Soon, 5-star hotel to run from Patiala fort

Aman Sood
Tribune News Service
Patiala, November 6

Once considered the official fort of the Patiala royal dynasty and the only fort in the world to be completed by a Sikh ruler, the historic Qila Mubarak will now run a five-star hotel.

The state government has shortlisted ‘The Park Hotels’ which has been given the contract to upgrade and operate a part of the fort as a heritage hotel.

Qila Mubarak Founded in 1763

• Qila Mubarak was built by founder of Patiala dynasty Ala Singh in 1763. It was completed by his grandson and successor Maharaja Amar Singh
• It is spread over 10 acres. The complex features Qila Androon (inner fort) or main palace; Ran Baas, the guesthouse, and Darbar Hall

The Park Hotels chain is already managing some historic buildings, including the Denmark Tavern in Serampore in West Bengal. It will now manage the ‘Ran Baas’— the official guest house which is part of the Qila Mubarak, the 18th Century fort in Patiala.

Ran Baas was the guest house for Patiala Maharaja’s guests and is slated to be developed into a 28-room luxury boutique. “The palace will have all-day dining, bar, spa, and multiple indoor and outdoor banqueting spaces, etc,” they said.

Tourism Minister Charanjit Singh Channi said the hotel would start functioning soon and the entire project had been given to the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board which was finalising the details. “The hotel will help us increase footfall and attract more tourists in the state,” he said.