The Lallgarh Palace - A Heritage Hotel — Hotel in Rajasthan

We booked this palace hotel o* and were looking forward to coming there for our last leg of Rajasthan vacation on the 14th Day (12th Oct 2014 check-in Room 108).

The Good –

The palace is huge and looks beautiful from the outside. It totally elevates all the expectations you already have for the place just by looking at the grounds and the structure. The rooms are spacious. The ala carte food whatever we tried was good (Veg Thali and the baked eggplant for dinner and cutlets and cheese chilli toast for snacks) and so was the room service for the in-room snacks we ordered.

The Bad –

As we got in after a long drive from Jaisalmer we heard that our booking wasn’t there! We wasted close to 30 mins sorting this issue which turned out to be an administrative fault at the hotel’s end (the gentleman at the reception was trying to be as friendly as possible and I have no issues with him specifically).

We dismissed the check-in goof up for a moment only to realise there was no kettle in the room. The refrigerator was switched off. In spite of an in-room fridge, they said they don’t provide a mini bar – why the fridge then? The door of the shower partition is fixed inside-out and it seemed like they just didn’t care. The bathroom dustbin pedal didn’t function and we ignored all this as we were on our way out for the evening. However, as we got back from seeing around Bikaner, it got worse when we realised that the geyser wasn’t functioning (though it was switched on long back)! It was already 11 PM and I didn’t want the housekeeping to disturb us with their “trial and error” to fix issues at that hour. I managed with the cold water and tried to keep myself calm. The breakfast was a total disaster. They don’t have any live counters for eggs (not that I eat them but for those who do they will really have a bad time). There were just two veg choices apart from cereals and toast and nothing truly was dished well. The accompaniments like the jam and butter were kept in common jars which is really a foul etiquette for a palace!

The ugly –

There was a stained quilt (quilt photo attached) in the room and so I asked for another which they got. .......and now starts the ugly! At about 1 PM when I was about to go to bed I saw that the new quit they bought had blood/rust stains all over from the inside (please see the stained white quilt photo even before you book rooms here). I was totally upset by now and I called the housekeeping and made a noise as I felt really very unhygienic and bad for having spent so much for this terrible experience since the check-in. They still didn’t seem to care much and said they will send another quilt soon which they did and it was again something not acceptable. Basically after running here and there they bought some quilt which I just agreed to as we were leaving early next day.

My Verdict –

Honestly, no one cares about the exterior of the hotel when they realise that the basic amenities are missing. Huge rooms aren’t a selling factor as the guests aren’t here to play cricket. Besides all these major issues we have had, I want to specifically say that the hotel has average amenities inside e.g.: hazy CRT Television, no mini bar, quilt wasn’t there in the room and the drama for it wasn’t worth a holiday of my life. In short, at * plus taxes per night (rack rate) for a deluxe room it is a shame to hear about issues the guests are facing! It goes without saying that there was neither a royal nor a heritage experience whatsoever! It was less than a cheap guesthouse and unfortunately the worst hotel in our entire 15 days Rajasthan tour.

The Palace hotel may have a potential if there is a major upgrade/renovation and if it is rented out to professional hoteliers. The ‘Royal’ family running this should know that guests are always ready to pay whatever is asked for only when the conveniences are flawless and there is no scope for guest complaints! For now, this hotel is a big NO!

I swear to divinity I haven’t yet come out of the ordeal faced in this hotel. Anyone booking rooms at Lallgarh should see the pictures I have posted before taking...

This is the place which shows the dignity and royal feeling of my great city. Lallgarh Palace is such a beautiful monument of great empire of Bikaner Kingdom. Currently running as a hotel in one part of it. Earlier this was the official residential property of the royal family of Bikaner. Still in its one part royal family is living.

Lalgarh Palace is a palace and heritage hotel in Bikaner in the Indian state of Rajasthan, built for Sir Ganga Singh, Maharaja of Bikaner, between 1902 and 1926.At present half of the place is home of Princess Siddhi Kumari and half has been converted into heritage hotel. Laxmi niwas palace is a part of Lalgarh Palace but it has been given on lease and recently is being used as a heritage hotel.

