Rambagh palace was originally built in 1835 and has undergone modifications over the years, with the total area declining to 47 acres now. But that is still huge for a hotel. It was the residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and Maharani Gayatri Devi. While the Rambagh Palace hotel retains much of the original splendour, the 78 chambers have been converted to rooms and suites, fitted with modern amenities and lavishly furnished.
Rambagh Palace hotel, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Rambagh Palace hotel, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Rambagh Palace hotel, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Rambagh Palace hotel, Jaipur, Rajasthan
It is great fun to walk around the hotel grounds and get close to the peacocks and peahens. There is also a choice of an electric buggy to roam around or a short round in a royal horse carriage. The staff seem to have a lot to narrate in terms of history, the life of the royal family, celebrity stays and weddings. Certainly adds to the intrigue.
Rooms and suites
The palace rooms are the cheapest, starting at ~ INR40k per night to suites that cost over INR 5 lakhs per night. The rates do vary from season to season. The website threw up cheaper luxury rooms as well but they were not available. Apart from bed area, my room had a small dining area and a smaller covered verandah with garden view. It was very spacious and well furnished.
But to truly experience the royal life, I should have ideally chosen the higher category of suites but that came with ‘royal cost’ as well.
Palace room at Rambagh Palace hotel, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Entry to Maharaja suite, Rambagh Palace hotel, Jaipur, Rajasthan
The gardens and the birds
By far, the key attraction in Rambagh palace hotel is its 250+ peococks and peahens. They roam all over the palace grounds but are more visible in the mornings and evenings. I have never seen so many peacocks and peahens together. Then there are a variety of other birds who create a pleasing ruckus around dawn and dusk. One experience I enjoyed most in this hotel was swimming in the outdoor pool and resting in the Jacuzzi around sunset, while listening to the cacophony of sounds erupting from the birds. This easily beats the best of recorded music by miles.
Swimming pool, Rambagh Palace hotel, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Rambagh Palace hotel, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Peacocks at Rambagh Palace hotel, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Dining
Suvarna Mahal, the former palace ball room with big crystal chandeliers, serves Indian cuisine and is rated among the top restaurants in Jaipur. It is very impressive no doubt, and certainly looks the part of royal dining. The menu has few local Rajasthani delicacies and I must say the ingredients used are of top quality. But yes, the meal was very heavy.
The only drawback is that Suvarna Mahal is one big open hall. While there is adequate distance between the tables, I would have preferred a bit more privacy and seclusion. Also wondering, why can’t there be a 7 or 9 course set meal? Thali is available and I saw few opting for a thali but I prefer items being served one by one, rather than together.
Overall, vegetarian dinner for two of us with couple of drinks set me back by INR 10k.
I also tried mediterranean lunch at Steam, a lounge bar with a remodelled train(steam engine with bogies) and a re-created station. Some of the tables are set inside the remodelled train bogies which are air-conditioned. Again, very nicely furnished. The lunch with couple of beer cost me INR 8k.
Nothing very special about the other restaurant, Rajput Room, except that the room has a high ceiling, like any hall in a palace. The breakfast spread was nowhere near ‘royal’ but more than adequate.
Suvarna Mahal, Rambagh Palace hotel, Jaipur, Rajasthan 
Inside train bogie at Steam, Rambagh Palace hotel, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Worth experiencing Rambagh Palace once
For a 2 night stay, I spend ~INR1.15 lakhs. Inclusive of one lunch and dinner, plus car hire that cost me little more than it would have otherwise. So was Rambagh Palace worth the amount I spend here? This is not easy to answer but overall, I would say a 15-20% lower price point would have resulted in a resounding yes. But I would love to experience a stay in the Maharaja suite someday! One reason why the higher end suites provide a close royal experience is possibly due to personalised butler service, well stocked mini bar and much plusher interiors and accessories, amongst others.
I enjoyed my stay at Rambagh palace hotel only because I chose to spend some time here. There is enough space outside the rooms to spend leisure time, without being cooped up in room. If you cannot manage this, my suggestion would be not to waste your money here.
