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Hotels Royal Dreams Come To Life At The Rani Vilas In Jaipur, A Heritage Stay On Airbnb
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Royal Dreams Come To Life At The Rani Vilas In Jaipur, A Heritage Stay On Airbnb

The Rani Vilas in Jaipur is a 250-year-old haveli that has been restored to its former glory and now serves as a historical homestay.  

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By: Simrran Gill Published: Jan 30, 2024 06:19 PM IST

Royal Dreams Come To Life At The Rani Vilas In Jaipur, A Heritage Stay On Airbnb

Surrounded by the Aravalis on all sides, The Rani Vilas, a heritage stay in Jaipur, is what royal dreams are made of. This ancient haveli in Lal Dungri brings together Mughal and Rajasthani architectures peppered with modern comforts and is perfect for unwinding.

Location

The property is located in Lal Dungri, near Sisodiya Rani ka Bagh in Jaipur

The Rani Vilas Images

 

Facilities and Amenities at The Rani Vilas

The housekeepers stay on the premises 24/7 and come to the rooms once for daily cleaning and refilling essentials. The property also provides breakfast and laundry (up to two loads) as per the requirement. 

Other facilities include: 

  • Garden
  • Swimming Pool
  • Laundry services
  • In-house masseuse
  • Home-cooked meals 
  • Indoor and Outdoor games
  • Speakers
  • Bonfire provisions
  • Carbon monoxide alarm
  • Smoke alarm
  • Dedicated workspace with Wi-Fi 
  • Pet-friendly

Property Rules

Guests are requested to be mindful and respectful of the historical significance of the home during their stay. To maintain the property’s condition, it is important that guests adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Occupancy: A maximum of eight guests are permitted to stay at the property. 
  • Visitors: For the preservation of the historic property and the privacy of other guests, no outside visitors are allowed on the premises during the duration of the stay.
  • Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the home. Guests are kindly requested to use designated outdoor areas for smoking purposes. Proper disposal of cigarette butts is expected to maintain cleanliness and prevent any fire hazards.
  • Food: To ensure cleanliness and prevent any potential damage, no food is allowed in the rooms. Guests are kindly requested to utilize the designated dining areas or kitchen facilities provided for their dining needs.
  • Check-in after 1:00 pm; checkout before 12:00 pm.

Review of The Rani Vilas

The Pink City was just about waking up when I landed. As I walk out of the airport, I thank my stars for a sunny blue sky as opposed to the foggy mornings that had been greeting me back home the past few days. I hop on to my ride for the day and in no time was standing in front of a majestic green gate in Lal Dungri. Although I have been to Rajasthan and its many palatial outposts multiple times, the idea of having a castle all to myself was exciting. I walk past a sunny garden, and two flights of stairs later find myself staring at a pale-yellow structure. 

In the days leading up to the trip, I had done multiple rounds of research, looked at plenty of images online, and spoken to various stakeholders to be mentally prepared for what lay ahead. But as soon as I stood in front of The Rani Vilas, with the in-house dog Max by my side, all images seemed to be hazy. The 250-year-old castle, surrounded by the Aravalis on all sides, seamlessly blends Mughal and Rajputana architectural styles. While the graceful arches and majestic domes reflect the Mughal influence, the delicate carvings and artwork showcase Rajasthan’s artistic traditions. The first look is followed by a humble welcome from the staff who are finishing up some last-minute touches, courtesy my prior-than-expected arrival. 

I decided to get rid of my red-eye flight fatigue in the room situated on the farthest end. Even though the room is dimly lit, it is almost impossible to not notice the little regal touches. There are ornate chandeliers, elegant tapestries, and delicate carvings. The room, spacious enough to somersault, lures me into a deep sleep in no time. By the time I wake up, the sun is almost setting, and dinner preps are on. A humble meal with aloo-pyaaz ki sabzi, tawa roti, dal, and rice by the bonfire bring me to the end of day one. I make it a point to wake up early the next day to make the most of my day. 