Other parts of this royal campus are given to government for the purpose of government officials as veterinary university and office of the director of education.

The palace was built between 1902 and 1926 in the Indo-Saracenic style. The building was commissioned by the British-controlled regency[1] for Maharaja Ganga Singh (1881–1942) while he was still in his minority as they considered the existing Junagarh Palace unsuitable for a modern monarch. Ganga Singh decided that the palace should be named in memory of his father Maharaja Lall Singh.[2]

In 1972, Karni Singh, M.P., the Maharaja of Bikaner, established the Ganga Singhji Charitable Trust. The Maharaja endowed a part of Lallgarh Palace to be used in service of the trust. Two wings were converted into independent hotels with the income from The Lallgarh Palace Hotel, a heritage hotel used to support the trust. Currently, Lallgarh Palace is owned, and the hotel is run, by his daughter Princess Rajyashree Kumari.

The complex was designed by the British architect Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. After a ritual blessing ceremony construction commenced in 1896 on empty land 5 miles[2]from the existing Junagarh Fort on what is now Dr. Karni Singhji Road. The palace was arranged around two courtyards with the first and most impressive wing, Laxmi Niwas completed in 1902.[2] The remaining three wings were completed in stages with final completion of the complex accomplished in 1926.[3] Lord Curzon was the palace's first notable guest. Ganga Singh was legendary for his shikars (hunts) at his hunting preserve at Gajner, in particular his Imperial Sand Grouse hunts at Christmas.[4] As a result, the palace hosted many guests including Georges Clemenceau in 1920, Queen Mary, King George V, Lord Harding and Lord Irwin.

The palace was originally designed to cost 100,000 rupees[5] due to the planned use of cheaper materials including the suggestion of using stucco instead of carved stone in the construction. Soon however all cost-cutting was abandoned and by time of the completion of the first wing the cost had increased to 1 million rupees[5] due to the use of the finest materials including the widespread employment of finely carved stonework.

The three-storey complex is coated in red sandstone quarried from the Thar Desert. The complex contains the features considered essential for a late 19th-century palace: drawing rooms, smoking rooms, guest suites, several grand halls, lounges, cupolas, pavilions, including a dining room which could seat 400 diners. The complex features magnificent pillars, elaborate fireplaces, Italian colonnades and intricate latticeworkand filigree work. The Karni Niwas[3] wing houses the darbar hall and an art deco indoor...

Lal Bagh Palace Hotel in Bikaner is an absolute gem that exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I stepped foot inside, I was greeted with warmth and hospitality by the exceptional staff. Their professionalism and attentiveness truly made my stay memorable.

One of the highlights of my experience at Lal Bagh Palace Hotel was undoubtedly the food. The culinary delights served at their restaurant were nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish was bursting with flavor and prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail. Whether it was traditional Rajasthani cuisine or international fare, every meal was a culinary adventure.

But what truly sets Lal Bagh Palace Hotel apart is its rich history and breathtaking architecture. Originally built as a royal residence, the palace exudes grandeur and elegance at every turn. The intricate carvings, majestic domes, and sprawling courtyards are a testament to the opulence of Rajasthan's royal heritage. Exploring the palace felt like stepping back in time, as I immersed myself in the rich history and cultural heritage of Bikaner.

The attention to detail in preserving the palace's historic charm while offering modern amenities is commendable. Each room is tastefully decorated with traditional furnishings and modern comforts, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable stay for guests.

Moreover, the palace's sprawling gardens and lush greenery provide a serene oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It's the perfect place to unwind and soak in the beauty of nature after a day of exploring Bikaner's vibrant streets.

Overall, my experience at Lal Bagh Palace Hotel was nothing short of exceptional. From the impeccable service to the exquisite cuisine and stunning architecture, every aspect exceeded my expectations. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking a luxurious retreat, Lal Bagh Palace Hotel is the perfect destination for an unforgettable...