Staying in a luxury hotel can make you feel pampered but if you want a taste of royalty book yourself a presidential suite and experience how your stay elevates several notches higher.

Imperial Suites at Shiv Niwas Palace, Udaipur

The iconic Shiv Niwas Palace in Udaipur with its distinctive crescent shape and domes, offers three Imperial Suites. ‘Imperial’ here has a unique ring of authenticity as Shiv Niwas Palace was built in the early 1900s by Maharana Fateh Singh for visiting Royalty and nobility, not just of Mewar and Rajasthan but from all across the Princely States and the British Raj. Each of the Imperial Suites showcases the finest workmanship of the region of Mewar, be it silver furniture, glassy inlay on the walls, ivory inlay in wooden furniture and miniature paintings of the Mewar School.  Imperial Suites have played host to Royalty from the United Kingdom, Europe and Nepal. The visit of Queen Elizabeth II and her entourage is still recalled with nostalgia here in the heritage-city. Ms Jacqueline Kennedy, as the First Lady of the United States of America, was welcomed by the Royal Family of Mewar and their extended clans.

The Imperial Suite 19, spread over 800 sq. ft. is distinguished for its ‘silver and lotus’ theme. Furniture and fittings in silver, carved with the lotus motif gives the Suite its exclusivity in design; frescoes along the walls and doorways add grandeur to the decor which reflect the colours of Royal Rajasthan. The lounge area, private seating, dressing and bath spaces are lavish and ornate in their spread. Rare collections of paintings of Mewar School, objets d’art and hand-woven carpets have adorned the Suite which has remained untouched as the years have gone by. Customized and personalized services from the palace-hotel make guests feel truly Royal, even if they happen to be the luxury-loving Hollywood or Bollywood celebrities. The pantry within the Suite makes it more private and exclusive. The Imperial Suite 17, spread over an awesome 2250 sq. ft, makes one go green! The green-coloured crystal chandeliers, glass inlay work and the elegant touch of green in the tapestry and accessories gives this Suite an incomparable touch of class. For those with stars in their eyes, let it be known that the dashing Roger Moore, as James Bond in Octopussy, was the guest here for weeks and months when the shooting of the film had commenced. In fact, in 1984 His late Highness Maharana Bhagwat Singh ‘transformed’ the-then Royal guesthouse into a palace-hotel for the benefit of the Octopussy stars and crew-members.

Burma teak furniture, partitions and large doors in this Suite are embellished with ivory inlay-work, appealing to the eyes of connoisseurs; like-wise the glass-inlay work along the walls and columns is also awe-inspiring. The spectacular views of Lake Pichola and its island-palaces adds to the magic of luxuriating in the Imperial Suite. The Imperial Suite 18, spread over 800 sq ft, is more Victorian in its decor, with the sweep of Rajasthani colours that does take the breath away. Canopied bed and ornate paintings, period furniture, chandeliers, Belgian mirrors and accessories make this Suite unique and sought-after by Bollywood celebrities and the Regal Wedding guests. The Imperial Suite 18 overlooks the Lake Pichola and provides a ringside view of the dreamy mountains.  In the recent past, Shiv Niwas Palace has played host to Hollywood celebrities like Beyonce and her troupe; while Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar have enjoyed the hospitality here through the year.

Imperial Suites Tariff: Winter package till March 31, 2020: Rs 84,500

For reservation and enquiries, contact: Toll Free: 1800 180 2933 & 1800 180 2944, T: +91 294 2528008, 2528016-9 F: 2528012. Email: crs@hrhhotels.com Web: www.hrhhotels.com

Sofitel Mumbai BKC

Sofitel Mumbai BKC, situated in the heart of Mumbai is a luxury hotel centred at a convenient location offering a plethora of living spaces that beautifully blend French elegance and Indian culture, creating a symphony of style in the 302 guestrooms and suites. With 165 Luxury Rooms, 106 Club Millésime Rooms, 8 Junior Suites, 8 Opera Suites, 14 Prestige Suites and 1 grand Imperial Suite, the hotel offers a plethora of beautiful accommodation choices that are thoughtfully planned and well-appointed. Sofitel transcends expectations as its commitment to design and perfection is reflected in all the living spaces. The magnificent Imperial Suite at Sofitel Mumbai BKC is a glistening reflection of French luxury in the heart of the financial district. The uber-luxurious suite is spread over 1700 sq.ft., and ensconces guests in a spacious design, blending the French flair with Indian inspiration. Two bedrooms, an in-suite office, a kitchenette and beautifully designed living and dining spaces make this the perfect, dramatic address-within-an-address at the Sofitel Mumbai BKC.

