Neemrana Fort Palace – A Treat Indeed
What was once a majestic ancient ruin, now positions splendid with many honours awards and content guests who have experienced this prize Neemrana “non-hotel” Hotel on the Delhi Jaipur highway.
By Akanksha Dean
My dreamy eyes open wide at the view of this beautiful fort, a short drive away from Gurugram (Gurgaon). Its pastoral limestone portico amalgamates with the lush green landscape, and the absolute magnificence of India’s former imperial epoch calls out to me, ‘Khamaghani’… Welcome to Neemrana Fort Palace. Restored from its ruins, this legacy property was rebuilt in 1986 and opened for the public in 1991 as the Flagship property of the Neemrana ‘non- hotel’ Hotels with just 15 rooms to live in and today there are 77 Rooms and suites.
LIVING IN HISTORY
In addition to the location, I almost only have great things to say about Neemrana Fort Palace. The service here is excellent. Check-in and check-out are efficient and sanitization friendly. As I settle in my ‘Kailash Mahal’, I immediately feel the design is extremely thoughtful and organic, yet urbane and a slight secretive, with a diverse theme of archways that lend an Art Deco feel.
Most rooms here are a history lover’s dream, with enormous windows and beds on elevated platforms that leave you exposed to the eye of the views. The restaurant overlooking the pool has the same feel, with art deco windows across this room. Historic elements like the grand gate in the front lobby are still there in the old parts. Neemrana Fort Place’s rolling hills, amphitheater, two swimming pools, and meadows are ignited with placid sunshine, the blossoms are fiercely bright, and the ground is still sweet-smelling from the previous rain. This is one of Delhi NCR’s preferred picturesque escapes.
OTHER PERKS?
When the clock strikes 5 pm, the whiff of freshly baked cookies and cake fills the Hawa Mahal. High tea comes complimentary with a stay at Neemrana. I spend many an hour on the chair by the window, penning my thoughts and reading a book over a cup of hot masala tea and chocolate chip cookies. Other perks? A decent room service menu, a well-equipped mini-bar; and a stunning bar lounge near the Hawa Mahal that is totally serviceable for a pre-dinner cocktail. After a five-month ‘stay at home’, I am happy to have chosen this getaway.
FAST FACTS
Neemrana Fort-Palace – 15th Century, Delhi-Jaipur Highway
Where? 122nd Milestone, Delhi-Jaipur Highway, Neemrana, Alwar, Rajasthan 301705
Tel: +91 1 49 4672 800
Email: reservations@neemranahotels.com
About the Author
With a background in Culinary Arts and the first Indian to have, staged at the best restaurant in the world aka 3 Michelin Star Osteria Francescana gives her an edge over any other food and travel writer. A young and hardworking young adult, she has been on various Travels in search of food and culture to various destinations across the world and in India. Akanksha Dean is also a keen photographer and aces in speaking Spanish.
