PANAJI
Chorao-based Vincent Ramos who is the general manager at 'Umaid Bhawan Palace “ A Taj luxury hotel' at Jodhpur, steered the hotel to the TripAdvisor's “World’s Best Hotel “ 2016”, amidst millions of premium classified luxury hotels and resorts around the globe, according to a press release issued.
This is the first time in Indian history an Indian hotel has achieved this honour.
TripAdvisor Ranked “Umaid Bhawan Palace “ A Taj Luxury Hotel” as No.1 on its Travelers’ Choice list.
“This is a matter of pride for the country. Such benchmark has never been achieved by any other hotel in India,” remarked an ecstatic Vincent Ramos, the hotel's general manager, who along with his team has been credited for the prestigious honour.
Ramos has completed his education at Monte-de-Guirim and pursued further studies at IHM (Goa), besides completing his MBA.
Celebrating this proud moment, Ramos said, “We are extremely proud to have been recognized as the Best Hotel in the World by millions of TripAdvisor user reviews.”
“Rajasthan’s rich regal history is a completely unique experience for traveller’s world over and we are proud to work with the royal families, including those of His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh as custodians of these exceptional landmarks of our heritage.”
“My colleagues and I value each and every guest’s comments and endeavour to provide impeccable experiences with warmth and sincerity that the Taj is known for,” Ramos added.
The Palace was built, between 1928 and 1943, for Maharaja Umaid Singh, grandfather of the present Maharaja, who had benevolently commissioned a new palace in 1923 to replace Mehrangarh Fort as the symbol of a new Jodhpur and to give employment to the people of Marwar during the period's great droughts and famines.
After 15 years in construction, the 347-room palace was finally completed in 1943 and has served as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family since.
Designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester, the palace is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences. Its majestic 105-foot high cupola is influenced by the Renaissance, while the towers draw inspiration from Rajput tradition. The interiors with gilt furniture and elegant artwork follow the Art Deco style, complemented by the exotic murals of the self-exiled Polish artist Stefan Norblin.
The Palace has in its luxurious fold 64 rooms and suites and includes a private museum, marbled squash courts, a panelled recreation room. Guests can also enjoy a drive through the enchanting city of Jodhpur in a vintage car, accompanied by their royal butler.
