credit cards. Some do not even accept traveler’s cheques. In this way it is essential that you carry plenty of cash with you when staying in these properties. This should be in Indian Rupees as they do not like and are not really allowed to accept foreign currency. If you are staying in large, chain hotels before visiting heritage hotels, please ensure that you change money there so that you have enough to cover your stay at the subsequent heritage hotel. If your entire itinerary comprises heritage hotels, please change plenty of money whilst in Delhi.

Owners
Since many of these properties are still the main residence of the original owners, you will find much of the original furnishings and fittings being retained. Some owners have a taste for rather loud and gaudy colors, which you will find reflected in the decoration and color schemes used in some properties. This is in stark contrast to the pastel colors used in other properties and may not be that easy on the eye but please accept that it is the owner’s preference which may be bound by tradition or religion. Please remember that you are staying in someone’s home and adopt the type of behavior and discretion that you would normally observe when staying at a private residence.

House of MG, Ahmedabad MI Evaluation - Gold

The House of MG is a boutique heritage hotel in Ahmedabad. This stately property, built in 1924 as a home for a wealthy textile magnate, has been tastefully restored to retain its old-world charm but with all the amenities and comforts of a world-class hotel.

Fort Barli, Ajmer MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Fort Barli has been delightfully renovated to help ou feel the warmth of a hone in this comfortable atmosphere.

Raheem Residency , Alleppey MI Evaluation - Gold

This is a tasteful colonial house on a quiet beach on the outskirts of Alleppey. It’s been painstakingly converted into a very intimate experience by Bibi, a twinkly-eyed Irish former TV journalist who fell in love with the building while on holiday and had to buy it.

Ranjit Svaasa , Amritsar MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Just off the aristocratic Mall Road, down an easy-to-miss narrow lane, what used to be a charming drive through the private estate of Rai Bahadur Rattan Chand, lies a quaint humble haveli, Ranjit’s SVAASÁ.

Taj West End Bangalore, Bangalore MI Evaluation - Platinum

Nestled in the midst of 20 acres of magnificent gardens The Taj West End is one of the finest hotels in Bangalore.The Taj West End has welcomed guests for over a century and is more a legend than a hotel. Built in 1887, as the city’s first hotel

Bhainsrorgarh Fort, Bhainsrogarh MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

The Bhainsrorgarh Fort Hotel offers 5 unique suites each with a different character and personality. All rooms overlook the Chambal river and the hill. Situated on top of a hill, Bhainsrorgarh Hotel offers magnificent views. The 5 suites are located on the ground, first and the top floor.

Laxmi Vilas Palace, Bharatpur MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

In 1994 Laxmi Vilas Palace was converted into a hotel. Here at Laxmi Vilas Palace you may relive the history of Bharatpur, feel the warm hospitality extended to you by our present generation living in the Palace.

The Bagh, Bharatpur MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

The Bagh is a heritage hotel set in 12 acres two hundred year-old garden in Bharatpur Rajasthan, it is located just four hours away from major destinations such as Delhi, Jaipur and Gwalior.

Nilambagh Palace, Bhavnagar MI Evaluation - Silver

Nilambagh Palace Bhavnagar was originally built as a private dwelling to Sir Takhat Singh. The German architect Mr. Simsom is the mastermind behind this elegant structure built in 1859. The house has been converted into a renowned heritage hotel in the state of Gujarat. The hotel is a heady mix of splendid royal charm and modern luxuries.

Jehan Numa Palace, Bhopal MI Evaluation - Silver

Jehan Numa is an Urdu word which means "View of the World". A 19th century Palace, Jehan Numa nestled on the slopes of Shamla Hill is set in five acres of lush green lawns and splashes of colorful bougainvillea.

Noor-Us-Sabah Palace , Bhopal MI Evaluation - Silver

The marvel "Noor-Us-Sabah" meaning -"The Light Of Dawn" was built in the 1920's by H.H.Hamid Ullah Khan, for his eldest daughter Begum Abida Sultan.

Castle Bijaipur, Bijaipur MI Evaluation - Silver

Located in the Vindhyanchal Hills at 600 meters above sea level, surrounded by graceful forests of Flame of the Forest & Jaracanda overlooking the farmlands in the valley, Castle Bijaipur is the ultimate place where history, nature and hospitality form unison.

Gajner Palace, Bikaner MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Gajner Palace, Bikaner which is constructed of red sandstone is very famous amongst the roll of Heritage Hotels located near to Bikaner. It stretches over a sprawling terrain of 6000 acres

Karni Bhawan, Bikaner MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Karni Bhawan Palace, Bikaner was erected under the auspices of Maharaja Dr. Karni Singh Ji. It was built with the primary objective to be utilized as Maharaja’s private residence. At present, it has been renovated into a majestic retreat which boasts of sprawling lawns in its neighbouring region.

Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

The Lallgarh palace is an imposing red- sand stone palace and was built by Maharaja Ganga Singhji in the memory of his father, Maharaj Lall Singhj in 1902 A.D.

Laxmi Niwas Palace, Bikaner MI Evaluation - Gold

Laxmi Niwas Palace is a heritage hotel located within Lallgarh Palace Complex at Bikaner (Rajasthan, India).

Brij Bhushanji Ji Haveli, Bundi MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Haveli Braj Bhushanjee was built 200 year ago and belongs to Bohara Braj Bhushanjee family, which gave Bundi as many as four Prime Ministers all in the 19th Century.

