In a moment of pride for Indian hospitality and heritage, Ran Baas, a hotel situated in Patiala, Punjab, was named one of the World’s Most Beautiful Hotels of 2025 by the prestigious Prix Versailles awards. Selected as part of the UNESCO-recognised global architecture awards, the hotel stands out for its seamless blend of royal architecture and understated luxury. Nestled within the historic Qila Mubarak complex, this restored palace has redefined what it means to experience heritage through hospitality.
While originally built to accommodate royal guests, Ran Baas was once a part of Patiala’s sprawling Qila Mubarak complex and served as a private guesthouse for the royal family for a long time. After years of restoration, it has been transformed into a boutique heritage hotel by The Park Hotels, offering a rare window into Punjab’s regal past while maintaining the comforts of contemporary hospitality.
Set against the historic backdrop of Indo-Saracenic domes and delicate jharokhas, the hotel reflects a distinct mix of Mughal and Rajasthani influences, marked by high arches, courtyards, and intricate stone carvings. Its recent revival has preserved these original architectural elements while integrating modern amenities with respect and restraint.
Ran Baas is purposefully intimate, with only a few rooms and suites. From lattice windows and mosaic floors to canopied beds and antique furnishings, every room has been carefully created to preserve the spirit of its ancient past. The ambience of the hotel promotes a more leisurely, immersive vacation that places an emphasis on appreciating architecture and engaging with culture.
Additionally, Ran Baas offers its guests carefully chosen culinary experiences that mirror the tastes of Punjab's royal kitchens. The dining meals, served in regal settings, feature both modern Indian cuisine and traditional Patiala foods. Modern conveniences like Wi-Fi and air conditioning are accessible, but they are tastefully incorporated to preserve the building's original charm.
Address: Quila Androon, Adalat Bazar, Patiala, Punjab 147001
Tariff: Starts at INR 25,000
Qila Mubarak stands at the centre of Patiala’s cultural identity as one of the oldest forts in Punjab and the former seat of the Phulkian dynasty. Built in the 18th century by Baba Ala Singh, the founder of the Patiala royal line, the fort complex is an expansive architectural wonder, spanning over ten acres in the heart of the city.
The Qila is divided into two parts: the Qila Androon (inner fort) and the Ran Baas (guest palace), each marked by richly adorned gateways, balconies, and grand halls. The Qila Androon includes a series of elaborately decorated chambers, such as the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Hall), famed for its ornate mirrorwork and frescoes in the Patiala school of miniature painting.
Architecturally, Qila Mubarak is a confluence of regional styles—combining Mughal, Rajasthani, and Sikh aesthetics—and was historically a thriving centre for art, governance, and music. Notably, the fort played a central role during the zenith of the Patiala court’s cultural patronage, when music, poetry, and visual arts flourished under royal protection.
Despite suffering years of neglect, restoration efforts, especially those tied to the Panorama Punjab festival and support from cultural bodies, have sparked renewed interest in Qila Mubarak’s revival. Its inclusion in films and documentaries has also reintroduced the site to newer generations of travellers and cultural enthusiasts.
The presence of Ran Baas within the fort complex has amplified efforts to preserve and celebrate the Qila’s heritage. Guests staying at the hotel are steps away from immersive historical experiences—from walking tours of the fort’s courtyards to close-up views of centuries-old murals and royal armoury collections.
Address: Qila Chowk, Adalat Bazar, Patiala, Punjab 147001
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Entry fee: INR 50 per person
In an age dominated by luxury travel and authenticity added to cultural depth, Ran Baas in Patiala comes with an unmatched experience. Its recognition by Prix Versailles 2025 not only puts this quiet corner of Punjab on the global map but also reaffirms the importance of conservation and preserving living heritage. Nestled within Qila Mubarak’s brooding, sandstone embrace, Ran Baas has come out as more than just a hotel; it has turned into a revived memory, a restored story, and a rare invitation to catch a glimpse of the grandeur of India’s royal past.
