Rs 6 lakh a night: Step into Punjab govt’s most royal heritage hotel
The hotel which has been leased out to the Park Group of Hotels for ₹35 lakh annually for 40 years, boasts room tariffs ranging from ₹48,000 to a staggering ₹6 lakh per night
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Ran Baas offers seven room categories, starting with the Junior Suite at ₹48,000 (excluding taxes) and peaking with the grand Presidential Suite at ₹6 lakh per night (Express Photo)In a glittering ceremony on Wednesday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann unveiled Punjab’s first heritage boutique hotel, Ran Baas-The Palace, in the heart of the historic Qila Mubarak in Patiala. Once a royal guesthouse, this opulent retreat now boasts the highest room tariffs in the region, ranging from ₹48,000 to a staggering ₹6 lakh per night.
The 35-suite property, restored under a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative, is the Punjab government’s ambitious bid to place the state on India’s destination wedding map. “This is no ordinary hotel. It’s a royal experience steeped in history and heritage,” said Rahul Garg, sales head for the Park Group of Hotels, which manages the property.
Ran Baas offers seven room categories, starting with the Junior Suite at ₹48,000 (excluding taxes) and peaking with the grand Presidential Suite at ₹6 lakh per night. Other options include the Heritage Suite at ₹2.5 lakh and the Luxury Suite at ₹1.8 lakh. “The tariffs reflect the extraordinary facilities, heritage value, and once-in-a-lifetime experience the property provides,” Garg added.
The hotel’s transformation wasn’t easy. Originally a guesthouse within the 10-acre Qila Mubarak complex, Ran Baas had fallen into disrepair. The Punjab government initiated restoration under conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah, ensuring the property retained its historic charm. “The guesthouse was in bad shape. We renovated it from top to bottom,” Garg said.
The project, leased to the Park Group for ₹35 lakh annually for 40 years, is the state government’s first stab at heritage tourism. The Qila Mubarak, built in 1763 by Baba Ala Singh, is a blend of Sikh, Rajput, and Mughal architecture. The complex includes the Darbar Hall, once a royal court, which houses artefacts like Guru Gobind Singh’s sword and Nadir Shah’s daggers, and the Sheesh Mahal, famed for its dazzling mirrorwork.
While the property exudes grandeur, its purpose is equally pragmatic. “Punjab has a huge market for lavish weddings,” said Manmohan Singh Kohli, president of the Chandigarh Hotelier and Restaurant Association. “With Sukh Vilas already a hit, Ran Baas adds a true heritage hotel to our offerings. I am confident it will become a sought-after wedding destination despite the high tariffs.”
The hotel’s heritage appeal and proximity to royal artefacts are key selling points, and it hopes to compete with luxury destinations like Jaipur’s Oberoi and Leela Palace hotels. Garg remarked, “We are one of the top five most expensive properties in India. Our guests aren’t just staying in a hotel; they’re stepping into history.”
Chief Minister Mann echoed this sentiment, calling the project a “boost for tourism” and promising visitors an unparalleled experience of Punjabi hospitality.
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