The Royal Prince Who Refashioned A Palace Into A Luxury Heritage Hotel

Fateh Prakash Palace, a testament to the Mewar Dynasty which was once home to the Maharanas of Mewar in Udaipur only has now opened doors to tourists! Yes, you read it right! The opulent Fatehpur Prakash Palace lets you revel in its royal glory and witness this royal heritage abode alongside the magnificent Lake Pichola. All thanks to Prince Lakshyaraj Singh who ensured the completion of the undertaking. 

The good news is that you can actually live here! Fateh Prakash Palace is a property of HRH Group of Hotels, with Prince Lakshyaraj Singh of Mewar currently taking charge as the Executive Director of HRH Group. 

Here's what you need to know about the palace and what the Prince Charming, Lakshyaraj has to share about it! 

A Symbol Of Antiquity

If you think it's like any other royal palace, you're certainly mistaken. Its awe-inspiring crystal gallery bearing some of the finest crystals of the world, the Royal Durbar Hall holding the dynasty weaponry and the larger-than-life chandeliers, exquisite paintings and porcelain will lure you into spending a day or two at the Palace. A stroll through the corridors is undoubtedly a walk down the history of the golden times flanked by bygone vestiges.

Tourists get to stay in the extravagant rooms and premium suites which were once reserved for the royalty only. The original decor remains painstakingly intact for the guests to reside here. 

Unfolding The Bygone Era

He added that the palace was built in the early 1900s and was particularly the private residence of only Maharana Fateh Singhji. 

A Historic Metamorphose - From Palace to Hotel

It was a much-awaited transformation which commenced in the 1980s since Lakshyaraj's father Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, the then Chairman and Managing Director of HRH Group of Hotels undertook the process of revolutionising and transforming the palace. 

It was 'work in progress' for them. “It never stops,” added Lakshyaraj. 

It's not just yet that the tourists are being allowed into the palace. In 2011, they had launched the lake facing Dovecote Premier Suites, housed with modern amenities to extend a luxurious lifestyle to their guests. 

An Updated Primrose Path 

On speaking about the developments made to the palace, Lakshyaraj said “The Satkar Banquet Hall has been an addition to the renowned Durbar Hall of Fateh Prakash Palace. The new Banquet Room has an independent entry and can accommodate many more guests for conferences and meetings.”   

The heritage has also refined itself for the elaborate of celebrations and ceremonies that have been taking place at the palace for over 20 years now. 

According to him, there are multiple challenges in the hospitality industry. It's all about keeping alive the heritage and spirit of the palace. "At the same time, we had to modernise the building, bring in the best in-house facilities and amenities. It is a fine balance. But we have learnt the ropes over these years,” he said.

Retainment of Its Righteous Self 

On talking about the USP of the palace, he said "Since these are palaces are where the royal families lived and entertained their guests for centuries, they have a distinctive character and guests here can experience the original feel of the place in the abode of kings. This is, in fact, our USP.” 

Bewitching Tourists With Just A Click

Replying to their services and experiences offered he said the tourists who are attracted to heritage sites are a class apart, looking out to explore the history and not just take city tours. 

“Hospitality is all about providing authentic experiences, and it starts from the moment they click on your website and plan their heritage-holiday with you,” he added. 

Furthermore, he shared, "we are often called the pioneers of heritage tourism. Since luxury travellers are searching for experiences, we provide the ‘living heritage’ of Mewar through the experiences in our palace-hotels, island-palaces and heritage venues across Rajasthan.”

Their slogan 'Experience the original in the abode of the kings' has been a strong strategy in reaching out to the tourists. 

A Culinary Plethora At The Enduring Palace

A gamut of cuisines at the palace gives tourists a variety of menus to choose from. Indian, Rajasthani, Mewari, Italian and continental delicacies are on the pick! 

“Our chefs ensure that every breakfast and meal is made special at the Paantya, The Sunset Terrace or at Palki Khana. Where else can you sit back and enjoy a wine while gazing across a timeless lake?” said Lakshyaraj. 

Prince Lakshyaraj's Personal Memoirs 

Reminiscing his memories, he said, “Growing up in palace was a dream and every festival and every season was special. My memories are full of the colours of gaiety and happiness.”
“Today, our private residence is the Shambhu Niwas Palace. I work from different places within the City Palace, though my Secretariat is located near the Tripolia.”

On Transforming Palaces Into Hotels 

On sharing his views about turning palaces into hotels, he said "we are preserving them for the present and the future. There is no other way; we can maintain such large properties, however deep the pockets may be. Moreover, we believe that, by opening our palace-hotels, the history of Mewar and Udaipur has become an intrinsic part of the lives of thousands of people. Nothing can be better than this.”

What Lies Ahead

“Our palace-hotels will grow; there is no doubt about that. I believe in ‘growing through life’ not just going through life! Yes, there is tremendous excitement about the future,” he said. 

According to him, the recipe for success in the hospitality industry lies in three principles - “Surpass guest expectations, travel to know the latest trends and think long-term to build long-lasting relationships.”

We're excited to grace Fateh Prakash Palace's hospitality and luxury, Are you? Tell us if you're eager to stay at Udaipur's Fateh Prakash Palace in the comments below!