TAJ HOTELS' UMAID BHAWAN PALACE NAMED HOTEL OF THE YEAR

IN THE 2009 GALLIVANTER'S GUIDE EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD

Jodhpur, India (January 19, 2010) - Taj Hotels' Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur has been awarded the Editor's Choice - Hotel of The Year 2009 Gallivanter's Award for Excellence in the 19th annual awards issue.

Editor and publisher Lyn Middlehurst and managing director David Maslin described the palace as having the "wow factor in spades." The unique Indo-Saracenic architecture and setting, luxurious accommodation, excellent service, culinary offerings and chemical free spa option at Jiva Grande were cited as the key criteria for winning the award.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur continues to be the "Jewel In The Crown" of the Taj group portfolio. One of the world's largest private residences, this golden-hued monument opened its gilded doors in 1943. Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, this golden yellow sandstone monument is a spectacular synthesis of Western technology and several Indian architectural styles.

Taj has renovated the interiors, retaining the original grandeur while injecting 21st century standards of luxury and service. The palace features 64 regal rooms and suites, with the recently renovated Maharani and Maharaja Suites offering private couple spa treatment suites.

The Jiva Grande Spa at Umaid Bhawan Palace offers a cool retreat from the Marwar heat and was voted one of the top ten spas in the Best For Luxury category in the Spa Finder Readers' Choice Awards 2009.

Guests can stroll through the private museum, dine within fifteen acres of candlelit palace grounds or put their skills to the test on the marbled squash courts.

The 2009 Gallivanter's Awards for Excellence were announced in the January 2010 issue, which includes an annual reader poll compiled from subscribers in 42 countries. The Editor's Choice comprises a list of personal hotel favorites, which Lyn and David have visited in the last year.

The Gallivanter's Guide (www.gallivantersguide.com) is a privately published subscription based monthly newsletter with the aim of unearthing idyllic places for the dedicated traveler. Editor Lyn Middlehurst personally reviews the best hotels and resorts in the world, ranging from classic Grandes Dames to gourmet 10-room inns. The Gallivanter's Guide was established in 1991 and now has 2000 subscribers in 42 countries worldwide.

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For more information on Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces:
1-866-969-1825 or www.tajhotels.com

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces
Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest groups of hotels, comprising 66 hotels in 45 locations across India with an additional 15 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East and South Africa. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Rajput palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house.