Fodor's Expert Review Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

Set on 47 acres of lawns punctuated by arcaded patios with fountains, courtyards, long colonnades, and prancing peacocks, this wistfully romantic palace was one of the first in Jaipur to be converted into a heritage hotel (run by the Taj group) and is one of the most elegant properties in India. Simply the best address in town, it was once home to the last maharaja of Jaipur and his legendary and beautiful wife, Gayatri Devi, and preserves much of its history while providing up-to-the-minute comforts. You are nothing less than royalty yourself when you check into 19th-century Rambagh Palace, from the shower-of-petals welcome to the room butler (in some rooms) attending to every need. Standard rooms are spacious and largely contemporary, while opulent historical and royal suites have traditional furnishings and Shekhawati-style frescoes. Public spaces are packed with marble, domes, dainty arches, filigree work, and antiques. There's even a train parked in the corner of its grounds that has been converted into a fun restaurant, Steam.