Envisioned by renowned French designer Isabelle Miaja as a French villa, the suite has two bedrooms, an in-suite office, a personal gym and study area, a kitchenette, a dining room, spacious bathrooms – one with a king-sized tub, separate shower cubicles and a beautifully designed living room that make this the perfect premium stay. Created to suit the art and luxury connoisseur, the majestic suite has exclusive pieces of art put together by veterans of the industry including well-known artists such as Anoop Kamat, Raghu Naware, Shubra Das, Harendre Shah and more. Guests are pampered in bespoke luxury with special services like a personalised butler, in-room French amenities, special chef’s recommendations, a chilled bottle of Champagne along with specially customized menus and a smooth check-in & check-out service, making the stay extraordinary at the Imperial Suite. Sofitel’s trademark MyBed is Sofitel’s luxury sleep promise. MyBed is an all feather bed combined with an extra-light down duvet invites guests to sink in for a restful sleep. Sofitel pays thoughtful attention to every detail of the sleep experience, starting with the innovative, exceptionally comfortable Sofitel MyBedTM that is appointed in every guest room.

The 5-star property is known for its exclusivity, design and personalised services, blending French traditions and Indian culture in a signature art nouveau style, offering indulgences through fine cuisine, entertainment and relaxation. Some of the prominent and renowned personalities who have stayed in the Imperial Suite of Sofitel Mumbai BKC are Sri Sri Ravi Shankar – Indian spiritual leader; Ed Sheeran – English singer, songwriter, record producer and actor; Adam Levine – American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, entrepreneur, actor and best known as the lead singer for the well-known pop rock band Maroon 5; Emmanuel Lenain – Ambassador of France to India; Sundar Pichai – Chief Executive Officer of Alphabet Inc. and its subsidiary Google LLC.; Sébastien Bazin – Chief Executive Officer of Accor and more.

Tariff range: Starting from INR 1,50,000 (plus taxes). One can book the Imperial Suite online on sofitel.accor.com or call the Reservations Team of Sofitel Mumbai BKC on +91 (22) 6117 5105 / 5107 to book it.

Noor Mahal

Located in the venue of the Mahabharata, Noor Mahal is an Indian Palace Hotel built on a monumental scale. It took eight years to build Noor Mahal. Khwabgah alone took two years. In a short span of time this royal sleeping chamber with its exclusive services, grand interiors and opulence have become the favourite abode of modern kings and queens. A mix of royal grandeur and rich modern hospitality, Khwabgah at Noor Mahal is one of the best and exquisite presidential suites of the country. This grand 2,000 sq. ft. royal chamber encompasses two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a separate bar, a private butler service and an office chamber with a private terrace. Khwabgah, the Presidential suite at Noor Mahal features art, artifacts and a bar hewed out of salvaged wooden balconies. Various furniture and paintings have been sourced from museums and collectors from across the world. Beautifully designed interiors speak of traditional craftsmanship and India’s artisanal heritage. The hotel has only one ‘Khwabgah’ to maintain exclusivity. This special royal sleeping chamber is spread across 2,000 sq. ft. which includes two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, decadent bathroom, separate bar, a private butler service, an office chamber with a private terrace that gives the overview of Karnal city.

The room has arched stonework, uniquely designed beds made from antique wood, grand windows, rich drapes, crystal chandeliers, gold-leaf frescoes, opulent furniture and accessories. Khwabgah’s main door was once hinged to a haveli in Bikaner’s Raisamand. The Chawaras (railing) have been bought from parts of Amritsar. The royal chamber has an original window from the Mughals era. The in-room bar area is adorned by restored pieces from the debris of the Golden Temple vicinities after Operation Blue Star. The extension of chawara has been made into the bar. The walls have been beautified with extremely rare vegetable colour hand-paintings and intricate ‘tikri’ work. These paintings are done by Rajasthani artisans who have conserved the art handed over to them in the family legacy. The dining area has a very rare and exquisitely designed antique wood dining table. 

