Orchard Palace

Stepping into Orchard Palace was like journeying back to a more elegant era. This heritage property, once a guesthouse for the Maharaja of Gondal's friends, has been converted into a hotel, but unfortunately not carefully preserved to maintain its historical charm. The impressive colonial architecture surrounded by lush gardens filled with fruit trees and peacocks roaming freely has so much potential to be one of the finest palace hotels in the country. But due to gross negligence is looking tired and feeling as if it has retired from its role as being a royal abode! With all that being said, the tranquility and old-world charm provide a welcome respite from the usual tourist hustle.||LOCATION: Located in Gondal, a small princely state in Gujarat, the palace sits in a quiet area away from the city's noise. It's perfectly positioned for exploring Gondal's historical sites including the Naulakha Palace, Royal Garages, and Riverside Palace. While Gondal itself is somewhat off the typical tourist trail, this seclusion is part of its appeal. ||DINE + DRINK: The dining experience at Orchard Palace is unique. Meals are served in an elegant dining room adorned with ancestral portraits and antique silverware. I enjoyed authentic Gujarati cuisine prepared using traditional recipes from the royal kitchen. The vegetarian thali was particularly memorable, featuring an array of local flavors and seasonal ingredients, many grown in the palace's own gardens. Breakfast included both continental options and local specialties. The attentive staff was happy to accommodate dietary preferences with advance notice.||ROOM: We stayed in Room #4, so this review is based on that; SIZE: Very Spacious Suite kind of room more than big enough for 2 adults and simple baggage; VIEW: No view per se, from the room. But you have a nice Veranda outside the room that you can use as a guest to chill out; AIR-CON: Perfectly functioning cooler(s) that helped in setting the perfect room temperature; BED: Old but comfortable bed that played the expected part of putting us to sleep; BATHROOM: Very dated and old-looking bathroom with a Stand-in shower and weak showerhead and lukewarm water!; TOILETRIES:||FACILITIES: No gym on-site, but they do have a Pool. The palace's vintage car collection is a nice recreational addition.||SERVICE: Friendly staff that cared for all our needs with a smile and made us feel at home and well taken care of. Special Shout-out to VIKRAM and JEETU the service staff who attended to all our needs and requests with a big smile!||HOW WIRED YOU WILL BE: Free Wi-Fi that works well all over the property, and the speed is good! Medium-sized Smart TV dishing out a wide variety of channels spanning sports, news, music, movies, and entertainment in multiple languages

We did not stay at Orchard Palace. But went to see the palaces and had lunch there. We had a wonderful experience at their restaurant. The staff was kind enough to accommodate us though we did not have a prior booking. All dishes were delicious and were informed how the food is prepared in the main palace kitchen under instructions from the Rajmata herself. Staff were very courteous and warm. |There is vintage car collection to see at Orchard palace and Naulakha palace has lots of other collections which can easily take 3 hrs to see. Palaces are closed between 1 to 3 pm for visitors.

A very odd place. Plus are the staff if you can find them and the excellent food. Negatives - very run down room furnished with charity shop furniture. Happy valley garden is nice if you like plaster flamingos. This is no palace. Not sure what the alternatives are in Gondal.

One of our best "hotels" ever - it`s a real palace and you can see and feel it. Enormous rooms, common rooms full with precious furniture and objects of art. A walk through the garden and to the car collection is absolutely necessary. The staff declares you everything - even the food for us foreigners!

Went to Gondal for 3 nights. The hotel was fantastic, the rooms are beautiful, "old school" but have the modern touch. WiFi was very fast and breakfast very tasty. Service was exceptional and allowed us to check in early. Parth was very helpful and caring.

A palace converted into a Resort, a wonderful experience.The management had taken great care while renovating the palace. They have combined ,modern facilities while retaining the palace ambiance as far as possible. Rooms are very spacious with a huge anteroom and toilet.Very good for families with kids.|Great ambiance with Peacocks moving all around. The collection of vintage cars is an added attraction. Please don't miss it. I have never seen such a collection under one roof.All the vehicles are in workable condition and very well maintained. Should be recommended for Geneses book of records .|Food served is excellent with special emphasis on local cuisine. The staff members are very friendly and well behaved.|Keep it up.

Excellent Stay, Good facility , Good people and set up but Food is issue if u are few people as they dont run daily kitchen. Food seems real struggle , may be due to less occupancy and tourist. Else great place , good vintage cars. Food is serious issue , even breakfast not good.

What a delightful place! Do not miss the exotic organic food from their own farm. The amazing vintage car collection, decor, lifestyle is a trip back in history. The train fitted in with the classy royal pleasures of yesteryears us not to be missed either. What with the peacoks around, just needed the rain clouds to see their full glory. |Just need the WiFi connectivity in the room and satellite TV. Dining room needs the coolness to enjoy the scrumptious food even more. |Excellent staff, professional and easy. Generous service. |Overall, a must visit.