Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Patiala: Ran Baas, The Palace – A Global Symbol of Luxury and Heritage
Ran Baas, The Palace, nestled in the heart of Patiala, has earned a prestigious global distinction by being named one of the World’s Most Beautiful Hotels for 2025. This accolade was awarded during the 11th edition of the Prix Versailles Awards, a renowned competition celebrating excellence in architecture and design, organized under the auspices of UNESCO and the International Union of Architects.
The Pinnacle of Indian Hospitality
This recognition stands as a landmark achievement for the Indian hospitality industry. Notably, Ran Baas, The Palace is the sole Indian property to be included in this coveted list, further solidifying the country’s growing influence on the global luxury travel scene. The award acknowledges the property’s unique blend of heritage and contemporary design, alongside its successful restoration of an iconic historical landmark. Now part of the Relais & Châteaux collection, known for its commitment to luxurious, heritage-rich experiences, the hotel has captured global attention for its magnificent transformation.
The selection of this property highlights its ability to honor its rich history while offering top-tier hospitality. It stands as a beacon of India’s cultural and architectural revival—a testament to how traditional landmarks can evolve to meet modern demands without losing their historical essence.
A Heritage Restored: Reviving Punjab’s Royal Past
Originally built as a military fort, Ran Baas, The Palace had fallen into neglect over the centuries. However, thanks to a meticulous restoration led by THE Park Hotels, the fort has been reimagined into a luxurious destination. The restoration has been an ambitious effort to preserve the property’s cultural significance while incorporating modern luxury. Today, the palace boasts 35 luxurious suites, each offering an immersive experience of Mughal, Rajput, Sikh, and Colonial architectural styles, making it a rare blend of history and contemporary elegance.
The design philosophy behind the hotel is grounded in Punjab’s royal legacy, with a vision to create a space where history and luxury coexist. The carefully restored fort is now an exceptional sanctuary that combines grandeur with comfort, offering a truly unique stay for guests. The property serves as both a luxurious hotel and a living museum, allowing guests to experience the essence of Punjab’s royal past while enjoying modern amenities.
A Fusion of History and Modern Luxury
Each of the 35 suites at Ran Baas, The Palace is a meticulously designed space that balances traditional craftsmanship with contemporary luxury. The suites are an exquisite blend of intricate woodwork, regal fabrics, and antique-style furnishings, while also offering state-of-the-art amenities. The fort’s original structure has been thoughtfully preserved, ensuring that the hotel retains its historical charm while meeting the expectations of the modern-day traveler.
The Prix Versailles jurors were particularly impressed with the way the hotel preserved its architectural integrity while introducing modern comforts. They praised the property for its ability to revitalize historical buildings, transforming them into luxurious destinations without compromising their cultural significance. The seamless integration of old-world charm with contemporary elegance has set Ran Baas, The Palace apart on the global stage.
Cultural Immersion at the Heart of the Experience
A defining aspect of the Ran Baas experience is its commitment to cultural immersion. The hotel offers guests a chance to explore Punjab’s rich heritage through a series of thoughtfully curated experiences. At Neel, the signature restaurant, guests can enjoy a menu that blends global flavors with Indian culinary traditions. The refined atmosphere complements the restaurant’s vibrant flavors, providing a space where guests can indulge in the best of both worlds—traditional Indian ingredients with a contemporary twist.
Meanwhile, The Patiala Bar offers a lively ambiance where guests can enjoy traditional Punjabi music, dance performances, and crafted cocktails that reflect the region’s cultural richness. The hotel’s design and hospitality come together to create a complete cultural journey for its guests, offering an experience that goes beyond luxury into the realm of authentic cultural exploration.
A Milestone in India’s Luxury Travel Landscape
The recognition of Ran Baas, The Palace is a significant milestone in the evolution of India’s luxury travel sector. The hotel’s selection marks a broader trend within the industry, where cultural tourism is becoming increasingly popular. Travelers are no longer just seeking luxury accommodations; they are now drawn to destinations that offer a deeper connection to the local culture and history.
With this recognition, Ran Baas, The Palace is poised to inspire more global travelers to visit India, encouraging them to experience its rich heritage in a modern, luxurious setting. The hotel serves as a prime example of how heritage sites can be preserved and transformed into world-class hospitality destinations, offering guests both historical and luxurious experiences.
Convenient Access and Exclusivity
Situated in Patiala, a city renowned for its royal legacy, the hotel offers an easy and seamless journey for travelers. Guests can easily access Ran Baas through a short flight from Delhi or Jaipur, followed by a quick drive from Chandigarh Airport. The hotel’s room rates start at Rs 40,000 per night (around £360), placing it firmly in the realm of exclusive luxury experiences. For those seeking a retreat that combines both historical grandeur and modern luxury, this is a destination unlike any other.
A New Trend for Global Travelers
As the global travel landscape evolves, the demand for heritage tourism is growing. Travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer both luxury and cultural depth. The recognition of Ran Baas, The Palace not only elevates the hotel’s status but also signals a broader shift in travel preferences. People now want to visit places that offer authenticity, where they can experience history firsthand while enjoying modern luxuries.
For those who are passionate about history, architecture, or culture, Ran Baas offers an unmatched opportunity to step back in time. Guests can immerse themselves in the royal history of Punjab while enjoying the finest amenities that modern luxury has to offer. This hotel has set a new benchmark for what luxury heritage tourism can look like, blending historical preservation with contemporary style in a way that will continue to influence the global travel industry.
Ran Baas, The Palace is not just a hotel; it is a living tribute to India’s royal past, beautifully restored and reimagined for today’s discerning traveler.