Harivihar Heritage Home, Calicut MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Harivihar or Abode of the Divine is where you can pause, reflect and restore the harmony and balance of your inner rhythms. Situated in Calicut, part of the historic Malabar province, the gateway through which Europe, led by Vasco Da Gamma, entered the fabled Indies – Harivihar offers its guests the unparalleled experience of living in a heritage homestead surrounded by a verdant and serene landscape.

Fort Ramgarh, Chandigarh MI Evaluation - Bronze Plus

The Fort Ramgarh resonates with a glorious 360-year history. Its rulers were Chandel Rajputs who came to the plains from Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh.

Vivant by Taj Connemara , Chennai MI Evaluation - Gold Plus

Colonially elegant and infused with design touches hinting to its imperial past, the Vivanta by Taj Connemara, is Chennai’s only heritage hotel.

Brunton Boatyard , Cochin MI Evaluation - Platinum

Moored on a historic stretch of Cochin's famed harbor, The Brunton Boatyard Hotel was resurrected from the remains of a Victorian shipyard.

Chittoor Kottaram , Cochin MI Evaluation - Platinum

A Royal Abode - Located on the banks of Cochin backwaters, the summer palace of the Maharaja of the erstwhile Cochin royalty is now restored to an exclusive heritage resort.

Malabar House , Cochin MI Evaluation - Gold Plus

The Malabar House is unique. Housed in a heritage building right in the historical centre of Fort Cochin, it faces St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India.

Old Harbour, Cochin MI Evaluation - Gold

At the heart of ancient Fort Cochin, Kerala, a place that exudes history and culture, is the 'Old Harbour Hotel'. A 300 year-old building that has for long been a heritage monument of this town, now reopened as a boutique hotel.

Gateway Hotel Church Road, Coonoor MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Taj Gateway Church Road, originally built in 1857, the Taj Garden Retreat exudes an aura of old world charm. The hotel is situated at a height of 6500 feet in the Nilgiris and offers panoramic views of the valley.

Elgin Hotel Darjeeling, Darjeeling MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

As you enter The Elgin - warmth hugs you and makes you feel at home with a glass of sparkling cherry liquor and a silken Khada draped around your neck.

Windamere Darjeeling, Darjeeling MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Windamere is situated on historic Observatory Hill where Darjeeling began, and overlooks the Chowrasta, the town's exclusive promenade. From Observatory Hill, one can glimpse Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal and Sikkim, against a stupendous backdrop of twenty of the highest mountain peaks in the world.

Imperial Hotel, Delhi MI Evaluation - Diamond

The Imperial is a legend that offers a unique experience embracing facets of India's history, and stands witness to the birth of the capital city of New Delhi.

Maidens Hotel, Delhi MI Evaluation - Gold Plus

Maidens Hotel is one of Delhi's oldest hotels, built in the early 1900s, and has retained its colonial charm and architecture. Its spacious rooms with high ceilings are unique when compared to the box-sized rooms of modern hotels.

Deogarh Mahal, Devgarh MI Evaluation - Gold

Deogarh Mahal was converted into a hotel by the present owner Rawat Nahar Singh. A part of the Mahal is still occupied by his kin. The family is closely associated with the hotel and personally supervises and monitors the on goings.

Fort Seengh Sagar, Devgarh MI Evaluation - Gold Plus

This stunning property has a central courtyard that has a small pond in the middle of it during the summer / monsoon and this becomes a delightful cosy fire to sit around during the winter. There are three large rooms - a fourth is used as an indoor sitting area but can also be converted into a comfortable extra room.

Fort Dhariyawad, Dhariyawad MI Evaluation - Silver

A 16th century splendor, the Fort Dhariyawad, was constructed at the behest of Sahasmal, the second son of Maharana Pratap - the greatest warrior of the Mewar region.

Raj Niwas Palace, Dholpur MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Dholpur is named as Dhawalpuri after its ruler Dhawal Deo, once the ruler of the city, its name was distorted with passage of time and got its present name Dholpur.

Udai Bilas Palace, Dungapur MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Nestled in idyllic splendor, with the blue waters of Gaibsagar lake on one side and a cove of private reserve forest on the other, Udai Bilas Palace is the embodiment of the old world charm of princely India.

Gajner Palace, Gajner MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

Gajner Palace, Bikaner which is constructed of red sandstone is very famous amongst the roll of Heritage Hotels located near to Bikaner. It stretches over a sprawling terrain of 6000 acres.

Norkhill Hotel, Gangtok MI Evaluation - Silver Plus

The Nor-Khill (“the house of jewels”) in the state of Sikkim in eastern Himalayas in Gangtok is known for its tradition and ethnic Sikkimese ambiance.

Siolim House, Goa MI Evaluation - Gold

Welcome to the home of Casa Palacio Siolim House, once a palace and the residence of the aristocratic Goan-Portuguese Governor of Macau, now a private seven room boutique hotel in Goa; and of our annexe 'Little Siolim', a three room restored villa for even more privacy or as a villa rental.

Stain Glass Cottage Homestay, Goa MI Evaluation - Silver

One of the nearest homestays to the beach and five km from the cultural capital of Goa, Margao, this is a unique example of a beautiful home with the most affable hosts.

Orchard and Riverside Palace, Gondal MI Evaluation - Silver

Orchard Palace The Orchard Palace in the Huzoor Palace estate of the Maharaja of Gondal was the guest anex of the main palace. It has been converted into a heritage hotel owned and managed by the family. Riverside Palace Built in the 1880s as the residence of the Crown Prince of Gondal, the Riverside Palace is a colonial-style building set in gardens beside the town's river.

Usha Kiran Palace, Gwalior MI Evaluation - Gold

Get welcomed in true Gwalior tradition. Enter at this 120-year-old palace, which has played host to the King of England and is now a heritage hotel.

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