Ever heard of suites that come with private museums? And a restaurant that has a unique crockery museum that stocks tableware used by Rajas in 17th and 18th century? All that and more await discerning guests at Raj Palace, a heritage hotel in Jaipur. The palace, one of the oldest in Jaipur, was built by Thakur Mohan Singh, ruler of Chaumoo in 1727. It was turned into a luxury heritage hotel in 1995. It has won many a hospitality award since then. The architecture is a unique blend of Mughal and European trends and exudes grandeur. Pamper yourself thoroughly with an Ayurvedic massage at the spa if complete relaxation is your mantra. If the history bug has bitten you, don the traveller’s cap and explore the heritage sites in the Pink City. The room rates per night range from Rs 10,999 for standard rooms to Rs 4,99,999 for the Presidential Suite. If you’re looking at the middle ground, then go for Heritage rooms at Rs14,999 or historical suites at Rs 29,999 at the lower end. You could also try the Durbar Suite for Rs 99,999. Remember these are promotional rates and are valid till September 30. The rates do not include luxury taxes and VAT. For details, contact: 91-141-2634077 / 91-141-2634078 or email : rajpalace@sancharnet.in, gkvhotel@sancharnet.in.

Holiday hotspot

Arjun Khanna,
Fashion designer

I consider Paris as the ideal destination to go to for a holiday. Forget about its rich history, I find Paris to be truly romantic. The street-side cafés and restaurants are great hangouts. I have been there a number of times both for work and for holiday but every time I visit, there’s something interesting to discover. Whenever I go there, I not only try visiting the museums but also small boutiques and shops to search for some exotic textiles. Paris is great for menswear and accessories. And if not Paris, I try going to Thailand because I am a sucker for Thai food. For the past few years, I have done all my textile shopping from Thailand.

Westwards hon

Are you determined to be out of town during Durga Puja? Are you heading to London and would you like to stay a day or two extra? There is a great offer from MS Travels and Tours, aimed at Indian travellers to London. You get hefty discounts on room rates in five star hotels if you avail of this offer, valid till October 30, 2008 and special deals for Sundays too. Check into The Westbury Hotel, Mayfair, on the famed Bond Street and get 50 per cent discount on the Sunday rent. The discounted room rates start at 85 pounds per person per night and you get a complimentary bottle of wine and a box of sweets on arrival, to say nothing of shopping discounts on the Bond Street stores. If Hyatt Regency at the West End is where you’d rather be, then try and check in on a Friday and get to stay Sunday absolutely free. The room rates here after discount are about 107 pounds per person per night on twin sharing basis.You also get a bottle of wine, a box of sweets and VIP discount booklet on arrival. Now, that’s called a deal sweetener. For details, call MS Tours and Travels at 011 41431345/46 or email: reservations@mstravels.com.