Khwabgah is a royal retreat with a grand private terrace, white marbled bathrooms with a fusion of antique interiors and modern bath technologies, an elegant rooftop bar and a state of the art office chamber. Personal butler, bartender, massage therapists, and yoga experts offer impeccable services in Khwabgah to ensure royalty and opulence for our modern-day kings and queens. Every single artifact at Khwabgah has a story behind it. The brocade bedspread was cut out of curtains that hung in a royal house in Faridkot. This royal chamber has an original window from the time of Mughals. Khwabgah’s main door was once hinged to a haveli in Bikaner’s Raisamand. The magnificently decorated living rooms recreate the luxurious ambience of a royal residence. Bedecked with demure interiors, century-old carpets and soft lights, this suite is an epitome of effortless luxury coupled with immaculate services for bespoke experiences. A private terrace with grand fountain, antique studded walls and a stunning view of the city of Raja Karna adds grandeur to the opulence. The white marbled bathroom with gold plated bathroom fittings, jacuzzi jets, exquisite Bengali mirror work is sufficient enough to transport one to the royal era. Eminent dignitaries and celebrities such as Parineeti Chopra, Sameer Gehlaut, His Royal Highness Osei Tutu II, Capt. Amrinder Singh, Hema Malini, Girish Luthra, Paramasivum Pillay “Barlen” Vyapoory ( Former Vice President of Mauritius) L.K. Advani, Pandit Jasraj, Bhupender Singh Hooda, Abhinav Bindra, Jagjit Singh, Prince Hans Adam II of Liechtenstein etc. stayed at ‘Khwabgah’.

Tariff range: Rs: 1.5 lakh + GST per night. ‘Khwabgah’ can be booked on request by directly contacting the hotel only. All preferences and a special request will be subject to availability. Web: https://www.noormahal.in/

The Leela Palace, Delhi

The preferred address for many Heads of state, dignitaries, VIPs and most influential business leaders, The Presidential suite at the Leela Palace New Delhi is an epitome of luxury, spanning over 4,800 square feet, with a design and décor that personifies the palatial grandeur of the royal heritage of India. The Palatial Presidential Suite at the very heart of the capital’s prestigious Diplomatic Enclave exemplifies magnificent architecture, grace and elegance and combines state-of-the-art functionality with traditional warmth to ensure guests the highest levels of Indian hospitality at a global standard. The eight-bay suite comes with world class amenities starting from  complimentary airport transfers in our luxurious BMW fleet, 24-hour butler service for our distinguished guest, a  private gymnasium, two separate living rooms with a powder room, private study room, private dining room that seats 12 guests, 24-hour in-room dining, fully-functional butler’s pantry, a separate bedroom with a spacious walk-in wardrobe and the sprawling bathroom, a Jacuzzi, a rain shower head and a couple spa suite is truly unparallel luxury. The décor is opulent like a palace complete with intricate wood work, pure silver, gold leaf ceilings and semi-precious stones art pieces, deep toned rich tapestry which is complimented with the state-of-the-art functionalities and exclusive facilities. The Presidential Suite at The Leela Palace New Delhi has bullet proof glass keeping safety and security of our guest as top priority. Along with this we also provide 24 hours butler service with a pantry, a private gym and spa facilities along with complimentary pick up and drop in our BMW fleet.

Tariff: Available upon request. The room can be booked by emailing the reservation desk on reservations@theleela.com, calling the hotel directly on +91 11 3933 1234 or booking on the website www.leela.com

ITC Windsor, Bengaluru

The Presidential Suite at ITC Windsor is an exquisite confluence of contemporary functionality and the distinct warmth of old world hospitality that is as much reflected in the bouquet of presidential services as in the elegantly luxurious décor of the room, the Presidential Suite promises an unforgettable experience of luxury at Bengaluru’s distinguished 5-star hotel. The Presidential Suite features a king size bedroom, living room with two distinct seating areas, bar, a library, a kitchenette, a private terrace, and a balcony connected to the dining room that overlooks the lush Lancelot Gardens. An epitome of opulence and grandeur, the Presidential Suite is a renowned host to many distinguished guests including prominent Heads of States. Spread over 1,740 square feet and a distinct abode of aristocracy, this luxurious suite has a king size bedroom, living room with two distinct seating areas, bar, a library, a kitchenette, and a balcony connected to the dining room that overlooks the lush Lancelot Gardens. The Presidential Suite also boasts of an exclusive terrace which is perfect for hosting private dinner parties of up to 20 people.

