Tales from the Throne: Uncovering the Charm of 6 Former Palace Hotels

Ever dreamed of living like royalty? Of wandering through grand, opulent halls, dining in lavishly decorated rooms, or waking up in a regal bed chamber, draped in fine linens? Your royal fantasies are just a click away, and there's no need for a fairy-tale wedding to a prince or princess to make them a reality! Let us guide you through the captivating realm of historic palaces, ingeniously converted into luxurious hotels.

Visualize starting your day with a cup of coffee on a sunny balcony with views of a timeless courtyard, meandering through the verdant gardens of a grand palace now open for your exploration, or enjoying an evening cocktail in a once-regal throne room, today a chic bar. Doesn't that paint an irresistible picture?

In this blog post, we're about to embark on a virtual journey across some of the globe's most breathtaking hotels, formerly palaces, resplendent with storied pasts and opulence. We’ll share with you their fascinating stories and what you can expect when you book your stay at these marvelous architectural gems. So sit back, relax and prepare to step into a world where historical charm meets modern luxury. Your royal adventure begins now!

The first royal abode on our virtual tour is the Rambagh Palace, situated in the heart of Jaipur, India. This majestic palace was erected in 1835, and it's evolved elegantly through various royal transitions since then. Once serving as the dwelling for the queen's favorite handmaiden, it later emerged as a royal guesthouse and hunting lodge. Subsequently, it was the private residence of the revered Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and his queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi. By the 1950s, this historical gem transitioned into one of the luxury hotels in India, inviting guests to experience royal living in a city celebrated for its deep-rooted history and vibrant culture.

Rambagh Palace is a veritable testament to Rajasthan's royal heritage, now boasting 78 grand luxury rooms and suites—former chambers of the Maharaja, magnificently restored. The palace radiates elaborate splendor, its décor resplendent with hand-carved marble latticework, sandstone balustrades, cupolas and cenotaphs, surrounded by sprawling Mughal Gardens. The allure extends to their fine-dining options, from a royal Indian feast at the Suvarna Mahal, a former palace ballroom boasting 18th-century French style and grand crystal chandeliers, to an array of multi-cuisine delights at the Rajput Room or Verandah Café. Treat yourself to the Mediterranean offerings at the lounge bar, Steam, or revel in the aristocratic charm of the Polo Bar. For those seeking relaxation, signature treatments at the J Wellness Circle offer a harmonious blend of ancient Indian wellness therapies, yoga and meditation.

Rambagh Palace transcends being merely a hotel—it stands as an eloquent tribute to a splendid era past, having welcomed renowned guests such as Lord Louis Mountbatten, Prince Charles and Jacqueline Kennedy. An open invitation awaits to follow in their footsteps and bask in the unmatched Rajput hospitality at this radiant treasure, fondly referred to as 'The Jewel of Jaipur'.

Let's jet off to the vibrant center of Paris, France, where we'll encounter the esteemed Hotel de Crillon. Originally constructed in 1758 under the commission of King Louis XV, this spectacular architectural masterpiece was initially crafted as a regal palace. It now stands tall and dignified at the fringe of the renowned Place de la Concorde, an eminent public square set within the pulsating core of Paris. This historic marvel affords a unique window into the lavish world of French royal opulence.

As the 20th century dawned, this regal edifice underwent a transformation, reborn as a hotel. Now, under the aegis of the esteemed Rosewood Hotels group, it stands tall, having undergone extensive refurbishments before reopening its doors in 2017. Hotel de Crillon boasts luxurious rooms and suites, a world-class dining restaurant and an elegant bar, while it is also one of the hotels in Paris with spa. Guests are invited not only to luxuriate in the hotel's historical splendor and opulent amenities but also to relish its central location in Paris, strategically placed in the city's epicenter of fashion and culture.

Hotel de Crillon, embodies the essence of Paris and the French art de vivre, gracefully intertwining timelessness and grandeur. It goes beyond being one of the world's most majestic hotels—it stands as a historic beacon that personifies the charm, sophistication and vivacious spirit of Paris.

Embark with us to the scenic vistas of Portugal, where we'll discover the enchanting Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais. Lovingly tucked within the captivating hills of Sintra, this palace-turned-hotel is a treasure trove of historical charm, meshed seamlessly with modern luxury. Constructed in the late 18th century for Daniel Gildemeester, the Dutch consul, the palace exudes an age-old grandeur, tastefully complemented by a flourishing garden of lush fruit trees.

Under the custodianship of the 5th Marquis of Marialva, the palace grew both in size and splendor. A unique U-shaped structure emerged, merging the old and new wings of the palace under a striking neoclassical arch. This was a special tribute to Prince Regent John VI and Princess Carlota Joaquina, who visited in 1802. As part of the remodeling, the palace's interior was adorned with elegant frescoes, adding a touch of mythological allure.

From 1954 onwards, the Seteais Palace found new life as one of the luxury hotels in Portugal. Despite the transformation, the essence of the palace has been preserved, allowing visitors to enjoy its original elegance while relishing in modern-day comforts. This fusion of past and present creates an immersive experience, making every stay a step into a historical fairy tale set within the heart of Portugal's enchanting landscape.

We now whisk you away to the mesmerizing shores of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, where the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul proudly stands as a beacon of opulence. Emerging from the grandeur of the 19th-century Ottoman Empire, this majestic palace has metamorphosed into a splendid 5-star hotel in Istanbul, the sole establishment of its kind to bear authentic Ottoman lineage. This hotel, once a palace, exudes elegance on the European shores of the Strait, delivering unrivaled vistas of Istanbul that are simply awe-inspiring.

The Çırağan Palace Kempinski invites guests to experience resort-style living right in the heart of the city. Boasting an impressive 310 rooms, including 20 hotel suites and an additional 11 palace suites, this grand hotel epitomizes the ultimate luxury of an Ottoman palace. It also offers a delightful range of dining options, promising a culinary journey that's as stunning as the palace itself. What's more, it serves as a distinguished venue for high-profile events, meetings and unforgettable weddings. With its top-notch spa facilities and an outdoor infinity pool that seems to blend seamlessly with the Bosphorus, it is no wonder that Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul leaves guests feeling like they've stepped into an Ottoman fairy tale set amidst the vibrant heart of a bustling city.

Next up on our royal journey is the breathtaking Taj Lake Palace Udaipur, floating like a dazzling white jewel in the middle of Lake Pichola, Udaipur. This stunning pleasure palace was originally crafted in 1746 for the royal dynasty of Mewar and is impressively situated on a natural 4-acre foundation of rock on the Jag Niwas island. It was Maharana Jagat Singh II, the 62nd custodian of the House of Mewar, who brought this magnificent palace to life as a summer retreat. It's interesting to note that locally-sourced marble from Rajnagar was transported 66 kilometers to Udaipur via bullock carts to construct this regal building.

The palace served as a luxurious summer hideaway for the Mewar royal family until 1963, when Maharana Bhagwat Singh decided to repurpose it as a heritage hotel. Now, the Taj Lake Palace offers 65 lavish rooms and 18 grand suites, each boasting breathtaking views of the neighboring City Palace, the undulating Aravalli Hills, Machla Magra Hills and Jag Mandir. Cinema buffs might recognize this captivating palace as the mysterious hideout of the Bond Girl from the famous James Bond movie Octopussy.

The hotel leaves no stone unturned to provide a luxurious experience, featuring dynamic restaurants, a well-stocked bar brimming with high-end international spirits and a wellness center designed to spoil guests with its rejuvenating treatments, deeming it as one of the hotels with spa in India. Udaipur, often referred to as the 'Venice of the East', mirrors the palace's royal allure with its own picturesque lakes, impressive palaces and intriguing temples.

The final destination on our enchanting list brings us to the vibrant heart of South Korea, where we discover the Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon Associated with Accor. A beautiful nod to traditional Korean architecture, this luxury hotel in South Korea doesn't boast a royal lineage like the others. Instead, it's a newly constructed masterpiece, intentionally designed to pay homage to the elegance and sophistication of the Joseon Dynasty. Set against the urban cityscape of Songdo, this unique establishment harmoniously juxtaposes tradition with modernity.

Enveloped in the lush greenery of Songdo Central Park, the Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon transports its guests to a bygone era. Its architecture, inspired by traditional Hanok houses, and interior designs accentuate the serene culture of the historic Chosun Dynasty. Each guest room echoes this aesthetic, blending warm woods and traditional Korean paper, Hanji, to create a tranquil and elegant atmosphere.

With a restaurant serving meticulously crafted traditional Korean cuisine and a location just 25 minutes from Incheon International Airport, the hotel offers an immersive cultural experience within the convenience of the city. Despite its recent inception in December 2015, Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon has quickly established itself as a remarkable blend of traditional and contemporary, offering a unique sojourn in the heart of South Korea's most advanced international city.

And there you have it — a taste of royalty through 6 extraordinary hotels across the globe. Each of these hotels is steeped in history, grandeur and unparalleled luxury, transporting you to a time of regal elegance and opulence. Whether you're captivated by the French neoclassical charm of Hotel de Crillon or the traditional Korean sophistication of Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon, these hotels present a unique opportunity to live out a fairy tale fantasy.

On Travelmyth, you'll find an abundance of hotels oozing with rich history and grandeur, especially within the Historic Hotels or Former Castle Hotels categories. With these options, you're sure to find a hotel that gives you the royal treatment you desire.

Ready to embark on your next regal retreat? After all, why simply visit history when you can actually stay in it? Opt for one of these former palaces or a similar historic castle and create your own legacy of memorable travel experiences.

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