Breathtaking Punjabi Ancestral Accommodation Has Been Featured in Global List of Stunning Hotels
Ran Baas, the Palace Hotel of Patiala, Unveils a Blend of History and Luxury
Nestled in the heart of Patiala, Punjab, lies Ran Baas, a restored heritage palace that once served as a royal guesthouse within the historic Qila Mubarak complex. This architectural marvel, a testament to the region's rich past, is now a luxury boutique hotel, offering guests an immersive experience into Punjab's regal heritage.
A Symphony of Styles
Ran Baas is a confluence of regional styles, combining Mughal, Rajasthani, and Sikh aesthetics. The palace reflects a blend of Mughal, Rajput, and European architectural influences, with Indo-Saracenic domes, jharokhas (ornamental windows), high arches, courtyards, and intricate stone carvings. These elements highlight its historical importance as a symbol of royal luxury and Punjab’s regal past.
A Palace Reborn
After Indian independence, the palace was abandoned and fell into ruin. However, in 2012, the hotel underwent an extensive seven-year restoration led by Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels and conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah. The restoration preserved original architectural features and the authentic character of the fort, making Ran Baas the first luxury palace hotel in Punjab.
Cultural Immersion
Ran Baas encapsulates Punjab’s royal heritage, artisanal traditions, and culinary culture. The hotel incorporates local artistry such as paisley upholstered rooms referencing Jamawar weaving patronized by the Patiala kings and showcases contemporary Sikh art. Nearby markets continue the legacy with artisans producing traditional handicrafts like hand-embroidered juttis (shoes), phulkari stoles, and brassware, many run by descendants of those originally invited by the royal family.
Award-Winning Excellence
In 2025, Ran Baas was recognized internationally for its exceptional restoration and cultural heritage preservation by being named among the World’s Most Beautiful Hotels by the UNESCO-backed Prix Versailles awards. This acknowledgement recognises its seamless blend of heritage and modern luxury as well as its environmental and cultural sustainability.
A Leisurely Experience
The hotel’s ambience promotes a leisurely, immersive experience, emphasizing architectural appreciation and cultural engagement. This is complemented by its fine dining restaurant Neel, which offers a fusion of royal culinary traditions and contemporary cuisine inspired by the Patiala royal family’s legacy.
Exploring the Qila Mubarak
Visitors can also explore the Qila Mubarak, which spans over ten acres within the city. The fort complex is divided into two parts: the Qila Androon (inner fort) and the Ran Baas (guest palace). A notable chamber within the Qila Androon is the Sheesh Mahal, famed for its ornate mirrorwork and frescoes in the Patiala school of miniature painting.
The Qila Mubarak, built in the 18th century by Baba Ala Singh, the founder of the Patiala royal line, is one of the oldest forts in the region and was the seat of the Phulkian dynasty. Today, it stands as a symbol of Punjab’s rich history and cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the region’s regal past.
Accessing the Qila Mubarak
The Qila Mubarak is open to visitors from 10 am to 5 pm, with an entry fee of INR 50 per person. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the tariff for staying at Ran Baas starts at INR 25,000. Each room has been carefully created to preserve the spirit of its ancient past, providing guests with a unique and unforgettable stay.
In summary, Ran Baas serves as a significant historical monument, representing the royal lifestyle of Patiala’s past while preserving and promoting local culture and craftsmanship through adaptive reuse as a luxury heritage hotel.
Luxurious Home-and-Garden Experiences
Ran Baas's meticulously restored courtyards and gardens provide guests with a taste of regal home-and-garden living, showcasing traditional Punjab landscaping and artisanal initiatives.
Blending Lifestyle with Heritage
By staying at Ran Baas, guests can immerse themselves in the seamless blend of Punjab's regal legacy and contemporary luxury lifestyle, creating an unparalleled fusion of history and modernity.
