Wednesday, 13th January, 2010: Taj Hotels is delighted to announce that Umaid Bhawan Palace,
Jodhpur has been voted the Hotel Of The Year by the Gallivanter’s Guide Editor’s Choice Awards.
Editor and Publisher, Lyn Middlehurst and Managing Director, David Maslin voted the palace as
having the ‘Wow Factor in spades’. The unique Indo-Saracenic architecture and setting; luxurious
accommodation, excellent service, culinary offerings and chemical free Spa option at Jiva Grande
were cited as the key criteria for winning the award.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur continues to be the ‘Jewel In The Crown’ of the Taj group portfolio.
One of the world’s largest private residences, this golden-hued monument opened its gilded doors
in 1943. Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, this golden yellow sandstone monument
is a spectacular synthesis of Western technology and more than one Indian architectural style.
Taj has renovated the interiors, retaining the original grandeur whilst injecting 21st Century
standards of luxury and service. The palace features 64 regal rooms and suites, with the recently
renovated Maharani and Maharaja Suites offering private couple treatment suites. The Jiva Grande
Spa offers a cool retreat from the Marwar heat. Guests can stroll through the private museum,
dine within fifteen acres of candlelit palace grounds or put their skills to the test on the
marbled squash courts.
The 2009 Gallivanter’s Awards for Excellence were announced in the January 2010 issue,
which includes the 19th annual reader poll compiled from subscribers in 42 countries.
The Editor’s Choice comprises a list of personal hotel favourites, which Lyn and David
have visited in the last year.
The Gallivanter’s Guide (www.gallivantersguide.com) is a privately published subscription based
monthly newsletter with the aim of unearthing idyllic places for the dedicated traveller.
Editor Lyn Middlehurst personally reviews the best hotels and resorts in the world, ranging
from classic Grandes Dames to gourmet 10-room inns. The Gallivanter’s Guide was established in
1991 and now has 2000 subscribers in 42 countries worldwide.
Taj enters the new decade as the leading Asian hotel group having a secured a raft of awards & accolades in the past year:
- Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai; Nadesar Palace, Varanasi; Banjaar Tola, Kanha were cited as one of the 101 best hotels by the Tatler Travel Guide 2010.
- Rambagh Palace, Jaipur was voted the Best Hotel in the World in the Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Travel Awards 2009.
- Taj Hotels was voted the most popular overseas hotel group by the Guardian, Observer and Guardian.co.uk Readers Travel Awards 2009.
- Taj Hotels Resorts & Palace was voted the best business hotel chain in India in the Business Traveller Awards 2009.
About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces (www.tajhotels.com)
Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest group
of hotels, comprising 67 hotels in 45 locations across India with an additional 16 international
hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa, Middle East and South Africa. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to
authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality,
world-class service and modern luxury. The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has completed
the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai.
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business
house. |
