For almost a hundred years, the Laxmi Vilas Palace has been a prime witness to and a participant in almost every eventful happening that took in the princely state of Bharatpur - Royal weddings, affairs of the court and the Royal duck shoots. It has played host to such dignitaries as the duke of Edinburgh, Shah of Iran, King of Nepal and Shah of Afghan. There was of course enough to entertain thos
e who entered the portals of the Palace. Feasts and festivities lasted for days, and the Palace kitchen ensured that the only gourmet cuisine arrived at the dining table. The same traditions of hospitality have been kept alive till the present day. In 1994, a decision was taken to convert the palace into a hotel. Though the Laxmi Vilas Palace is now a premier heritage hotel, it is first and foremost a Royal residence with the family of Raja Raghunath Singhji staying in the Palace . Even today the traditional Pujas and ceremonies, especially of Dusshera and Diwali, take place in the ceremonial rooms. While restoring and refurnishing the Laxmi Vilas Palace care was taken to preserve the " Royal" character and the spirit of the property. The furniture, furnishings, even the photographs and paintings on the walls reminded one of the gracious days of the Raj.
