You Can Now Book a Royal Palace on Airbnb

Jaipur’s Royal Family has listed their family home, the City Palace of Jaipur, on Airbnb

The 300-year-old City Palace of Jaipur, home to Jaipur’s Royal Family, has played host to numerous special guests over the centuries, but from November 23, 2019, the Gudliya Suite at the City Palace will become accessible to the public, available to book for the first time ever on Airbnb.

Steeped in history and located in the heart of Jaipur, capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan, the City Palace is one of India’s most iconic buildings. Built in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of the city of Jaipur, the City Palace exemplifies the 18th century Rajput architecture with other architectural influences of later periods. The interiors contain ornate chambers, large and airy reception halls, crystal chandeliers, gilded wall decorations, intricate carvings. The palace complex also houses a large, internationally recognised museum. Notable visiting dignitaries have included Bill Clinton, Prince Charles and Jackie Kennedy, among others.

The decadent Gudliya Suite has its own lounge, kitchen, bathroom and private indoor swimming pool. Guests of the Gudliya Suite at the City Palace will be provided a journey into the history, cultural heritage and artistic traditions of Jaipur’s royal family. Guests will be looked after by a private butler and guide who will arrange curated city experiences including shopping tours, guided walks through local museums and other excursions. A terrace with sweeping views of the surrounding Aravalli hills and forts overlooking the palace is a picture-perfect spot for digging into authentic Rajasthani meals, while afternoon tea can be enjoyed in the company of the resident peacocks who live in the Palace’s gardens.

Hosting the Airbnb is the polo-playing 21-year old Maharaja, Padmanabh Singh, who succeeded his grandfather in 2011 as the Maharaja of a land his ancestors have ruled for nearly a thousand years.

“I am thrilled that my family and I are partnering with Airbnb to bring the splendour of Rajasthan to life for travellers from around the world. My own travels with Airbnb have made me feel very welcome in new cities and cultures, and I am happy that the experience of quintessential Indian hospitality will be shared with others,” sais Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh.

Proceeds from each booking through Airbnb will go to the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting rural women and artisans in Rajasthan. For the remainder of 2019, the Gudliya Suite, priced at USD $8,000 per night, will be available to book on select nights at a special inaugural offer of $1,457 per night, with Airbnb paying the balance amount for each booking as a contribution to the Foundation. From January 1st 2020, the Suite will be available for guests to book at the full $11,662 rate.

airbnb.com/CityPalaceJaipur