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I want to travel the world. I want to live like royalty. But I’m also borderline broke at any given time in the month.
Many of us dream of sipping on exotic tea while sitting on a porch overlooking perfectly manicured lawns or waking up in a four-post bed to breathtaking vistas. However, we also live on tight budgets — budgets that do not allow us to actually experience the extravagances we dream of while scrolling through carefully curated Pinterest boards, ogling at photographs of mansions and palaces, of interiors that are as aesthetically pleasing as it gets. But just because something looks expensive, doesn’t always mean that it has to be (although, that mostly is the case).
Contrary to what most of us assume, it is possible for two parallel worlds to exist — a world where a lavish lifestyle seamlessly merges with the harsh reality of our financial constraints. In fact, you can travel far and wide to fulfil your desires to be treated like kings and queens. Or wake up to a luxurious breakfast buffet without having to mull over the exorbitant prices printed on the menu card.
Keeping this in mind, we have curated a list of select heritage hotels where you can vacation without a care in the world and still be able to afford your monthly rent and groceries. You don’t always need big bucks to immerse yourselves in rich histories of these properties. And boy, if walls could talk, the stories these places would tell!
Location: Jawaharlal Nehru street
A pale yellow facade with powder blue doors, Hotel Du Parc’s quaint colour scheme is sure to put you in a good mood even before you move past the exteriors. Located in Puducherry’s French Quarter, this heritage property is a steal, especially because of its central location.
The Hotel Du Parc heritage villa was built in the early 17th century and has served as a residence for multiple French governors in the past. The Quarter’s colonial sensibilities have been preserved and are reflected through the villa’s infrastructure. The property is not only minutes away from the beach, but also walking distance from many tourist hotspots like Bharathi Park, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the museum, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, and the promenade. Guests who have previously visited the property rave about the hotel staff’s hospitality. Also, the villa’s limited number of rooms (10 rooms in all) make for a stay that is cosy and private.
Cost for one night: Starting from INR 3,500 + taxes (inclusive of breakfast).
Location: Fontainhas
Goa’s first heritage hotel, Panjim Inn is a 130-year-old property that was one of the first Portuguese mansions built in Fontainhas. Fontainhas is Goa’s Latin Quarter located in the capital city of Panaji. In 1984, UNESCO recognised Fontainhas as a world heritage site.
Panjim Inn’s restaurant, The Verandah is popular among tourists and locals alike. The restaurant is known for its authentic Goan cuisine with classics such as pork vindaloo and prawn curry as the most popular orders for guests. The brick red mansion houses 24 rooms. Each room’s decor is in sync with the hotel’s understated antique aesthetic.
A bonus for all art enthusiasts is the hotel’s in-house art gallery called Gallery Geetanjali, which displays works from all over the globe including those made by local artists from Goa.
Cost for one night: Starting from INR 3,500 + taxes (inclusive of breakfast).
Location: Ratanada
Built in 1920 by Maharaja Ratan Singh Ji of Raoti, a part of Ratan Vilas still acts as the Maharaja’s family residence. The family portraits that line the walls of the drawing room, the Rajasthani delicacies prepared with extreme precision, and the salmon painted exterior all act as windows into Rajasthan’s regal past. While dining under the shade of a nearby looming neem tree or taking a dip in the pool, Ratan Vilas’ hospitality will not disappoint.
This heritage property located in Jodhpur, home to the Mehrangarh Fort, is ideal for experiencing all things opulent while sticking to your budget.
Cost for one night: April to September (Summer rates) start from INR 4,200 + taxes (inclusive of breakfast). October to March (Winter rates) start from INR 5,000 + taxes (inclusive of breakfast).
IV. Fort Jadhavgadh Hotel and Resort, Pune, Maharashtra
Location: Jadhavwadi
An ideal weekend getaway for those living in Pune and Mumbai, this heritage hotel allows you to take a break from the hubbub of the city and experience the grand lifestyle of a Maratha. This massive property stretches over 25 acres and helps you choose from 58 rooms that are divided between suites, deluxe rooms, royal tents and neem cottages.
Your decision making will not stop at the selection of the numerous rooms because you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to food as well. The hotel has three restaurants — Chhajja, Payatha and Aangan — and a poolside bar called Kund.
The Aai Museum, Fort Jadhavgadh’s one-of-its-kind in-house museum, is just one of the multiple activities the hotel offers to ensure that you have an authentic regal experience.
Cost for one night: Starting from 7,000 + taxes (including breakfast).
Location: Delhi-Jaipur Highway
This 553-year-old fort-palace is built on the Aravalli hills. Along with experiencing sunsets like never before, the hotel’s management takes special efforts to maintain and restore its authentic architecture and interiors. Interestingly, Neemrana Fort is home to India’s first zip line, a popular attraction for hordes of tourists. Offering a range of 74 rooms and suites, this 15th-century property is great for a weekend away, especially for those living in Rajasthan and New Delhi.
Cost for one night: Starting from 7,400 + taxes (including breakfast).
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