- The magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace opened its doors in 1942 as one of the world’s largest private residences. Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, it was originally built as a drought relief measure. Today the palace remains the principal home of His Highness the Maharaja of Jodhpur and his family. Guests can stay in one of 65 bedrooms and suites, which feature original Art Deco design and antiques. From the moment you arrive, you will be made to feel like royalty as you are welcomed in traditional Rathore style by the Royal Guards amidst a shower of rose petals to the sound of beating drums. Prices start from £660 per night in a Palace Room.
Facing the majestic Santa Maria della Salute and steps from Piazza San Marco and La Fenice Theatre, The Gritti Palace was transformed into its current Gothic shape by the Pisani family in 1475 and became the private residence of the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti, in 1525. Today, the luxury hotel on Venice's Grand Canal invites guests to experience its exquisite interior design, impressive canal views, exceptional art and elegance. From £396 per night.
- The regal Taj Lake Palace is located on an island in Lake Pichola and was originally built in 1743 before it was inaugurated in 1746 by his highness Maharana Jagat Singh II, 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar. Today the hotel has 66 rooms and 17 suites, all decorated to the highest royal standard. Its unique location means guests can enjoy sunset cruises aboard a 150-year-old Gangaur complete with candlelight, a heritage walk around the palace with a guide or a shopping trip to the lively city with a royal butler. Luxtripper offers holidays from £1,771 per person, including a seven-night stay, flights and transfers.
The only Ottoman imperial palace and hotel on the Bosphorus, Ciragan Palace Kempinski is unique in every sense. Built by Sultan Abdulaziz between 1863 and 1867 during a period when all Ottoman sultans built their own palaces rather than using those of their ancestors, it is the last example of this tradition. It features a lush garden with palm trees, one of the biggest suites in Europe and 24-hour private butler service, along with the "ultimate Ottoman dining experience" complete with timeless rituals in the Tugra Restaurant & Lounge. From 640 euros per room per night.
Set in the restored 19th century palace Valle Flor, the Pestana Palace Lisboa is a luxurious and elegant hotel listed as a Portuguese National Landmark. Built in 1904 for the Marquis of Valle Flor and his three daughters, there are still many portraits of the children in the Palace. A private park with subtropical plants and trees surround the grounds and affords guests with fantastic views over Lisbon. All 193 rooms and suites are carefully decorated with French-inspired details, while the private quarters of the Marquises have been turned into beautiful and spacious royal suite. From 150 euros per night.
From the first glimpse of the grand front entrance guarded by two marble lions, it is obvious that the Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St Petersburg is a remarkable building with a rich legacy. Known among city residents as the 'House with Lions,' the palace holds a fascinating history. Prince Alexey Lobanov-Rostovsky, a diplomat and noble figure close to Tsar Alexander I, gifted the palace to his wife Princess Cleopatra Lobanova-Rostovskaya in 1817. The palace's design is stately and classical, featuring white columns against imperial yellow walls. Today's guests can stay in one of 183 rooms with views of Saint Isaac’s Cathedral and Aleksandrovsky Garden, dine in two see-and-be-seen restaurants and relax in a glass-topped spa. From £182 per night.
Housed in a series of pavilions dating back over a century and providing guests with unparalleled access to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Aman at Summer Palace was once used by guests of the Summer Palace awaiting an audience with the Empress Dowager Cixi at the turn of the 20th century. Rooms and suites reflect traditional Chinese architecture and celebrate the courtyard style of the Summer Palace with a dignified ambience throughout. Its design embraces Imperial Chinese layouts, materials and fabrics, with a variety of dining options, an extensive spa and elegant spaces such as the Library, Cinema and Music Pavilion. From US$650 per night.
- Originally built in 1863 as a private residence of Prince Philipp of Wurttemberg before it was converted into Hotel Imperial in 1873, this celebrated palace hotel is situated in a prime location on Vienna's Ring Boulevard and offers excellent access to the city's cultural highlights. Featuring silk-clad walls and sparkling crystal chandeliers, Hotel Imperial has hosted emperors and kings, heads of state and pop stars alike. The heart of the hotel features a destination bar for locals and travellers to socialise, and the famed Café Imperial is renowned as the birthplace of the celebrated Viennese Kaffeehaus, which has inspired philosophers, musicians, maestros and tycoons. From £304 per night.
- Amazing Al Bustan Palace in the Sultanate of Oman was initially built to house the GCC Summit in 1985 before being used as a luxury residence to house dignitaries and foreign heads of state. Today, the entire top floor of the hotel is reserved for exclusive use of the guests of the Sultan and the high levels of service and comfort given to those rulers are also afforded to all of its guests. The famous lobby is 38 metres high and glimmers with gold, polished marble and a huge chandelier, and the bedrooms are furnished in Arabic style with a hint of art deco. Al Bustan Palace also boasts a stunning one-kilometre stretch of private unspoilt beach with one of the best views in the area. Rooms at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, cost from £320 per night.
Located in the heart of the 'Pink City' of Jaipur, SUJAN’s Rajmahal Palace is surrounded by verdant gardens and is one of the city's oldest and most treasured palaces. Owned by the royal family of Jaipur, it dates back to the 1720s when it was built for the Maharaja. The palace has been carefully restored using an exhilarating palette of pastels and bright hues while referencing the royal family’s crests and motifs through the wallpaper, fabric and soft furnishings. It retains the heritage of its past with the original marble staircase, elaborate chandeliers and treasured family possessions. Ampersand Travel offers a six-night holiday from £2,453 per person, including five nights at the hotel staying in a Palace Suite, flights and transfers.