Guide to special places to stay: Palaces & Forts

Bhainsrorgarh Fort Hotel, India

Living like royalty

Romance, history, opulent splendour; these palaces and forts have it all. If your budget allows, push the boat out for a night or two of luxury.
India is the place where staying in such impressive buildings is a choice in more than one location, but there are other opportunities elsewhere too.

If you are lucky, you get to stay in a place like Bhainsrorgarh Fort once in your lifetime. Certainly like nowhere else we have ever been, this 200-year-old fort took us back in time but provided every convenience we could need - including a fantastic walk-in shower. The food was amazing and could be eaten on the rooftop, on the lawn or in the dining room. We took a morning boat ride across the river and saw crocodiles. storks, vultures, different kingfishers, lapwings, herons and a tree full of monkeys. We originally thought it would provide a convenient stopover on the way to Agra, turns out it was my favourite place in Rajasthan and a place certainly not to be missed.

INDIA: Bhainsrorgarh Fort

250-year-old Bhainsrorgarh Fort is arguably one of the most spectacularly-located palaces and heritage hotels in Rajasthan. Built on a 200-foot cliff overlooking the River Chambal, it is run by the owners, who still live in the palace. With just 10 guest suites you’re sure of personal attention, and this is a relatively little-visited area of Rajasthan.

Suggested Places to Stay

Bhainsrorgarh Fort Rajasthan

Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos-Aires, Argentina

ARGENTINA: Palacio Duhau

Experience the classic elegance of thirties Buenos Aires. Palacio Duhau is an award-winning, super stylish luxury hotel with a modern twist. From five o'clock tea on a balcony to enjoying the exclusive spa or the impressive private art collection, this hotel pampers all your senses.

Swimming pool at Samode Palace, Rajasthan, India

INDIA: Samode Palace

Nestled in the Aravalli Hills north of Jaipur, Samode Palace is the perfect place for you if you want to explore Jaipur but don't want to be in the city. It is quintessential Rajput-Mughal architecture and certainly one of Rajasthan’s finest boutique palace hotels. Luxurious, romantic, beautiful . . . and it gives back to the community too.

Suggested Places to Stay

Samode Palace Rajasthan

Dine on the imperial Gangaur barge at Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, India

INDIA: Taj Lake Palace

Built by a prince and fit for a prince, this 18th-century white marble palace sits proudly on an island in the middle of Lake Pichola in Udaipur. It offers elegance and attentiveness, superb cuisine, and luxurious suites and rooms. It's hard to beat.

Suggested Places to Stay

Taj Lake Palace Udaipur

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