Imagine "the best hotel in the world," and you'll probably envision a beach resort on a warm tropical island, or maybe a glitzy high rise in one of the world's biggest cities.
But wait till you get a load of THIS.
Behold Umaid Bhawan Palace, one of the world's largest private residences and current home to Indian royalty. Sixty-four rooms in the palace serve as guest quarters so that lucky YOU can enjoy 26 acres of sandstone towers, glistening underground spa pools and dining halls so richly appointed, any visitor would feel like a king. It's no wonder this place just won Best Hotel in the World in TripAdvisor's 2016 Travelers' Choice Awards:
At Umaid Bhawan Palace, guests can stroll the gardens, take vintage cars for a spin or hang out in ultra-luxe suites with bars, drawing rooms and private yoga zones.
Rooms go for an average of $734 per night on TripAdvisor, but if you visit in mid-summer, you'll likely find rates as low as $390, a spokesperson told HuffPost. Visitors say the welcome greeting for guests --with "horns, drums, the royal velvet canopy and Champagne" -- is totally worth it. And we have to say we agree:
Umaid Bhawan Palace is in the desert city of Jodhpur, known for its sprawling forts, historic temples and bustling artisan bazaars. The city is an incredible first taste of India, which is pegged as a travel hotspot for 2016.
So if you're feeling island hotel fatigue, then come check out the best -- and most unexpectedly amazing -- hotel in the world.
Happy travels!
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