Outdoor Area
Image courtesy : The Rani Vilas

At Rani Vilas, natural alarm calls are aplenty, thanks to its location near the forest. While a variety of birds including Eurasian collared doves and parakeets are my companions throughout the day, my special guests for breakfast are langurs and squirrels. 

The Rani Vilas in Jaipur is Raunak Ajmera’s prized possession and has been on Airbnb since the beginning of 2021. Characterised by Indian aesthetics and the comfort of a European design, the property has four rooms, two on either side and two of them with a shared living area. Each room at the property is uniquely designed with contemporary twists while preserving the authenticity of an old haveli. The hand-painted walls, ancient décor elements, and Rajasthani artwork add a unique touch. The property can easily accommodate up to eight guests in its rooms. 

The restoration of the property was a laborious task I’m told during one of many candid chats with Ajmera. “At the Rani Vilas, great care has been taken to restore the artwork in a manner that respects the architectural aesthetics of Jaipur Havelis. Local Rajasthani artists were entrusted with the task of creating the artwork, ensuring authenticity, and capturing the essence of the region’s vibrant culture. These talented artisans dedicated a year to completing this extensive project, meticulously crafting each piece to perfection. The restored artwork reflects the intricate detailing and craftsmanship that is characteristic of Jaipur Havelis. Delicate carvings, vibrant frescoes, and intricate paintings adorn the walls, ceilings, and archways, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of Rajasthan. The artwork serves as a window into the glorious past of Jaipur, narrating stories of valour, romance, and the royal lifestyle,” he shared. 

I spend most of my day either lounging on the terrace soaking in the sun or cosying up to a book in the garden. Had the weather been a little more favourable, a dip in the private pool would have been inevitable. The evenings, chillier in comparison, are spent mostly by the bonfire with a steaming bowl of Maggi followed by a humble dinner. Towards the end of my stay, I’m also offered a desi massage with hot mustard oil. There isn’t a temperature-controlled therapy room smelling of fancy oils, but a good ol’ Indian massage that manages to relax my city-weary body. The experience and my stay ends with a hot oil champi in the sun and a promise of a souvenir in the form of a small bottle of mustard oil sourced from the village. 

Food and Dining at The Rani Vilas

Chandelier at The Rani Vilas
Image courtesy : The Rani Vilas

There is a cook who lives on the premises and the kitchen is fully equipped with all the necessary utensils and appliances, allowing guests to prepare their meals according to their preferences. For those who enjoy the experience of cooking outdoors, a barbecue setup is available at the property. A pre-booking option for meals is also available. Whether you choose to indulge in the delectable vegetarian meals prepared by the hosts or showcase your culinary skills in the kitchen or at the barbecue, the focus is on providing a memorable dining experience. For any specific dietary requirements or meal preferences, it is advisable to inform the hosts in advance to ensure a seamless and enjoyable dining experience.

How to Reach 

The property is conveniently situated on the outskirts of the city. For those arriving by air, the airport is approximately 20-35 minutes away from the property. The railway station and bus station are also within a 20–35-minute drive. Guests can expect cabs to arrive promptly within 10 minutes, ensuring convenient transportation to and from the property.

Places to Visit Nearby

  • Sisodhiya Rani Ka Bagh 
  • Chulgiri Jain Temple
  • Jhalana Forest For Safari 
  • Vidhyadhar Ka Bagh 
  • Amber Fort
  • Jai Garh Fort
  • Nahargarh Fort

Related: Discover The Charm Of Rajasthan At These Heritage Stays On Airbnb

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

— Is it a pet-friendly property?
Yes

— Is non-vegetarian food available at the property?
No

Written By

Simrran Gill

Simrran Gill

Features Editor

An advocate of slow travel, Simrran Gill can mostly be found documenting her journeys, food, and people. Often fascinated by life in general, she is a true-blue Delhite and loves every opportunity to pack a suitcase and hop on the next flight out. She is a post-graduate in journalism and has previously worked with Outlook Traveller. When not travelling ..Read More

   
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