Rambagh Palace Wins Best Hotel in Conde Nast Traveller Reader’s Awards 2009

MUMBAI, India -

- Voted Top Hotel in the World’s Top 100, Across Travel and Industry Categories

- The Former Maharaja’s Residence Also Wins Best Overseas Leisure Hotel for Asia & Indian Sub-continent

Rambagh Palace, Jaipur has been voted the Best Hotel in the World by Conde Nast Traveller in the Readers Travel Awards for 2009 across travel and industry categories, in the World Top 100.

This former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur also tops the list of ‘Overseas Leisure Hotels for Asia and the Indian sub-continent’. Scoring an overall 95.62, Rambagh Palace has the ‘best ambience/decor’ (98.12) and ‘location’ (96.5) of all hotels in the category.

The 11th successful Conde Nast Traveller annual Reader’s Awards were announced on 2nd September and give the readers of the magazine the chance to voice their views on all things travel.

The well-travelled and urbane readers of Conde Nast Traveller are amongst the most demanding and discerning.

Over 40,000 entries were made this year with readers filling out questionnaires in April 2009, either in print or online. The replies were collated and analysed by an independent market-research company, Market Management. The 26 categories include hotels from each continent, tour operators, airlines, cities, countries, islands, spas and airports.

There were 7,000 hotel nominations and out of this Rambagh Palace is No.1, in the hotel nominations alone.

Rambagh Palace, or the jewel of Jaipur, represents the finest tradition of the Rajput hospitality with elegantly appointed rooms, airy verandahs, marble corridors and majestic gardens set in 47 acres of land. Constantly undergoing renovations to maintain its pristine condition, the interiors of the 79 rooms and suites feature opulent furniture sensitively restored with original textiles and hand painted motif adorning the walls.

The Royal Tented Jiva Grande Spa at Rambagh Palace opened in 2007. Located in the grounds of the palace, the spa comprises two double spa suite tents in the lavish Mughal leitmotif style to re-create the ancient Indian royal tradition of luxurious encampments.

Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces scored highly in other categories. Taj West End, Bangalore was voted eighth best hotel in the ‘Overseas Business Hotels’ category and Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives ranked eighteenth of all ‘Overseas Leisure Hotels for Middle East, Africa & the Indian Ocean Islands’. Situated within 20 acres of verdant landscaped gardens, encompassing the essence of the Garden City, Taj West End Bangalore is the corporate travellers’ haven with impeccable accommodation and exceptional service. With the idyllic beauty of the tranquil waters of the largest lagoon in the Maldives as a backdrop, the intimate Taj Exotica Resort & Spa offers the luxury of the Jiva Grand Spa, delightful dining and the romance of celebration.

For further information on Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces 00-800-4-588-1-825 or visit the website at www.tajhotels.com

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia’s largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 65 hotels in 45 locations across India with an additional 15 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East and South Africa. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India’s premier business house.

Media Contacts Nomi Kakoty / Mary-Clare Gribbon Sophie Black ZFL PRCo Ltd Tel: +44(0)20-7259-1100 sblack@prco.com

Source: Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Media Contacts: Nomi Kakoty / Mary-Clare Gribbon, Sophie Black, ZFL PRCo Ltd, Tel: +44(0)20-7259-1100, sblack at prco.com