If you fancy living like royalty, you might want to head to India later in November, where a suite at the 300-year-old City Palace of Jaipur, home to Jaipur’s royal family, will be available to book on Airbnb.
From 23 November 2019, the palace's Gudliya Suite will become accessible to outside guests, and His Highness, Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh, will become the first king to become a host on Airbnb. The suite is located within one of the private sections of the palace, and it includes its own lounge, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and private, indoor swimming pool.
The palace was built in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of the city of Jaipur, and it exemplifies the best of 18th century Rajput architecture. 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 an internationally-recognised museum.
Guests of the Gudliya Suite will be provided with an inspiring journey into the rich history, cultural heritage and artistic traditions of Jaipur’s royal family. They 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.
Authentic Rajasthani meals may be enjoyed on a terrace offering an amazing view of the surrounding Aravalli hills and forts overlooking the palace. In addition, afternoon tea can be had in the company of the resident peacocks who live in the palace’s lush gardens.
Proceeds from each booking 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 $8000 (€7262) per night, will be available to book on select nights at a special inaugural offer of $1000 (€908) per night, with Airbnb paying the balance for each booking as a contribution to the foundation. From 1 January onwards, the suite will be available for guests to book at the full $8000 rate.
To make a booking, guests can visit the Airbnb page here.