Keeping in line with the hotel’s inspiration of a British Raj Era manor house, the décor of the Suite is designed to emulate the grand residences of the Raj Era dignitaries. Redefining the power of space in a classic Victorian elegant setting, the Presidential Suite offers a fine balance of tasteful period furniture, high ceiling, and state-of-the-art services, offering perfect symphony of luxury, style and comfort. The Room offers various special services, some of them including personalized check-in/check-out, Personal Butler, access to exclusive lounge facility, luxury hours at the Cabinet Lounge, In-room complimentary breakfast, complimentary usage of the Health Club (excluding massage) and 30 minutes free Internet usage in the Business Centre. In addition, the guests can access the Sleep menu and Pillow Menu, a Responsible Luxury initiative which is mindfully designed to create a holistic environment that enables a good night’s sleep to our discerning guests. The Presidential Suite has played host to ex-British Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Chinese Premier H E Mr Wen Jia Bao, Sir Elton John as well as celebrities like Soha Ali Khan, Alka Yagnik, Sanjay Khan and Kanan Gill.

Tariff: Available upon request. Reservations on phone: +91 80 22269898 email reservations@itchotels.in or web: https://www.itchotels.in/hotels/bengaluru/itcwindsor.html

The Oberoi Amarvilās, Agra

The Kohinoor Suite named after the legendary diamond of Indian origin, the Kohinoor is located in the center of the highest floor of the hotel and is approximately 275 square metres in area. An entrance foyer, large living room, dining room, study and a spacious bedroom with attached bathroom, each offering breathtaking views of the Taj Mahal are part of the room. The Suite has three private open-air terraces, each offering a distinct vista of the greatest monument to love. One terrace leads out from the living room, overlooking the splendid landscaped gardens and swimming pool of the hotel and is ideal for intimate candle-lit dinners or small gatherings of 8 people. The second terrace is attached to the bedroom – The placement of the emperor bed allows a stunning view of the Taj Mahal ensconced in its luxurious comfort. While the third terrace stretches around two sides of the bathroom.  The bedroom also has a walk-in closet and dressing room with electronic safe, separate powder room for ladies, delicately engraved armoire with satellite television and a DVD/ CD player, fully stocked mini bar and tea/coffee making facilities.

The study is done up in hues of maroon is elegant and has a large writing desk against an arched window that gives you a lovely view of the Taj Mahal. There is a specially positioned brass telescope here that also allows you to see all the architectural detail of the monument. An expansive dining room and lounge area with elegant furniture, exquisite upholstery, specially chosen artifacts and coffee-table books adds to the exclusivity of the Suite. The glass top dining table can seat 8 people and is positioned to enjoy each detail of the made-to-order crystal chandelier hanging above it, as well as to offer each diner a view of the Taj Mahal. The bathroom of the Kohinoor Suite blends modern amenities with classic design elements and among the most awe-inspiring views in the world. The stand-alone bathtub is strategically positioned in front of a huge single-pane glass window from where you can gaze at the Taj Mahal even while enjoying a long, luxurious bath. The appeal of the glass-house design “outdoor” shower stall is further enhanced by the large “rain-showerhead” that provides temperature controlled rain-on-tap. The suite also has a small pantry to cater to larger gatherings with a large refrigerator and microwave oven, an interconnecting twin-bedded room (for families) as well as a single bed and bath accommodation for accompanying valets / maids.

Tariff: Available upon request. Reservations on phone: +91 562 2231515 email Generalmanager.amarvilas@oberoihotels.com or web: www.oberoihotels.com

This story first appeared in the March-April 2020 issue of Millionaire Asia here: