THE Park Hotels, featuring 35 properties across India and a successful IPO in 2024, makes a significant expansion into the heritage hotel market. Further to the successful opening of The Denmark Tavern in Serampore, near Kolkata, comes the launch of two exquisite boutique hotels in the coming months, Ran Baas Patiala and The Lotus Palace Chettinad, under the visionary leadership of Priya Paul—hailed as ‘India’s hotel revolutionary’ by the Financial Times. These hotels, both passion projects for Paul, imbued with her creative flair, will enhance the group’s acclaimed collection, renowned as pioneers of design-led hospitality on the subcontinent.
RAN BAAS PATIALA – LAUNCHING JANUARY 2025
Former Maharaja’s Palace Transformed into Luxury Hotel, Set to Redefine Hospitality in Punjab
Ran Baas, or the queen’s palace, forms part of the royal fort of Patiala, Qila Mubarak, undoubtedly the most spectacular of all the fort-palace complexes in Punjab. The property will re-emerge under THE Park Hotels as the state’s first luxury palace hotel, following a meticulous phased restoration for over a decade. The palace hotel celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Punjab, both contemporary and historical, through art, design, music, craft and fashion. The 35-suite hotel within this historic palace blends old and new, merging late Mughal, Rajput, Sikh, and Colonial styles, while preserving the architectural integrity of Punjab’s rich heritage. The design, rooted in THE Park Hotels’ signature approach, reflects the lost grandeur of the region’s aesthetics. Interiors feature custom wallpapers, furnishings, and carpets inspired by the palace’s original motifs, while lighting evokes the elegance of the original exquisite chandeliers through crystal fixtures and bespoke installations.
The palatial past reimagined for today
THE Park Hotels appointed Abha Narain Lambah, the highly acclaimed conservation architect known for her work in the restoration and preservation of historic buildings, to lead the project. The themes of the suites, Pearl, Sapphire, Topaz, and Coral, reflect the royal family’s passion for jewels, and their famed collection. The Pearl Suites are all-white, representing the Mughal idea of the seven shades of white. The Sapphire Suites showcase the palace’s signature shade of blue, seen painted in motifs on the walls across the property. Meanwhile The Topaz Suites reflect the rich colours of Punjab – the mustard fields, fertile green lands, and Jamawar shawls – elegantly immortalised in these rooms. Lastly, The Coral Suites contain plush velvet and custom-made made wallpaper with motifs replicated from the palace’s artwork. There is mirrored furniture present too, a nod to the “sheesh mahals”, or mirrored halls, created in opulent palaces.
Abundant Facilities
Custom-made De Gournay hand-painted wallpapers line the grand staircase highlighted with Klove Punjabi jhumka-inspired chandeliers. This leads to Neel, the richly decorated main restaurant with an equestrian theme, celebrating the past Maharajas’ love of horses. It is housed in the former durbar hall, or space for entertainment, where musicians played and opulent parties were held. Highlights of the menu include royal Punjabi dishes with fresh produce from local farms. The huge courtyards, designed in the Charbagh tradition, contain magnificent features, such as a pool, historic fountains, and lush gardens. There is a second entertainment space that leads onto the bar, called The Patiala. This is an ode to the famous Patiala Peg, a large serving of whiskey associated with the generous hospitality of the Patiala royals, especially the heady days during the reign of Maharaja Bhupender Singh at the turn of the 20th Century. Known to be one of the most flamboyant Indian rulers during the Belle Epoque era, he made the largest ever single order to Cartier for diamond jewellery and owned a fleet of 44 Rolls-Royce cars. The Lassi Khana, former kitchens, house AURA, the stunning spa, gym and pool. Jalau Khana was the exhibition space for the state and will be used for banquets, exhibitions, conferences and seminars. There is also a children’s play area, another recreational area and a library.
Destination Patiala
Patiala, a dazzling jewel of Punjab, invites international travellers to immerse themselves in a captivating blend of history, culture, and luxury, away from the crowds that often gravitate towards more well-known tourist areas. Providing an easy extension or alternative to the well-trodden Golden Triangle route, culturally rich Patiala is well connected being approximately a one-hour flight from Delhi or Jaipur, followed by a one-hour transfer from Chandigarh Airport, the city that is home of Le Corbusier. Furthermore, there are very strong cultural ties with the UK, with there being more UK residents originally from Punjab than any other state in India.
Begin the journey at the majestic Qila Mubarak, where the grandeur of the architecture unfolds stories of royal lineage and opulence. Wander through the enchanting Baradari Gardens, a stunning fusion of Persian design and royal grandeur. Visit the exquisite Moti Bagh Palace, a treasure trove of art and regal artifacts that epitomises the splendour of Indian heritage. Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib with its breath-taking Golden Temple is a site to behold and Sheesh Mahal, or Palace of Mirrors is a masterpiece in opulence and artistry. For nature lovers, Bir Moti Bagh Wildlife Sanctuary sprawls for 1,600 acres around the outskirts of the city. Punjabi cuisine is some of India’s most celebrated gastronomy, known for its rich flavours and bold spices. For shopping, vibrant boutiques await, offering handcrafted textiles and unique jewellery that reflect the region’s artistry, from handstitched phulkari’s – silk-embroidered cloth – a must-have for brides, to jutties – richly embroidered hand-made slippers.
Rates at Ran Baas start from 40,000 INR (approximately £370) per room per night.
THE LOTUS PALACE CHETTINAD – LAUNCHING NOVEMBER 2024
Historic Chettiar Mansion transformed into a maximalist boutique hotel, celebrating vibrant arts and craft heritage
THE Park Hotels has expertly restored the 18th-century The Lotus Palace in Kanadukathan, Tamil Nadu, transforming it into a vibrant boutique hotel. Built in the 1790s and once home to a prominent Chettiar family, the palace blends Tamil, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Neo-classical styles, reflecting the family’s global travels.
With 15 rooms and suites, the hotel celebrates the region’s bold colours, reminiscent of the Thanjavur area, which is home to some of the world’s most colourful temples, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Set to redefine luxury travel in South India, The Lotus Palace offers an unforgettable experience, seamlessly complementing itineraries that include Chennai, Pondicherry, Goa, and Kerala.
The Chettiars – Pioneers of Maximalism
THE Park Hotels enlisted architect Kaushik Mukherjee to capture authentic Chettinad living, seamlessly blending modern luxury with traditional elements. The Chettiars—pioneers in salt, spice, and gem trading, and early innovators in Indian banking—infused their homes with a bold mix of Indian and European styles, creating an eclectic aesthetic long before maximalism became fashionable.
The meticulous restoration, led by local artisans and master painters, revives the palace’s original grandeur with indigenous techniques and locally sourced materials, complemented by an art collection curated by Priya Paul. Striking black-and-white photos by Saibal Das celebrate the region’s rich architecture and culture. The Lotus Palace’s ornate façade is exuberantly decorated with multi-coloured gods, goddesses, soldiers and everyday scenes. The serene courtyards and a new Sahasradala Padma – 1000 petal lotus used in India as a visual representation of the Crown Chakra – evoke tranquility.
There are five suites designed for luxury living, including the 1,123 square foot Lotus Suite, with its rich terracotta, black, and green hues, offering a luxurious retreat, complete with a private outdoor sit-out and deep bathtub.
Opulent Facilities
The main restaurant, 86 Pillars, serves authentic Chettinad and regional cuisine, named after the 86 pillars of the Lotus Palace. Designed to evoke a lush tropical forest, the space features stained-glass panels inspired by Raja Ravi Varma, depicting scenes from the Ramayan—a nod to the palace’s historical significance in Ramayan recitals.
1795, the bar named for the year the palace was built, offers a serene setting with soft grey tones, rattan furniture, and lotus motifs, blending modern elegance with tradition. The menu reflects the Chettiars’ global travels, while a DJ brings a contemporary vibe. It transitions seamlessly into Aqua, the alfresco poolside lounge, perfect for relaxation with its blue pool and inviting seating.
The Red Room, bathed in red Burmese lacquer, offers an exclusive high tea experience and a selection of books and games. This leads to The Library, a gallery housing diverse reading material, while the Sunset Terrace provides sweeping views of the village roofscapes.
Destination Chettinad
Travellers are taken on an immersive journey when visiting the enchanting village of Kanadukathan and the Chettinad region. Famous for vibrant culinary traditions, it reflects the region’s history as a trading hub, with diverse cultural influences, including Portuguese and Middle Eastern. The area’s unique blend of Tamil traditions and ancient trade routes create a rich cultural tapestry. Start with an exclusive guided tour of the opulent Chettiar mansions, marvelling at their intricate and unique architecture. Highlights include Chettinad Palace, Athangudi Palace and Tile Factory, as well as Thirumayan Fort, for breathtaking views of the area. Enhance your visit with bespoke shopping excursions for exquisite textiles and handcrafted artifacts, or engage with local artisans in workshops, gaining insight into their exceptional craftsmanship. Highlights include Sri Mahalaskmi Handloom Weaving Centre and Karaikudi Antique Market.
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