Umaid Bhawan Palace is World's Best Hotel: TripAdvisor

Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is the world's best hotel, according to rankings published by travel site TripAdvisor.

Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, the golden-yellow sandstone monument was completed in 1943, and serves as the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family.

64 rooms and suites out of Umaid Bhawan Palace's 347 rooms, are managed by Taj Hotels, and are open to tourists. A normal room at the Umaid Bhawan Palace starts at an average of around Rs 50,000 per night for a couple, according to quotes from travel sites. The Palace also houses a museum.

The Umaid Bhawan Palace was designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester; it is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences.

It has a majestic 105-foot high cupola influenced by the Renaissance, while the towers draw inspiration from Rajput tradition. The lavish 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 only other Indian hotel in TripAdvisor's 25-best hotels list is the Orange County Resorts Kabini in Karnataka, which was ranked 13th best in the world.