For the first time ever, royals have become hosts on Airbnb – and their rental is quite extraordinary.
From November 23, the Gudliya Suite in the 300-year-old City Palace of Jaipur, home to Jaipur’s Royal Family, will be available to rent for the special introductory rate of $1,000 per night (£780).
The suite, located within one of the private sections of the palace, has been used in the past for the royals and special guests – but has never been available to the public, until now.
From November 23, the Gudliya Suite in the 300-year-old City Palace of Jaipur, home to Jaipur’s Royal Family, will be available to rent
Steeped in history, the City Palace is one of India’s most iconic buildings
The palace is located in the heart of Jaipur, capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan
Whoever books it will truly get to experience what it’s like to live like royalty.
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 best of 18th-century Rajput architecture.
Built in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of the city of Jaipur, the City Palace exemplifies the best of 18th-century Rajput architecture
Whoever books the Gudliya Suite will truly get to experience what it’s like to live like royalty
The interiors contain ornate chambers, large and airy reception halls, crystal chandeliers, gilded wall decorations, intricate carvings and in addition to the royal residence, the sprawling palace complex houses a large, internationally recognised museum. Notable visiting dignitaries include Prince Charles, among others.
The rental Suite includes its own lounge, kitchen, luxurious bathroom and private, indoor swimming pool.
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.
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.
The rental Suite includes its own lounge, kitchen, luxurious bathroom and private, indoor swimming pool
The dining options, meanwhile, are mouth-watering.
Authentic Rajasthani meals can be served on a terrace offering an amazing view of the surrounding Aravalli hills and forts overlooking the palace. And peaceful afternoon tea can be had in the company of the resident peacocks who live in the Palace’s lush gardens.
The host is the dapper, polo-playing 21-year old Maharajah, Padmanabh Singh, who succeeded his grandfather in 2011 as the Maharaja of a land his ancestors have ruled for nearly a thousand years.
The host is the dapper, polo-playing 21-year old Maharajah, Padmanabh Singh
The suite’s standard cost is $8,000 per night (£6,200), but for the remainder of 2019 Airbnb will pay the balance for each booking as a contribution to the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation
He said: ‘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.”
Proceeds from each booking will go to the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to supporting women in rural areas and artisans in Rajasthan.
The suite’s standard cost is $8,000 per night (£6,200), but for the remainder of 2019 Airbnb will pay the balance for each booking as a contribution to the Foundation.
From January 1 onwards, the Suite will be available for guests to book at the full $8,000 rate.
To make a booking, guests can visit airbnb.com/CityPalaceJaipur as of now.